In the inaugural episode of the Self Made Tastes Better series in 2022, four leading figures in hip-hop engaged in a groundbreaking discussion. Wiz Khalifa, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, and DJ Khaled convened at the roundtable to share their journeys to fame in the industry.

During their extensive conversation, the artists reflected on their challenges and the valuable lessons learned along the way. They recounted specific experiences that shaped their current creative perspectives. A common thread among them is their desire to educate the next generation about the opportunities available and the pitfalls to avoid.

DJ Khaled reminisced about the transition from vinyl records and cassette tapes over his nearly thirty-year career, noting how hip-hop has birthed numerous artists. The dialogue revealed a long-standing bond between Ross and Khaled, marked by mutual admiration. Ross remarked, “You’re authentic,” praising Khaled’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Earning the trust of someone like Weezy or Wiz is no small feat—imagine the cost of making that call and producing a record today!

Lil Wayne reflected on his early days with the Hot Boy$ by saying, “I was too young to grasp the potential scale of it.” At just twelve and eleven years old, his vision was limited to his city, and the world felt insignificant to him. Wiz, the youngest of the group, acknowledged the influence of the other artists, stating, “I’m a product of all y’all.” He noted that it was during Ross’s mixtape era that he realized how impactful Rick Ross was, saying, “That inspired me to think, ‘This is what I want to do.’”