DJ Khaled: We're not here to ask if a song is a smash

DJ Khaled has revealed how he had wanted to record his current hit, Wild Thoughts, with Rihanna for years.

He also said he knew the track, a reworking of Maria Maria by Carlos Santana, would be a huge hit long before it was released.

"The goal was to make a hit but this one I came up with instantly," the US producer and social media star told Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1.

"I knew flipping that was something I wanted to do for years but I wanted to do it the right way, meaning i'd have to get Rihanna on it.

"That was the idea and I executed the idea with PartyNextDoor, he put some vibes to it. I got in the studio, presented it to Bryson Tiller and Rihanna and the magic happened.

"It ended up being instant. When I heard it, I knew it was a hit, no doubt about it."

And DJ Khaled had some special words of praise for Rihanna and her work on the track.

"She's so beautiful and incredible," he says.

"Her energy is amazing, she's a beautiful girl with a beautiful spirit."

The video for Wild Thoughts premiered on the same day as the song and was watched more than 57 million times in its first week online.

Releasing both at the same time was all part of the plan and due to Khaled's confidence in the track.

"We premiered the video and the record the same day and I love to do that when you have a hit," Khaled added.

"We're not here to ask if it's a smash. We know it, it's a certain feeling and it's exciting y'all feel the same way."

Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled, Rihanna and Bryson Tiller is currently on the Radio 1 playlist