He lost his scholarship, hid it from his parents, and risked it all — DJ Irie shares the untold story of how a Jamaican kid with a vinyl addiction became one of the most influential figures in entertainment.

DJ Irie is a world-renowned DJ, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first official NBA DJ for the Miami Heat. But behind the spotlight was a path filled with hidden setbacks and defining moments.

He discusses:

• How losing a scholarship changed his life.
• Why he turned down the Miami Heat's first offer.
• The truth behind deejaying in secret while still in school.
• The mentors and celebrities who shaped his rise (Shaq, Jamie Foxx, Alonzo Mourning).
• 2014 World Cup Final performance in Brazil.
• How Irie Weekend became a defining moment in sports culture.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro 2:45 Discovering Vinyl & Skipping Lunch for Records 7:12 The High School Crush That Changed Everything 10:54 Lying to His Parents & Losing His Scholarship 16:20 How DJing Paid His Tuition 20:40 Becoming FIU’s VP & Student DJ Legend 24:11 First Break: Radio Station to On-Air DJ 29:30 Miami Club Scene & Mansion Residency 35:44 The Call from Miami Heat 38:55 Turning Down the Heat (At First) 41:20 Becoming the First NBA DJ 47:01 3 Championship Rings & Heat Culture 50:55 Building “Irie Weekend” & A Perfect Storm 56:40 Celebrity Support: Shaq, Jamie, Alonzo 1:02:15 From Club DJ to Brand Empire

Connect with me on my instagram:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiguerra99/ Connect with DJ Irie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irie/?hl=en

Listen to my podcasts on: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/industry-talks-hospitality-podcast/id1790526837

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Qqf1YkCmKKL0nEH9J5rAv

Check out my hospitality businesses on Instagram:

Breakwater Hospitality Group: https://www.instagram.com/breakwaterhg/

The Wharf Miami: https://www.instagram.com/wharfmiami/

The Wharf Fort Lauderdale: https://www.instagram.com/wharfftl/

PIER 5: https://www.instagram.com/pier5bayside/

JohnMartin’s: https://www.instagram.com/johnmartinsmiami/

Carousel Club: https://www.instagram.com/carouselclb/

Regatta Grove: https://www.instagram.com/regattagrove/

Riverside Wharf: https://www.instagram.com/riversidewharf/

Thank you for your support. If you arent already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!

#podcast #emigurerra #djirie #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalitypodcast