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/

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 aren't already subscribed, do subscribe to the channel for our latest episodes. Cheers!

#podcast #emigurerra #djirie #hospitalitybusiness #hospitalitypodcast