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