Q&A: DJ Irie Continues to Bring The Miami Heat Through Music
Source: NBA.com
Miami, FL – May 14, 2020 – You may have seen Miami’s own, DJ Irie, bring the heat to American Airlines Arena as the official DJ of the 3-time NBA World Champions, Miami Heat. What you may not know is DJ Irie’s story, how the got to where he is today.
Irie’s larger-than-life personality and career driven business approach is what landed him at the hottest celebrity events and clients around the world. The celebrity DJ and entrepreneur has been widely recognized as an international sensation, spinning with celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, performing at music award shows, the Super Bowl – we can go on for days. DJ Irie is recognized not only for his musical talents, but he continues to be a major supporter of local charities, national non-profit organizations, and even has his very own Irie Foundation, which improves and creates a positive impact on the lives of South Florida’s at-risk youth.
WRE is taking a look back at some of our favorite moments throughout the years with DJ Irie as we uncover his story in our latest Q&A.
By Marissa Scarpulla
WRE: How did you build an empire based on the love of music?
DJ Irie: I wish I could say this was all part of some big master plan but that’s not the case. Things really kind of pieced together organically step by step once I started to understand that my love of music was creating a wide reaching platform for me. Then it was all about unleashing the value of that platform.
WRE: How did your partnership with the Miami Heat come about?
DJ Irie: Back in 1999 when the HEAT was moving from the old Miami Arena to the brand new AmericanAirlines Arena the marketing team had a number of ideas to elevate the in-game experience and having an official team DJ was one of them. They ended up getting in touch and interviewing me for the position but I didn’t think I was the right guy for it. I was finally convinced to give it a shot and 3 championship rings later the rest is history.
DJ Irie & Micky Arison at NBA Champions Miami Heat at LIV
The Miami Heat ended up getting in touch and interviewing me for the position but I didn’t think I was the right guy for it. I was finally convinced to give it a shot and 3 championship rings later the rest is history.
DJ Irie
DJ Irie & Rick Ross at Heat vs Bulls Game 2– Hyde AA Arena
WRE: How do you use your music to bring energy into the AmericanAirlines Arena?
DJ Irie: Music and live sports to hand in hand so pre-game I use my music to get the players fired up to take the court and in-game my music is directed at getting the fans fired up and energized! The players feed off the energy of the fans so when the fans are fired up we see that energy translate on the court as well.
WRE: Do you have a stand out moment or memory working with the Miami Heat?
DJ Irie: I have so many incredible memories but nothing as sweet as experiencing my first NBA Championship in 2006. I wasn’t expecting to get a ring as well and when I got the call to come over and get fitted for my championship ring I went through the roof!
DJ Irie at Heat vs Bulls Game 2– Hyde AA Arena
WRE: What’s your favorite part about your job?
DJ Irie: Giving people an escape! I can’t tell you how many times people have pulled me aside and told me how much they appreciate what I do because for those few hours they’re able to forget about all their problems and escape to a place of euphoria and bliss.
WRE: Throughout the years, WRE has been fortunate to capture moments from your foundation, The Irie Foundation. Tell us more about your foundation?
DJ Irie: The essence of the Irie Foundation in our effort to provide South Florida’s under-served youth with opportunities they may not otherwise have available to them. It’s all about leveling the playing field and making the tools available to unleash their full potential.
Terrance J & DJ Irie at DJ Irie’s Birthday at LIV
My favorite part about my job is giving people an escape through music… for a few hours they’re able to forget about all their problems and escape to a place of euphoria and bliss.
DJ Irie
DJ Irie & T-Pain at Give From the Heart #InspIRIE Gala at Faena Forum
