Welcome to the SKAMily!
DJ Name: IRiE
Location: Miami Beach, FL
DJ IRIE has worked hard to go from musician to mogul. Take, as an example, the night DJ Irie was spinning at Robert Downey Jr.’s private birthday bash held at the legendary actor’s Malibu mansion. As the story goes, party host Jamie Foxx was on the mic while Irie had a crowd of Hollywood elites – Jodi Foster, Tobey Maguire, Samuel L. Jackson – partying to a remix of Sting and the Police’s classic hit “Roxanne.” Sometime during the mix, Sting himself grabbed the mic and started singing along. “I was thinking, wow is this really happening!” recalls Irie. “I couldn’t believe that the same music-loving boy from Miami was actually spinning while Sting rocked out to my mix.”
Calling Miami home, DJ Irie continues to be a major supporter of numerous local and national non-profit organizations, in addition to his active role with the Irie Foundation. The foundation seeks “to empower at-risk youth to lead productive lives through cultural experiences, educational initiatives mentorship programs, and scholarship opportunities.” By approaching this mission with the same unwavering passion, energy, and commitment that has allowed his career to thrive, Irie and his team continue to expand the scope of the Irie Foundation’s efforts.
In addition to his work in the community, DJ Irie is an international sensation with a contagious enthusiasm and larger-than-life personality. While he’s certainly an authority on electrifying any party, the Irie Music brainchild is no ordinary DJ. Serving as the official DJ of the 3-time NBA World Champion Miami HEAT, Carnival Cruise Lines, and superstar Jamie Foxx, Irie’s partnerships also feature a who’s who of blue-chip companies and brands, including the likes of Pepsi, Target and Breakthru Beverage. The St. Croix native is also the man behind Irie Music, Corp., co-owner of Lou La Vie Exotic Car Rental, SweetKix.com, Pucci’s Pizza, and Venture Projects, LLC investment firm. He’s the #1 choice for countless celebrities and high-profile events everywhere from South Beach to Singapore, and has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, including the American Music Awards, MTV VMA, FIFA World Cup, International Premier Tennis League, Daytona 500, Super Bowl, and NBA All-Star, and at corporate events for Louis Vuitton, Google, Red Bull, Hublot and General Motors, just to name a few.
Wow, it was so long ago… I think I joined in the early 2000s. As you can imagine, SKAM then was nothing even close to SKAM now. There were probably 5 or so DJs on the roster and I was one of the first East Coast-based DJs to join. I’d never been represented before and enjoyed a great vibe with Sujit, so for me it was like, “Why not give it a shot?”
What genres of music are your specialty?
Music in general is my specialty, but I probably focus on Hip-Hop, Trap, Twerk, Reggae, Latin, Pop and some Rock and House.
What’s something you’re known for as a DJ?
Being the unofficial Mayor of Miami and my energetic performances.
Please list some of your favorite recent gigs, and why they were favorites.
NBA All-Star game in New Orleans. I’m such a huge ball fan, so being able to perform on one of the sport’s biggest stages is a real treat for me. I also recently worked on the new Fox network hit TV show Beat Shazam. It was an incredible experience learning the ins and outs of TV show production and having credit on a hit show like Beat Shazam.
I actually prefer pool party venues. When done right it’s such a sexy vibe, and people tend to be more laid back since they don’t have to dress to impress.
What is your adult beverage of choice?
I’m always trying out and discovering new vodka’s and right now it’s a tossup between Voli 305 and Toast Vodka, which I like to mix with Pepsi 1893 Ginger Cola.
What advice would you give someone who wants to get noticed by SKAM Artist?
Prove that you can work harder than other DJs on the roster and that you can bring something unique to the table.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a DJ?
For me it would be the work/family balance. I’m such a workaholic that I don’t pull away enough for family time at times.
Connect with Irie:
Instagram: @irie
Twitter: @irie
Facebook: @IRIE
Snapchat: djirie