South Beach has been a hotspot for entertainers and athletes long before the emergence of the Miami Heat, who are now battling the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. ESPN sat down with Miami-based artists Lil’ Wayne, Birdman, Flo Rida, and singer Jimmy Buffet to discuss their love of the defending NBA champions and working in the jewel of the Sunshine State.
ESPN opened up the segment discussing the stars that sit court side for marquee teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks. Since the arrival of LeBron James in the summer of 2010, fans have been brushing elbows with celebrities of all sorts who come to cheer on the Miami Heat. Lil’ Wayne, a New Orleans native, shared his affinity for the city, the basketball team, and why artists come there to record.
“In Miami, it’s a show. That’s how you explain that,” said Lil’ Wayne, who appears to be a Heat fan again after his offensive rant against the team along with claims of sleeping with the forward’s wife. “In Miami you’re going to watch a show. And it’s a great show.”
The Young Money honcho added, “A lot of people go there to record; because to record, you want to be relaxed [and] you want to have a great environment. Miami is a great environment.”
Cash Money Records CEO Birdman echoed Weezy’s words in discussing why stars flock to the city.
“Miami is somewhere we like to come anyway,” shared Birdman. “We live out there, the nightlife always poppin’. So when you come to Miami, the majority of the time, you wanna go to a game.”
Platinum-selling recording artist Jimmy Buffet was also interviewed, and has been a season ticket holder since the team’s inception in 1988. Flo Rida and Miami rapper Mic Nice also got some air time as well.
Check out the full profile in the video below.
—
Photo: YouTube
