Veteran rap legend Uncle Luke of 2 Live Crew has always been a proud ambassador for his hometown of Miami. Now the former mayoral candidate is calling out some of the city’s non-native hip-hop residents living large under the Magic City lights. Luke recently issued a stern warning to Diddy, Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled to stop “freeloading” in his city and give back to his beloved hometown.
“I’ve got a message for Lil Wayne, his Cash Money Brothers, DJ Khaled, Puff Daddy and all the rappers from other parts of the country who now live in Miami,” Luke wrote in an open letter published by the Miami New Times. “I’m tired of seeing these cats using up our beaches, soaking up our sunshine, taking over the nightclubs, and sleeping with our women without investing anything into the community.”
Luke then dug into Wayne, who moved to Miami along with Cash Money Records executives Birdman and Mack Maine after Hurricane Katrina devastated their hometown of New Orleans in 2005.
“I want to know when Lil Wayne is going to do more than show up courtside at the American Airlines Arena,” said Luke. “Hell, it’s not like he has to pay for the tickets anyway. You know he gets comped.”
Luke then cast his critique even wider throwing Didd,y and DJ Khaled —who ironically worked as Luke’s “sidekick” on his radio program, “The Luke Show” — in the 90s, into the mix.
“Just ’cause Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled are from New Orleans doesn’t mean they don’t have to be a part of the community. They’re getting rich while enjoying fun and sun … I want to see Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Puff Daddy, and all their boys start doing more for Miami. I want to see them doing fundraisers to help youth sports and after school programs. I want to see them at FCAT rallies.”
The obviously annoyed rap veteran then declared a deadline for the rappers to shape-up or ship out.
“They got until January 1. If I don’t see them giving back to the MagicCity, I’m gonna have their Miami cards revoked,” proclaimed Luke. “They won’t be getting into any more nightclubs. They won’t be allowed near our women. And Lil Wayne is gonna have to find floor seats for New Orleans Hornets home games because he won’t be allowed inside the Triple A.”
Wow. Well, it definitely looks like things could get heated in the Magic City when and if Diddy, Wayne or Khaled decide to respond. –nicholas robinson
