Art Basel stands as one of the premiere art events in the world. In the past few years, top artists, musicians and entertainers have gravitated to the weeklong occasion.
During our coverage at Art Basel, we took a moment to speak to the God Father of Miami hip-hop, Uncle Luke. We stopped by a Wing Stop in North Miami Beach, which is owned by Luke’s wife, Kristin. He discussed the hip-hop scene at Art Basel, his new alcoholic beverage and receiving a lifetime achievement award from the South Florida Film Recording & Entertainment Council.
You have seen Art Basel grow year after year. What are your thoughts on hip-hop artists becoming more involved with Art Basel?
It’s a great event. It started small and became something big. I had a few events that went well. It’s a good thing to for hip-hop to be involved in this. Over the last few years, many hip-hop artists have come out and showed their appreciation for the arts.
At times, it seems that some people who come here are more enthralled by the celebs and parties at Art Basel. Do you think there is a true appreciation for the arts here?
Many people are truly involved in the arts. Of course, it has taken on a life of its own; some just come down here to star search and find celebrities. For the most part, most of the artists are down here because of the actual event.
You also unveiled your new rum this weekend. What is it called?
I have a new rum called Luke’s Passion Fruit. It’s starting out here in South Florida and we will later release it nationally. Everyone who drinks it loves it. It’s a good drink.
You will receive a lifetime achievement award from the South Florida Film Recording & Entertainment Council. How does it feel to be honored considering some of your music was ridiculed at one time?
They normally don’t honor me for these types of awards. This is my second award outside of VH-1’s Hip-Hop Honors. I’m grateful that they would consider me for any type of award. People in Miami are familiar with me. They know all of my community efforts of working with the community and inspiring others. I started hip-hop in the South, but a lot of people do not want to talk about that.
