10BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD MONDAY , OCTOBER 2 , 2017
Profiles in Leadership
By Kallan Louis
Miami Hip Hop Executive Provides Opportunities Through Youth Foundation
“ Freezy " Prince encourages the Miami Gardens Chiefs 7U football team of the Florida Youth Football League during a championship game .
Lee " Freezy " Prince loves old-school rap . So much so , the manager of one of the world ' s most popular rappers on tour quoted another rap icon to describe his own humble upbringing .
" I can ' t say birthdays were the worst days because then I ' ll be lying ,” Prince paraphrased the Notorious B . I . G .' s classic song " Juicy ." " Growing up on the streets of Miami , everyday was a fun day .”
Prince , 39 , is a music execu�ve who also manages rap star Tramar Dillard – be�er known as Flo Rida . The Miami na�ves ’ rela�onship spans more than 15 years . From their days of unloading freight trucks full of
T-shirts , Prince recognized the rapper ’ s talent early on . In fact , Prince convinced Dillard to move back to Miami from the West Coast in pursuit of his goal of securing a record deal .
A�er performing around the world and with more than 80 million digital music downloads , the duo formed the independent record label , Interna�onal Music Group Strong Arm . Their accomplishments include seven “ Top 5 Billboard ” singles – three of which reached No . 1 : “ Low ,” “ Right Round ,” and “ Whistle .”
The music success alone makes Prince worthy to be named one of Legacy Magazine ’ s “ 40 Under 40 ,” but it is his commitment to youth locally and around the country that makes him stand out .
IMG Strong Arm ’ s charitable work operates under the label ’ s founda�on Big Dreams for Kids Inc . According to an IMG Strong Arm rep , the founda�on serves 10,000 children in Florida , Texas , and California . Big Dreams for Kids is commi�ed to ins�lling honesty , loyalty , integrity , teamwork , discipline , sportsmanship , respect , leadership , trust and commitment in all par�cipants . Through Big Dreams for
Kids Inc ., Prince said he challenges young people to be be�er than he was at their age .
Prince admits he was not always the most well behaved student , but growing up in Liberty City , he understood the importance of educa�on , which he felt was an escape for him . “ Educa�on was an outlet for me ,” Prince said in a statement to Legacy Magazine . “ It was a place where I would learn tools for life .”
With resources at his disposal , Prince said he is trying to make a difference in the lives of young people . The founda�on provides leadership programs for students who excel academically in the classroom and has hosted free local gospel concerts featuring the genre ’ s top ar�sts . Its most notable contribu�on is the Florida Youth Football League , which provides South Florida and California youth ages 5-15 the opportunity to par�cipate in youth football and cheerleading . The league ’ s objec�ves are to promote physical fitness , moral well-being , educa�on , American football fundamentals , gymnas�cs , dancing , and track and field in a compe��ve atmosphere .
Established in 2011 , FYFL is one of the more popular leagues in South Florida and has gained support from music ar�sts and celebri�es including Luther Campbell , DJ Khaled , Kodak Black , Trina , Chris�na Milian , Be�y Wright and Snoop Dogg , who in 2014 partnered with the FYFL to host a charity game versus his league in Los Angeles .
The FYFL has supported other youth football leagues as well . In 2016 , it donated 120 uniforms to a Houston area youth football league that was allegedly scammed by a jersey vendor and never received their new uniforms .
Prince ’ s involvement in FYFL is not only philanthropic . His son plays in the league as well . Prince ’ s passion is authen�c . The proud father can be seen before and a�er games mo�va�ng teams .
Prince recalls not receiving the most posi�ve comments from teachers growing up . “ At �mes my teachers ( elementary and high school ) would think they had Godlike abili�es and would tell me , ‘ Lee you will be dead or behind bars before you turn 20 .’ I ' m thankful the powerful God I knew proved them wrong .”
Visit http :// site1560 . goalline . ca / to learn more about the FYFL .
South Miami Hospital congratulates the honorees of 40 Under 40 Leaders of Today and Tomorrow !
Lift up a child ’ s voice . A child ’ s life . TM
I am for the child who lived in motels , cars and shelters- the child who now stands in the entryway of a group foster home , clutching a makeshift suitcase , a garbage bag . This is the child I am for .
I am you . I AM A GUARDIAN AD LITEM VOLUNTEER .
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