Why is Pitbull called ‘Mr. Worldwide,' ‘Mr. 305’? What to know about rapper after Florida university stadium deal (2024)

Samantha Neely and Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

·4 min read

Pitbull Stadium? ¡Dale!

Miami-based rapped Pitbull signed a first-of-its-kind deal with Florida International University for the naming rights of its football stadium on August 6.

According to USA TODAY reports, the Panthers' field will be called Pitbull Stadium for at least the next five years. It's thefirst sports venue in the worldnamed after a musical artist, according to the school. He acknowledged that he didn’t attend FIU, nor did he graduate from high school, but that he has ties to the school through “people that I love dearly.”

“What we’re doing here is groundbreaking. We’re making history. This is history in the making,” the rapper said at a ceremony on the campus Tuesday. “You’re going to see every other university wants to do the same thing. But the difference is we don’t do this for propaganda. We do it from the heart. We do it because it’s meaningful. We do it because I’m from the crib. I’m 305. This is my backyard.”

Who is the man behind the moniker "Pitbull" and how did he get his iconic nicknames? Here's what to know.

See more details on Pitbull, FIU deal: Singer has naming rights to Florida International football stadium

What is the deal Pitbull signed with Florida International University?

Why is Pitbull called ‘Mr. Worldwide,' ‘Mr. 305’? What to know about rapper after Florida university stadium deal (1)

Here's what the agreement contains, according toESPN:

  • Pitbull pays $1.2 million per year.

  • Pitbull gets naming rights to FIU football stadium through 2028 (with an option for Pitbull to renew the deal through 2033).

  • Pitbull's Voli 305 Vodka will be the preferred brand sold at the stadium.

  • Pitbull will get use of the stadium 10 days per year.

  • Pitbull gets two reserved suites for each home game.

  • Pitbull gets the title "Official Entrepreneur of FIU Athletics."

  • Pitbull will write an anthem for FIU.

Who is Pitbull? Where is Pitbull from?

Why is Pitbull called ‘Mr. Worldwide,' ‘Mr. 305’? What to know about rapper after Florida university stadium deal (2)

Rapper Armando Christian Pérez on January 15, 1981, in Miami. His parents immigrated to Florida from Cuba before he was born.

Professionally known as "Pitbull," his first record deal came in 2001 when he signed with the company of Luther Campbell, founder of 2 Live Crew and one of the Miami Hurricanes' most famous boosters. His debut album "M.I.A.M.I." was released in 2004, and he soared to popularity in the 2010s with party anthems "Give Me Everything," "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," "Don't Stop the Party" and "Timber."

Pitbull has landed hits on both English- and Spanish-language charts, with his album "Dale"winning a Grammyin 2016 for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. He has also been on several successful tours all over the world, had his music featured at sports arenas and commercials and started several brands.

“For me, it’s about people wanting to use the brand, the Latino and Hispanic culture," He told Vanity Fair in 2016, discussing his reasons for leveraging his stardom as much as he can. "So let’s navigate and maneuver it to create different businesses and portfolios so, eventually, I can have a family [business] like the Bacardis.”

How did Pitbull get his stage name, his iconic nicknames? Story behind 'Mr. 305' and 'Mr. Worldwide'

The Miami rapper is known by many aliases — "Mr. Worldwide," "Mr. 305" and "Lil' Chico." But how did he even get his stage name?

He has gone by the stage name since the beginning of his career in the early 2000's. According to the 2012 biography "Pitbull: Mr Worldwide," he explainedwhy he choose this particular breed to represent him. He was quoted saying he admired the tenacity and grit of the dog.

“(Pitbulls) bite to lock,” the book quotes him as saying. “The dog is too stupid to lose. And they’re outlawed in Dade County (Florida). They’re basically everything that I am. It’s been a constant fight.”

As for his other nicknames, "Mr. 305" is one of the many ways he has highlighted South Florida heritage throughout his career, the moniker highlighting Miami's area code. He soon leveled up to "Mr. Worldwide" to highlight his travels and popularity, first using the name in the song “Vida 23” on the 2010 album Armando.

Lil chico back in the day. Still Miami style 305 till I die #TBT pic.twitter.com/42M2yy060k

— Pitbull (@pitbull) August 24, 2017

As for his least popular nickname, "Lil' Chico," not much is known on how he got the nickname. However, past posts from the rapper make it seem it was a childhood nickname before starting his career.

Where is 'Pitbull Stadium' located?

The stadium is located to the north of Tamiami Park south of the FIU campus in Miami.And yes, it's new name is actually "Pitbull Stadium."

The facility, formerly known as FIU Stadium, has a seating capacity of 20,000 and opened in 1995. FIU athletic director Scott Carr said it’s the first time an athletics venue will be named after a musician.

Contributing: Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Pitbull stadium: See $6 million deal with FIU, how rapper got his name

Why is Pitbull called ‘Mr. Worldwide,' ‘Mr. 305’? What to know about rapper after Florida university stadium deal (2024)

FAQs

Why is Pitbull called ‘Mr. Worldwide,' ‘Mr. 305’? What to know about rapper after Florida university stadium deal? ›

305" is one of the many ways he has highlighted South Florida heritage throughout his career, the moniker highlighting Miami's area code. He soon leveled up to "Mr. Worldwide" to highlight his travels and popularity, first using the name in the song “Vida 23” on the 2010 album Armando.

What does the 305 mean for Pitbull? ›

305: "Mr. 305" is a reference to the area code 305, which covers Miami and its surrounding areas in Florida. Pitbull was born and raised in Miami, and he has a strong connection to the city. The nickname "Mr. 305" is a nod to his roots and his representation of Miami in his music and persona.

Why is Pitbull the singer called Pitbull? ›

You learn something new from every culture, just like I learn something new from every record. He said he chose his stage name of Pitbull because the dogs "bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose. And they're outlawed in Dade County.

What rapper is known as Mr. Worldwide? ›

Pitbull (@pitbull) / X. Mr. Worldwide. Musician.

Did Pitbull go to FIU? ›

He acknowledged that he didn't attend FIU, nor did he graduate from high school, but that he has ties to the school through “people that I love dearly.” “What we're doing here is groundbreaking. We're making history. This is history in the making,” the rapper said at a ceremony on the campus Tuesday.

Who is Mister 305? ›

Armando Christian Pérez - Mr. 305, Inc.

What does it mean to be a 305? ›

Miami is the 305 because that's the city's original area code. Everybody who was anybody in Miami had a 305 number. Flipper had a 305 number even though he couldn't technically dial because, you know, flippers. Scarface had one, too.

Is the singer Pitbull black or white? ›

Pitbull is a first-generation American son of Cuban immigrants: His mother, Alysha, arrived in the United States in early 1962 by way of Operation Peter Pan. His father Armando emigrated in the late 1970s and later helped ferry fellow Cubans to American shores during the 1980 Mariel Boatlift.

Why is Pitbull banned in 12 countries? ›

Concerns About Aggression: Pitbulls, particularly the American Pit Bull Terrier, are sometimes associated with aggressive behavior. A few high-profile cases of attacks on humans have fueled concerns about their temperament. 2. Public Safety: Bans are often implemented to protect the public from potential harm.

Is Pitbull a Mexican rapper? ›

Armando Christian Pérez (born January 15, 1981), better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer and businessman. He was born in Miami, Florida, to parents who are Cuban.

Who calls themselves Mr. Worldwide? ›

Mr. 305 and Mr. Worldwide is a rapper named PitBull and both versions of the names are the same person.

What rapper owns their masters? ›

An OG in the game, LL Cool J has owned his masters for over 20 years. The Queens native has full authority over all 13 of his studio albums on Def Jam. In an interview with Million Dollaz Worth of Game, he revealed that being sampled by rappers like Rick Ross and The Notorious B.I.G. proves his legacy is cemented.

Who is the world rapper King? ›

Eminem is titled as the King of Rap Industry, also is the fastest rapper of all time, can spit out 7.5 words per second | Guinness World Records. Stage Name: Eminem, also known as Slim Shady.

Is Pitbull a Millionaire? ›

Pitbull has an estimated net worth of $100 million USD in 2024. His net worth in 2024 consists of earnings from his music career, business ventures, endorsem*nts, and real estate investments.

What degree did Pitbull get? ›

Pitbull is the first-ever recipient of an honorary degree from Miami's Doral College. “I remember being kicked out of a public school because I didn't have the right address.

How did Pitbull's parents get to the US? ›

By the 1960s, "it became clear" to Pitbull's Grandma that "he wasn't the best for the country," Pitbull told The Guardian. She sent her daughters, including Pitbull's mother, to the U.S. in a mass exodus of unaccompanied minors known as Operation Peter Pan.

Why is Miami called 305? ›

How Miami got its famed 305 area code. Long before Pitbull called himself Mr. 305, everyone in Florida had a claim to the area code. Flashback: The Sunshine State was assigned 305 back in 1947, one of the first 86 area codes created in the U.S., the Miami Herald reports.

What are rare pitbull markings? ›

Blue Pit Bulls have a unique steel gray coloration, which gives them a standout appearance. Brindle Pit Bulls feature a beautiful striped pattern that can vary from light to heavy striping. Fawn Pit Bulls have a tan or light brown coat, often accompanied by a white chest and feet.

What is the nickname for a pitbull? ›

Today, pit bull is often used interchangeably to refer to a variety or combination of dog breeds. We're particularly fond of the affectionate nicknames these pups have collected over the years, like pibble, pittie, bully, and velvet hippo (so cute).

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