BIO
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is a Miami-born entrepreneur, cultural icon, record executive, author, speaker, community leader, and one of the most influential architects of American music, sports, and culture.
As the founder of Luke Records and frontman of 2 Live Crew, Uncle Luke is a pioneer of Southern hip-hop and a trailblazer in independent music ownership. Through Luke Records, he produced, developed, and helped launch the careers of some of the most impactful artists in hip-hop and Southern music, including Trick Daddy, Pitbull, JT Money, 69 Boyz, Poison Clan, H-Town, and DJ Laz—artists who helped define regional sounds and pushed Southern music onto the global stage.
His career includes decades of worldwide touring, performing sold-out shows across the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and international markets, helping transform hip-hop concerts into major live entertainment events and firmly establishing Miami as a global music hub.
Uncle Luke is also the central figure in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, a historic ruling that strengthened First Amendment protections and permanently expanded artists’ rights around parody and fair use. The case remains a cornerstone of copyright and free-speech law taught in universities and law schools worldwide.
In addition to music, Uncle Luke is a best-selling author, having released multiple books that blend autobiography, cultural criticism, and industry insight. His writing tackles topics such as artist ownership, race, politics, media narratives, and life lessons from decades inside the entertainment business. His books have further cemented his voice as one that challenges power and defends creative freedom.
A highly sought-after motivational and keynote speaker, Uncle Luke speaks at universities, conferences, corporate events, and national forums, addressing free speech, entrepreneurship, leadership, athlete empowerment, and navigating systems designed to exclude marginalized communities. His speaking engagements draw from real-world experience across music, sports, business, and public advocacy.
Beyond entertainment, Uncle Luke has dedicated more than 30 years to youth development and sports. He is a co-founder of the Liberty City Optimist youth football program, one of the most successful grassroots programs in the country. His work includes coaching, mentorship, facility development, and securing major corporate partnerships to create safe, structured environments that combine athletics, education, and community support.
He also served as a high school football coach in Miami-Dade County, where his philosophy emphasized discipline, academics, accountability, and preparing student-athletes for life beyond sports.
A dynamic media personality, Uncle Luke is the host of The Uncle Luke Show, a widely followed platform covering sports, politics, culture, and social issues with honesty and unfiltered perspective.
Today, Uncle Luke leads ventures across music, film, sports representation, media, and community development, while remaining deeply engaged in civic leadership. As he explores a potential run for public office, his mission remains unchanged: protect free speech, empower working families, expand opportunity, and build institutions that last.
Uncle Luke’s legacy is global, multi-generational, and still being written — rooted in ownership, impact, and the courage to speak truth when it matters most
