Living life in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Dren Starr quickly realized the importance of striving for more in life and making a way out of the struggle. He fell in love with music at an early age, pursuing many opportunities to DJ, start a radio station as a direct competitor to Hot 97, and open the first recording studio in the Lower East Side. He’s even worked with some of the most outstanding artists on the planet, including the late Big Pun. So, how did it all begin?
Starting at the Bottom
Dren Starr’s success all started with a dream. His love for music gave him purpose and drive to push for things he wanted in life, even when the odds weren’t in his favor. “I remember starting pirate radio. It was a success until it wasn’t anymore because the FCC decided to shut it down. Some people would give up after that, but I kept going. I didn’t let that one hiccup get in the way of my legacy. Instead, I decided to start a recording studio,” shares Dren Starr. “The recording studio was a hit. It gave me the chance to meet many people in music and work closely with them, such as Cuban Link from Terror Squad and Ghostface Killah from Wu-Tang. I even got the opportunity to do Big Pun’s last interview before he passed.”
Not letting the challenges get in the way of great opportunities became a way of life for Dren Starr, whose successful career came to a halt when he was arrested and charged with gun possession, leading to a sentence of over five years in prison. “I was determined not to let this be the end of my story. When I wasn’t in prison, I made genuine connections, so I used that to my advantage when I got released. I was able to get right back into the industry and work with great people because of the reputation I rightfully earned over the years,” says Dren Starr. “You can go from nothing to something, no matter where you’re starting in life and no matter how many obstacles happen to get in your way throughout the process. If you love what you’re doing, you can get back on track by being consistent and not giving up.”
Building a Legacy That Lasts
He may have started from the bottom, but Dren Starr is now working hard to build a legacy for himself and his two sons. He’s focusing on bringing much more positive attention to the Lower East Side with his notable brand, LES, where he provides consulting, brand partnerships, management, and additional services to those who need it. He’s also working alongside major artists, such as Diddy, Noreaga, Fabolous, and King Combs. With no plan to take a break from the industry anytime soon, Dren Starr hopes to inspire others with his rags to riches story that proves having a good heart while remaining focused on what you want can lead you down the right path to success.
Starr can be reached on social media at:
@DRENSTARR (Instagram)
@DRENSTARR (Facebook)
© 2022, Brian Washington. All rights reserved.
