Dren Starr’s name has resonated throughout New York’s hip-hop scene for years—and with good reason. Hailing from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this Puerto Rican DJ, entrepreneur, and branding expert has spent decades influencing the very culture he was raised in. Growing up in the LaGuardia housing projects, Starr discovered a deep connection to music early on, especially following the heartbreaking loss of his father. Supported by his mother and older sister, music quickly became both a sanctuary and a calling.
At just 14, Dren was already working the turntables at local parties. By 18, he launched 91.9 FM WBAD, a pirate radio station that disrupted New York’s radio landscape and earned him a feature on UPN9 News. He wasn’t merely spinning records—he was introducing new talent and championing the underground hip-hop that mainstream stations often overlooked.
“My passion for music was clear from the start,” Starr recalls. “Once I got my first turntables, everything shifted. I began DJing local events and quickly gained recognition in my neighborhood. I wasn’t just spinning records—I was building experiences.”
A major milestone came when he became the youngest DJ ever to be featured on Channel 9 News, thanks to his groundbreaking work with WBAD. While others followed trends, Starr forged his own path—proving that hip-hop didn’t need mainstream radio validation to make waves. All it required was a signal, a microphone, and raw energy.
However, his journey wasn’t without obstacles. Between 2010 and 2016, Starr served a prison sentence. Upon his return, the music landscape had transformed. The rise of streaming and digital platforms had taken over. Rather than resist the changes, he adapted—launching L.E.S. Brand and embracing digital innovation while staying loyal to his roots.
Starr’s lasting impact in the industry boils down to three core values: authenticity, timing, and consistency. Remaining genuine helped him earn long-term respect. Taking timely risks—like starting pirate radio when it counted—kept him ahead of the curve. And being consistent ensured his relevance, even as music and media evolved. He’s collaborated with legends like Big Pun and Ghostface Killah and worked with major brands like Roc Nation and D’USSÉ. Though deeply connected, his focus has always remained on uplifting community and culture.
These days, Dren is expanding his influence through the D’USSÉ Lounge Podcast, where he leads raw, unfiltered discussions about hip-hop, business, and life. As a D’USSÉ brand ambassador, he’s also curating exclusive events that blend music and marketing, continuing to honor the culture in authentic ways.
From spinning at local parties to running pirate radio, to forming high-profile brand collaborations, Dren Starr’s story proves that staying grounded while evolving with the times is the key to lasting success. He’s not just building a legacy—he’s living it, and opening doors for the next generation. To keep up with Dren Starr, follow him on Instagram @DRENSTARR or visit DRENSTARR.COM.
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