Dren Starr’s name carries weight in the hip-hop industry, and for good reason. Born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Puerto Rican DJ, entrepreneur, and brand strategist has spent decades shaping the culture. Growing up in the LaGuardia housing projects, he developed a passion for music early on. With his mother and older sister supporting him after his father’s tragic murder, music became his outlet. By 14, he was already DJing, and by 18, he launched his own pirate radio station, 91.9 FM WBAD, which made waves in NYC and landed him on UPN9 News. His ability to break new artists and push underground hip-hop forward made him a force to be reckoned with.
“From an early age, my love for music was undeniable. It was more than just something I enjoyed; it was a passion that consumed me. When I hit junior high school, I took my interest to the next level. For my birthday, I asked my mom for turntables, and once I got them, everything changed. That was the moment I stepped into the world of DJing. I started spinning at local parties in my neighborhood, quickly becoming a familiar name in my area by rocking block and house parties. I wasn’t just playing music, I was creating experiences for people, and that’s what set me apart,” Starr explains.
A defining moment in Starr’s career came when he became the youngest DJ to be featured on Channel 9 News for his work in hip-hop radio. While others played it safe, he was breaking boundaries and proving that hip-hop had a place outside of mainstream corporate stations. But his journey wasn’t without setbacks. After serving time from 2010 to 2016, he returned to an industry that had gone fully digital. Instead of resisting change, he embraced it, building L.E.S. Brand and adapting to the mobile-driven music world. His reputation and foundation were already strong—he just had to transition into new platforms.
Through it all, Starr has lived by three core principles: authenticity, timing, and consistency. Staying true to his vision helped him create opportunities for both himself and emerging artists. Understanding the right moments to make moves, like launching WBAD when underground artists needed a voice, kept him ahead of the game. And consistency has ensured that he remains relevant, no matter how much the industry evolves. These values have guided every decision, from working with hip-hop legends like Big Pun and Ghostface Killah to collaborating with top-tier brands like Roc Nation and D’USSÉ.
Now, Starr is focusing on expanding his influence through the D’USSÉ Lounge Podcast, where he brings real, unfiltered conversations about hip-hop, business, and culture to the forefront. As a brand ambassador for D’USSÉ on the Roc Nation side, he’s also curating experiences that strengthen the brand’s connection to the hip-hop community. His work isn’t just about building his own legacy—it’s about creating a platform for the next generation to thrive.
From pirate radio to major brand collaborations, Dren Starr has never stopped evolving. His ability to push boundaries, embrace change, and stay true to hip-hop culture makes him a powerhouse in the industry. And with his latest ventures, he’s making sure that his influence continues to shape the future of music, business, and branding.
For more on Dren Starr, follow him on Instagram @DRENSTARR or visit DRENSTARR.COM.
