Draft:DREN STARR
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Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Dren Starr (talk) 15:02, 2 May 2025 (UTC)
Dren Starr | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 23, 1977 New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | DJ, music producer, recording engineer, talent manager, branding strategist |
| Known for | Co-founding WBAD 91.9 FM |
Dren Starr (born November 23, 1977) is an American DJ, music producer, recording engineer, talent manager, and branding strategist. He is known for co-founding the pirate radio station WBAD 91.9 FM in New York City and for his contributions to the hip-hop industry spanning over three decades.[citation needed]
Early life
[edit]Starr was born and raised in the LaGuardia housing projects on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He is of Puerto Rican descent. Influenced by the music and culture of his neighborhood, he began DJing at local parties by age 14.[citation needed]
Career
[edit]WBAD 91.9 FM
[edit]At 18, Starr co-founded WBAD 91.9 FM, a pirate radio station in New York City that served as a platform for underground hip-hop artists. Known for its unfiltered and grassroots approach, WBAD gained a cult following before being shut down by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in July 1998.[citation needed]
Pirate Recording Studio
[edit]After the closure of WBAD, Starr founded Pirate Recording Studio, one of the first professional recording studios in the Lower East Side. The studio attracted artists including Big Pun, Ghostface Killah, and Cuban Link. Starr also contributed voiceovers to tracks such as The Notorious B.I.G.’s "Duets: The Final Chapter" and Fat Joe’s "Family Ties".[citation needed]
Legal issues and return
[edit]Starr served a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for illegal firearm possession. Upon his release, he reentered the music industry, shifting his focus toward digital marketing and brand development. He later founded **LES Brand**, a company specializing in brand activations and partnerships.[citation needed]
Branding and marketing
[edit]Through LES Brand, Starr has collaborated with companies such as Roc Nation and D’USSÉ Cognac. His work in promotional campaigns and branded events has earned him recognition for his marketing strategies within the hip-hop community.[citation needed]
Coastal Chronicles NYC
[edit]In 2025, Starr co-founded the podcast Coastal Chronicles NYC alongside Taino Domingo. The show, affiliated with D’USSÉ Cognac, features guest interviews and cultural discussions recorded at the D’USSÉ Lounge. The podcast is distributed on platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.[citation needed]
Legacy
[edit]Starr remains active in the hip-hop scene through brand partnerships, event production, and mentoring emerging artists. He is also involved in festivals such as Rolling Loud.[citation needed]
External links
[edit]- Official website
- [Dren Starr on YouTube]
References
[edit]
Category:1977 births
Category:Living people
Category:American DJs
Category:American hip hop record producers
Category:American music industry executives
Category:People from Manhattan
Category:American people of Puerto Rican descent
References
[edit]- ^ "Dren Starr: The Activation King". The Grind Magazine. 2023-11-01. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Coastal Chronicles NYC with Dren Starr". Spotify. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Dren Starr Interview". YouTube. HipHopWeekly. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Official Website of Dren Starr". drenstarr.com. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Local Frequencies". Urban Omnibus. March 2022. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Dren Starr (@drenstarr) • Instagram photos and videos". Instagram. Retrieved 2025-05-02.