Dren Starr: The Activation King Who Turned Pirate Radio Into a Cultural Blueprint
- Tammy Reese
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
By Tammy Reese
Dren Starr’s name has echoed through New York’s hip-hop corridors for years, and not by accident. Born and raised in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, this Puerto Rican DJ, branding expert, and entrepreneur didn’t just grow up alongside hip-hop; he helped shape its evolution from street corners to corporate boardrooms.
Raised in the LaGuardia housing projects, Starr discovered his bond with music early, especially after losing his father, a turning point that deepened his connection to sound. Supported by his mother and older sister, music quickly evolved from a creative outlet into his personal compass.
By 14, he was already working the turntables at local parties. By 18, he launched 91.9 FM WBAD, a pirate radio station that rattled New York’s airwaves with underground heat, capturing the attention of UPN9 News. It wasn’t just about spinning tracks; it was about platforming unheard voices in a scene dominated by gatekeepers.'
“My passion for music was clear from the start,” Starr says. “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.”
That experience landed him the title of youngest DJ ever featured on Channel 9 News, thanks to his disruptive impact with WBAD. While most followed the commercial current, Starr engineered his own current, one built on unfiltered frequencies and raw energy.
Still, his journey hit turbulence. Between 2010 and 2016, Starr served a prison sentence. When he came home, the industry had changed. Streaming platforms ruled, and traditional gatekeeping was crumbling. Rather than fight the future, Starr adapted by founding L.E.S. Brand, embracing digital culture, and infusing innovation with authenticity.
His longevity in the game is rooted in three fundamentals: authenticity, timing, and consistency. Staying real earned long-term credibility. Taking smart risks, like pirate radio in its heyday, kept him ahead of the curve. And relentless consistency made sure his name never faded, even as media morphed.
Throughout his journey, Starr has worked with hip-hop royalty like Big Pun and Ghostface Killah, while collaborating with powerhouses like Roc Nation and D’USSÉ. But ask him, and he’ll tell you it’s not about the accolades. It’s about the culture and community that raised him.
Now, Starr is expanding his presence through the D’USSÉ Lounge Podcast, where he leads raw, unfiltered conversations on hip-hop, business, and life. As a D’USSÉ brand ambassador, he also curates exclusive events that blend music with marketing, honoring the art form with the same edge he brought to the radio dial.
From basement parties to big brand partnerships, from pirate frequencies to polished productions, Dren Starr is proof that you can evolve without selling out. He’s not just chasing a legacy. He’s living it and paving the way for the ones coming next. Follow Dren Starr on Instagram @DRENSTARR or visit DRENSTARR.COM to stay tapped into his latest moves.
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