Independent Spotlight: Starr

starr-ride

Here at nappyafro, we are committed to being the BEST HIP-HOP SITE…EVER. The latest person to be featured in our Independent Spotlight is a female reppin Harlem named Starr. You might have heard of her you might have not, but she is the lone female on Juelz Santana’s Skull Gang Records. If King Jerm is cosigning it…YOU KNOW IT HAS TO BE HOT. Check out the bio, then check out her song “Rockstarr”, featuring Juelz and Lil’ Wayne. Props to my girl Aaliyah over at RA Management!

Who’s the girl holdin’ down Juelz Santana on the hot new SKULL GANG single “ROCK STARR”, featuring Lil’ Wayne? Her name is Aqueelah McCummings, better known as STARR, the “first lady” of Juelz Santana’s SKULL GANG label. STARR grew up in Harlem USA, with all of the benefits of a loving family, an early realization that music is her life and all of the cultural stimulation a budding young artist could ask for. She began performing at the age of 8 inspired by SWV, Mariah Carey, Xscape, and Aaliyah. She studied dance, drama, and trained vocally from the age of 12 until she graduated from Performing Arts Repertory High School. At 15 she began writing songs, while still in high school, STARR auditioned to sing the National Anthem for the 76ers in Philly and beat out thousands for the honor. A packed Wachovia Center witnessed an undeniable performance; their enthusiastic applause confirmed for us all that Aqueelah was truly a STARR.

STARR’S ability to write and arrange music attracted industry talent scouts, and management companies. She began writing for hit making recording artist, but her real passion was in writing/arranging and singing her own songs. After all, her goal is to be a Platinum selling hip-hop/R&B/pop/rock artist. Starr says, “when I’m not in the studio I’m listening to music…music is my therapy” Being in the “matrix” as Starr calls it, led her to record with Cassidy in 2005. 2006 bought countless performances, and a feature on Juelz Santana’s hit single “Secret”. In 2007 STARR featured on the Jim Jones’ Pray 4 Rain album. In 2008 Starr was a cast member of Jim Jones Hip-Hop Monologues, featured with Julez on the Jim Jones Christmas album on “Jingle Bells” and signed with SKULL GANG. Now at the top of 2009, “Rockstarr”  has radio listeners asking; who’s’ that girl?

You haven’t seen her? Brown eyes, dimpled smile, long black hair give Starr’s pretty face an angelic appeal. She’s young, hot and sexy! 5’9 and quick to put on thigh high boots with a 6 inch heel, a little tee or hoodie and some Robin jeans. She has the look every young girl wants, she’s a guys fantasy girl. But Starr is all business and very serious about her music. When I asked what’s the one thing she wants the world to know about her, she replied “I want people to know that I’m a hard worker, I always give 100%. Being the only girl in a all boy camp (Skull Gang) I get looked at in a certain way. But I write and arrange my own songs and far from what everyone thinks about a girl around a bunch of guys in hip-hop and no, I don’t get disrespected, I’m not a sex toy to the guys, please! They are very supportive and protective”

STARR looks forward to working with Timbaland, Luda, Dream and Missy in the near future and to putting her dramatic training to use in films; we look forward to watching her journey.

Download: Starr feat. Juelz & Lil’ Wayne – “Rockstarr”