From Staten Island to Thailand: Starda Talks Legacy, Music, and Starting a Party on Back2Besa
When artist and entrepreneur Starda pulled up to The Black Media Matters Studio and Back2Besa last May, it was his first time in Seattle—and what better way to make a debut than while in town for the Lil Wayne & Friends Tour. Fresh off the release of his project Start A Party with legendary producer Ron Browz, Starda sat down with Besa Gordon to talk about his journey from Staten Island cafeterias to international stages.
“I was rapping in the cafeteria since I was six,” he laughed. “People would stop me like, ‘Yo, rap about this!’ It was how I came out of my shell.”
That spark of charisma followed him into high school, where his love for storytelling led to creative class projects—like a math rap over Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss” beat that became a schoolwide hit.
“The song wasn’t even about equations—it was about failing math and not wanting to go to summer school. The teacher loved it, the class passed, and somehow the CD ended up in a school in Manhattan!”
Starda’s passion didn’t stop at rhyming. After high school, he pivoted into event production, teaching, and youth mentorship—all while using his artistry as a vehicle for change. He’s launched over 100 youth programs across New York and helped open doors for other hip-hop artists in spaces that once overlooked them.
“If they won’t book me, I’ll book myself,” he said. “And I’ll make space for others while I’m at it.”
His international journey began when an old mentor pitched a wild idea—fly to Thailand and shoot a YouTube series. That “crazy enough to work” move led to performances, films, and even a viral moment that helped Starda realize the global impact of his art.
“It was album boot camp in paradise. But it also humbled me. I had to clean up my lifestyle—no drinking, no smoking, gym every day—because I wanted to represent my borough, my country, and my team the right way.”
Beyond music, Starda is building a legacy. From a women’s empowerment project released during Women’s History Month to a sci-fi adventure comic inspired by his label Banks and Roses, his work explores purpose and possibility.
“It’s all about what you’re providing to people. You want fans? Cool. But what are you offering them?”
As he continues to tour with icons like Lil Wayne, Ludacris, and T.I., Starda’s mission remains clear: bring the fun back to music, honor the culture, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger.
“I’m just a crazy kid from Staten Island with a dream. If I can do it, you definitely can too.”
Catch Starda’s latest project Start A Party, and stay tapped in for new films, comics, and festivals via banksandroses.com.
Photos by Susan Fried on behalf of Converge Media.
