STAR BANDZ: The 16-Year-Old Redefining Drill Rap with Authenticity and Vision
Stylist: Kayla Dempsey | Photographer: Christian loggins| Video: Luke Dhans | sponsored by g-shock
GMAP2100ST-4A, Armadillo denim by Jackson
At just 16 years old, STAR BANDZ is already redefining drill rap, carving out a unique lane with her sharp lyricism, authentic storytelling, and clean delivery. With the release of her debut mixtape, Estrella, the young Chicago native solidifies her place as one of the most exciting voices of her generation. The 13-track project not only highlights her raw talent but also features collaborations with heavy hitters like Sugarhill Ddot, Luh Tyler, and BabyChiefDoIt, further cementing her influence in the genre.
We sat down with STAR on a snowy Chicago day after we shot with her. “It feels good, just doing what I’m supposed to. I just hope my fans are satisfied with it,” STAR BANDZ shares when asked about how it feels to finally release Estrella to the world. Her humility and focus are evident as she reflects on the journey that led to this moment.
One of the standout elements of Estrella is its collaborations. Tracks like “My Baby” featuring Sugarhill Ddot have already become fan favorites, with the song amassing over 13 million views on YouTube. “All the songs were open verses,” she explains about the creative process behind the collaborations. “The ‘My Baby’ song had the most creative process.” She credits the track for boosting her fan base and connecting her with audiences from different musical genres.
Adding to her momentum, STAR BANDZ’s remix of “Yea Yea” featuring Veeze was recently highlighted in Complex’s “Best Rap Verses of 2024 – So Far.” While this recognition is significant, she remains grounded. “It means a lot, but I don’t let things like that get to my head and make me big-headed. I know I’ve got more work to do,” she says with a level of maturity beyond her years.
What truly sets STAR BANDZ apart is her approach to storytelling. Known for her gripping narratives delivered without relying on profanity, she believes this intentionality distinguishes her in the drill rap scene. “It’s important to me because it puts me in a different lane and makes me stand out,” she explains.
Songs like “Cut Throat” and “4 Deep” exemplify her authenticity and lyrical depth. “‘4 Deep’ reflects on personal experience just because I got the same three friends, which makes four of us,” she shares. “I was also being melodic in the song, and that shows my growth too.”
The title of her mixtape, Estrella, which means “star” in Spanish, is a reflection of her aspirations and her identity as an artist. While she’s still finding the perfect way to articulate how it represents her, the title speaks volumes about her belief in her potential.
Convertible Cargos by Jackson, GMAP2100ST-4A,
Her journey so far has been shaped by incredible opportunities, including opening for industry giants JT and Lil Durk. “They were great experiences. I’m glad I was a part of them and able to experience those opportunities,” she says.
As one of Complex’s “13 Best Teenage Rappers Right Now,” STAR BANDZ has already begun influencing the next generation of drill artists. “By it being more younger artists blowing up in the future,” she says, she sees herself paving the way for others to follow.
Endorsements from industry veterans like Polo G have also played a pivotal role in shaping her mindset. “The advice I’ve taken away is to just stay myself, be myself, and stay in my own lane when it comes to music. I try not to sound like anyone else,” she explains.
STAR BANDZ’s ability to blend sharp lyricism with clean delivery is one of the reasons her music resonates so strongly with fans. “I just say relatable things and speak facts every bar,” she says about her writing process. This authenticity shines through on tracks like “Mirror Mirror” and “What You Sayin” from Estrella, which highlight her versatility. “I can rap on any beat that sounds good, so that’s how I go about it,” she adds.
With over 800k followers on social media and a string of viral hits, STAR BANDZ has quickly become a household name. When asked how she manages the pressures of being in the spotlight at such a young age, she responds with ease: “It’s no pressure. I just stay in my lane and be authentic.”
Growing up in Chicago, a city with a rich drill rap history, has heavily influenced her music and storytelling. “Just by listening to Chicago music growing up, it influenced my sound—from the accent to also just being real in my lyrics,” she reflects.
As for what’s next, STAR BANDZ promises fans even more to look forward to in 2025. “I should be having a tour in 2025. I’m dropping a deluxe to Estrella and an album. Just expect more heat,” she teases.
With Estrella out now, STAR BANDZ is undoubtedly a rising star, not just in drill rap but in the music industry as a whole. Her authenticity, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to her craft make it clear: this is just the beginning for STAR BANDZ.
