Medinah Starr Biography

Her name says it all! Medinah Starr is  truly a star, a shining ray of hope, a refreshing spirit, a poet, a songwriter, an activist and an MC. She has been described as a “breath of fresh air” in an industry over-saturated with gimmicks and negative role models.

Refusing to be portrayed as an over-sexualized, gun-clapping female MC, Medinah created her own lane and refused to be compromised. So many of us long for the days of Queen Latifah sporting the kente cloth, wearing an ankh and spitting lyrics about unity and self-respect.
     
We remember MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante going head to head with other MCs, male and female and emerging victorious.  It is these women amongst others that gave birth to Medinah’s unique sound.  It is a fusion of spoken word and powerful lyrics with a street-smart edge over Hip-Hop beats! Yes she comes hard, but with a message and a mission.

Reviewers and critics praise the West Philly native for her creativity in addressing controversial issues such as racism, sexism, domestic violence and poverty.  Emory Garris from doyourart.com writes, “No one else’s story connected with me the way that hers did”.  100.3FM The Beat, a Philadelphia-based FM station, labeled Ms. Starr “The Next to Blow” in Philly!

Motivated by her struggle to be heard and her passion for music Ms. Starr has expanded her fan base way beyond the US borders.  Medinah has a strong fan base in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Canada.  She was interviewed on the Urban Renewal Project in Vancouver, BC in December of 2007 and her single made the “Best of 2007” list in Canada.  

She has performed in venues in New York, Rhode Island, Boston, New Jersey and Philadelphia and has captivated spectators with a high-energy, uplifting performances. After watching one performance, it becomes clear that she is no amateur. She has been writing, recording and performing live since the mid 90s.  She has collaborated with artists such as the legendary Guru from Gangstarr, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Access Immortal and Torae.

In 2004, she earned a degree from Temple University.  In 2006, she released a mix tape entitled, “The Renaissance: The rebirth of hip-hop, vol. 1”.  In 2007, she founded her own record label, Introspect Records.