Lovebug Starski - The Veterans 2
A late '90s R&B/hip-hop tape mixed by one of NYC hip-hop's pioneers.
“Peace to Ron G, Brucie B, Kid Capri, Funkmaster Flex, Lovebug Starski.” With that line on “Juicy,” The Notorious B.I.G. immortalized five of the most important DJs in New York City history. And it’s no accident that Lovebug Starski was one of them.
For those unfamiliar with the man behind the famous Biggie shout out, Starski was in the mix when hip-hop was in its infancy in the South Bronx and became a mainstay at all the most popular Uptown nightclubs, from Disco Fever to Harlem World. He also went on to release songs as an MC, and along with fellow pioneer DJ Hollywood is credited as being one of the first DJs to spin records and rhyme on the mic at the same time.
Here’s Brucie B on his memories of coming up with Lovebug Starski, taken from inside the pages of Do Remember!:
Brucie B: I met everybody through Starchild. Lovebug was one of the architects, he was a legend. When I met Lovebug, I never used to talk around him. I used to always listen and pay attention, but never talk.
Lovebug was a Taurus. He was a bull. He used to get in arguments at the drop of a dime. But I was always close to Lovebug. No matter how much he used to argue or get mad, I knew the trick to Lovebug. When he would get into his rage, I wouldn’t say anything. I’m not arguing with a legend.
One day at Disco Fever, he got into an argument with Matty, the head guy over there. Starchild said, “Who’s up there?” Lovebug said, “Bruce is.” Starchild said, “Tell Bruce to get on and DJ.” So I’m rocking and Lovebug said, “That’s my protege.” I was tearing them up. He knew I knew how to play, but he ain’t know I knew how to play like that.
Lovebug was the one that took me overseas. I was Lovebug’s DJ. That’s why everyone says I’m your DJ’s favorite DJ, because I used to DJ for him. I DJed most DJ’s weddings.
Lovebug was also ever-present on the mixtape scene, releasing tapes well into the ‘90s. On The Veterans 2, a follow-up to his tape with Hollywood, he gets in his R&B/hip-hop bag with a mix that’s chill enough for a hang at the crib or riding around in the whip, yet still lit enough to get folks up to start dancing. And yes, there’s a remix on here you might not remember with New Edition and AZ—that pairing pretty much sums up the vibe.
RIP Lovebug Starski. Your legacy lives on.
Stream The Veterans 2 below, and stay tuned for more 50 TAPES posts as we celebrate the release of Do Remember! The Golden Era of NYC Hip-Hop Mixtapes, out now via Rizzoli.
Lovebug Starski - The Veterans 2