Fred Lee Scruggs Jr. (born April 18, 1971), better known by his stage name Fredro Starr, is an American rapper and actor best known as a member of the hardcore rap group Onyx.
His film credits include Spike Lee's Clockers, Sunset Park, Ride, Light It Up, Save the Last Dance and Torque.
[1][2] Starr made his television debut in Law & Order and New York Undercover, but he is known for his role of Quentin 'Q' Brooks on UPN's Moesha starring R&B singer Brandy.
Other students at John Adams High School included Marlon Fletcher (also known as Big DS), Tyrone Taylor (Suave, Sonny Seeza), Mr. Cheeks, and Freaky Tah.
[3] For the first time, Fredro picked up a microphone in 1986 on the basketball court in the Baisley Park in Queens where he rhymed with his friends Cocheeks (also known as Mr. Cheeks), Freaky Tah, Dot-a-Rock, Spank G and Panama P.I.
[7][8] In an interview with Brian Coleman, Fredro Starr remembers:[3] In 1986, Fred started working at "Nu Tribe Barbershop" on Jamaica Avenue in Queens.
His younger cousin Kirk Jones (also known as Sticky Fingaz) joined him as a barber three years later after moving from Brooklyn to Queens.
At "Nu Tribe Barbershop" Fred had to cut local drug dealers from Supreme Team (gang), as well as celebrities such as Kool G Rap, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and others.
[9][10] In this barbershop Fred and Kirk made money until they heard on the radio their song "Throw Ya Gunz" in November 1992.
[16][17] Jay give them about two months to get a demo, but Suave and Big DS they didn't make it to the studio because they were stranded in Connecticut.
[18] So Jeff Harris, the manager of Onyx, asked Fredro to come to the studio with his cousin, Kirk Jones, who at the time was doing a solo career under the name Trop and working in the barbershop making a thousand dollars a week cutting high school.
In 2000, Fredro Starr signed a deal with Koch Records and released a mixtape "Firestarr" (Hosted & Mixed by DJ Clue) in the same year.
[37][38] During the year, Fredro Starr took part in the recording of albums by DJ Kay Slay — Accolades ("Rolling 110 Deep"),[39] Taiyamo Denku — Hip-Hop Or Death ("Follow My Lead" feat.
[42] On September 2, 2022, 100 Mad released on digital platforms a 6-track EP by rapper Phenam Presto, entirely produced by Fredro Starr.
[45] During the year, Fredro Starr took part in the recording of albums by Snowgoons — Renaissance Kings ("The 90’s Are Back Pt.
Fredro Starr (Produced by Snowgoons),[47] DJ Audas — 100 Mad Presents: Oros Tape, Vol.
However, by the end of the year, on November 17, 2023, 100 Mad released on digital platforms Fredro Starr's sixth studio album Legends Corner.
Featuring Harrd Luck, Ricky Bats, Inspectah Deck, N.B.S., LaQuan, Jody Larenz, SmooVth, Hus KingPin, Manolo Rose, Illa Ghee, Lord Nez, JD Era, Jiggidy, Mysonne, Jonny Vulgar, Zab Judah, Da Inphamus Amadeuz.
Fredro Starr, Rel Lyfe, Pop Burna, Smiley The Ghetto Child & Drew Wolf), Jay NiCE — Rise & Shine ("Los Angeles Times" feat.
Young Buck, 88 LO, Smooth B, King Malachi, Master Rob, Vita, Merkules, Nytro, Iron Sheikh, Bishop Lamont, Capitalist, Jade Diamonds, Sparky D & Fredro Starr).
[54] On June 28, 100 Mad released on digital platforms the UFO Fev's album Strapped, entirely produced by Fredro Starr.
[57] On January 10, 2025, 100 Mad released on digital platforms Fredro Starr's seventh studio album Soul.
[58] It featured a video for "Hood Jealousy", which follows Starr as he and his friends head to his neighborhood to smoke marijuana and rap while his girlfriend waits for him in the car.
[60][61] Encouraged by his manager, Jeff Harris, to try his hand at acting, Fredro Starr began reading for roles and was immediately selected to co-star in a television pilot called B Boys (1992).
Less than a year later, he landed his first role as Bamboo in Forest Whitaker's critically acclaimed HBO film Strapped, which earned him a CableACE Award nomination for "Best Supporting Actor".
In addition to starring in Sunset Park, Fredro co-wrote and performs the title track "Thangz Changed"[62] Other film credits include Ride, Light It Up, and Save the Last Dance.
Starr also filmed guest appearances on NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Blade: The Series (in which Sticky Fingaz starred in the title role), and Promised Land.
Fredro produced a documentary about his mentor, Jam Master Jay, entitled Two Turntables and a Microphone: The Life and Death of Jam Master Jay and served as Executive Consultant on the Sticky Fingaz-directed Lionsgate hip hop musical feature film, A Day In The Life, which he also stars in.
[65] Starr plays the lead in the independent feature-length film Diamond Ruff, which had its premiere in Hartford, Connecticut on November 1, 2013.
"[70] On September 18, 2012, Fredro Starr dropped a freestyle that was aimed at fellow pioneer New York City rapper DMX.