By: Jeremy Murphy
For Prince Hakim Bell — known professionally as DJ Prince Hakim — music is more than a career. It’s in his DNA. The son of Robert “Kool” Bell, co-founder and bassist of Kool & The Gang, and the nephew of the late Ronald Bell, the group’s co-founder, songwriter, and producer, Hakim grew up surrounded by platinum records, sold-out tours, and the hum of studio sessions. But while his family’s legacy could have been a heavy shadow, Hakim has turned it into a source of inspiration — one he’s determined to honor while carving his own path as a performer, DJ, and philanthropist.
“I’m here for music and to entertain people, uplift people,” Hakim says. “People ask what I do, and I tell them — I lift spirits and make people feel good.”
That spirit is front and center in his latest single, She Bad, a track he describes as a celebration of women. “We always try to write to empower women because we come from women,” he says. “If you’re doing your thing, making power moves, looking good, taking care of yourself—you could say she’s bad. You want to do anything for her.” The song’s playful title line was sparked during a writing session when Janet Jackson appeared on screen and was described as “bad” — a compliment that stuck. “It’s about all women just doing their thing,” Hakim adds.
Much of his early musical education came from summers spent on the road with Kool & The Gang, watching from the wings as the group played to massive crowds. “Subconsciously, I realized that I was learning everything right there,” he recalls. “It just became a sponge.” Time in his uncle’s home studio deepened his understanding of songwriting and production. Eventually, he found his own performance voice — not only as a recording artist but also as a DJ.
For Hakim, the two roles are different but equally rewarding. “When I’m DJing, I’m behind a booth, entertaining from there, keeping the party going for a few hours,” he explains. “Performing, I get to grab the mic and run around on stage and really get in front of the people. I love both.”
That versatility has brought him to high-profile stages, including Good Morning America, The View (where he spun for Whoopi Goldberg’s birthday), Art Basel in Miami, and private gigs for corporate clients.
When it comes to reading a crowd, Hakim says preparation and adaptability are key. He recalls arriving at one event only to find the entire company was Spanish-speaking— a detail no one had mentioned. “I’m playing all this music, no one’s dancing,” he says. “Finally, someone told me, so I put on a Spanish song, and they ran onto the floor. You just never know what you’re walking into.”
Hakim’s sense of purpose extends beyond the stage. He is deeply involved in the Kool Kids Foundation, which was founded by his late mother to keep music alive in schools. After her passing in 2018, Hakim and his family revived the foundation to honor her vision. “We want to keep music alive in schools. We do that by having fundraisers throughout the year — celebrity golf outings, events — and we give back to the community,” he says.
In just six years, the foundation has distributed a significant amount of instruments, uniforms, and other support to school programs, primarily in New Jersey. Celebrity supporters have included Chris Tucker, Ja Rule, members of Run-DMC, and Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge. The mission, Hakim notes, is increasingly urgent. “The music program is usually the first to be cut,” he says. “It’s unfortunate. But to see the kids’ faces light up when we give them these instruments — that’s the way we can give back to God and the universe blessing us.”
Balancing gigs, recording projects, and philanthropic work keeps Hakim’s schedule packed. This year alone, he’s slated to DJ the Only Make Believe fundraiser on Broadway and the Montclair Jazz Festival, in addition to regular private and corporate events, which he performs about four times a month.
Though his music often centers on celebration and empowerment, Hakim hints that future projects may take on more reflective tones. “My next project will be more inspirational, maybe, because there’s a lot of stuff going on in the world,” he says. For now, though, he’s content to keep crowds moving — and spirits high — whether through a perfectly timed track transition in the DJ booth or an onstage performance.
For someone who’s been immersed in music his entire life, Hakim remains energized by the challenge of staying current while staying true to his roots. “You really have to know music,” he says. “I’ve been listening to it my whole life, so it’s programmed in me. The thing I have to do is keep up with the new music coming out.”
And while the industry has changed dramatically since Kool & The Gang first topped the charts, Hakim sees both advantages and challenges in the digital age. “It’s easier now because you can be your own record label,” he says. “But anyone can do it. There’s a lot of traffic you’ve got to cut through. Unless you get noticed on TikTok, you may need some money to get your record moving.”
Success, however, seems less a factor of luck in Hakim’s career than endurance, adaptability, and a genuine love for what he does. Whether he’s honoring his family’s storied legacy or building his own, one thing is clear: DJ Prince Hakim is determined to keep the music playing—and the dance floor full.
