By: Lexi Wolf
For Prince Hakim Bell, known professionally as DJ Prince Hakim, music isn’t just a profession — it’s a birthright. As 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 sound. Platinum records lined the walls, and the rhythm of studio sessions was the soundtrack of his childhood. Yet, instead of living in the shadow of his family’s legacy, Hakim uses it as fuel to create something uniquely his own — a vibrant mix of DJing, performance, and philanthropy.
“I’m here for music and to entertain people, uplift people,” Hakim said. “People ask what I do, and I tell them — I lift spirits and make people feel good.”
That mission has carried him to a busy and rewarding 2025. Hakim kicked off the year spinning at Good Morning America’s Super Bowl event and later closed out the Montclair Jazz Festival in New Jersey before a large crowd. This fall, he’s returning to the stage at the Only Make Believe Gala in New York City, where he’ll once again DJ the Broadway charity’s afterparty. “This is my third year with them,” he said. “I guess they like me — they keep calling me back!” This year’s gala honors Anna Wintour, with John Oliver hosting, and Hakim plans to keep the energy high with a set mixing Broadway favorites and timeless hits. “I’ll play some Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire, Abba, Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, the Temptations,” he said. “They’ve all been on Broadway, so it ties right in.”
Photo Courtesy: Prince Hakim Bell
When it comes to performing, Hakim’s instincts are finely tuned. “Every event requires a different vibe,” he said. “I go in with an idea, but I’m always ready to switch it up in the moment. Reading the crowd is everything.” That adaptability has made him a favorite at corporate and celebrity events alike — from galas and festivals to high-profile afterparties, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction for Kool & The Gang, where he DJed the afterparty hosted by Dave Chappelle.
In addition to his live performances, Hakim continues to release music that blends his family’s funk influences with his own contemporary style. His recent singles, including “She Bad” and “Flow,” have received attention across various platforms. “It’s got that smooth R&B vibe with a pop touch,” he said. “I love collaborating and experimenting with sounds that make people move.”
Hakim also co-produced the remix of Kool & The Gang’s classic hit “Fresh” for the Cool Summer EP, a Universal Records project celebrating the group’s music ahead of their upcoming greatest hits album, to be released in honor of his father’s 75th birthday. “When Universal called and asked me to remix one of my dad’s songs, I was honored,” he said. “We really remixed the heck out of it, and it’s doing great on Spotify.”
As an independent artist, Hakim acknowledges the challenges of the digital era. “It’s easier now because you can be your own label,” he explains. “But there’s so much traffic to cut through. Unless you get lucky on TikTok, it takes serious investment to get a song moving.” Still, his passion for music keeps him creating. “I get inspired just listening to other artists or even a drum pattern,” he said. “It makes me want to get in the studio and make something fresh.”
His dedication extends beyond music to philanthropy. Hakim helps lead the Kool Kids Foundation, founded by his late mother, to keep music alive in schools. Since relaunching in 2018, the organization has provided various instruments and support to school programs in New Jersey, with help from celebrity supporters like Chris Tucker, Ja Rule, and Kathy Sledge. “Music is usually the first program to get cut,” Hakim said. “But seeing those kids’ faces light up when they get their instruments — that’s how we give back.”
Upcoming highlights include the New York City Marathon afterparty in November — “I don’t know how these people run 26 miles and still want to party,” he joked.
Despite his packed calendar, Hakim remains focused on self-improvement. “I’m just working on being a better person than I was yesterday,” he said. “I’m tapping into my spiritual side, eating healthy, going to the gym — because health is wealth.”
For someone who’s been immersed in music his entire life, Hakim remains energized by the challenge of staying current while honoring his roots. “You really have to know music,” he said. “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 what’s new — without losing what makes me me.”
It’s that balance — reverence for legacy, drive for innovation — that keeps DJ Prince Hakim’s career pulsing forward. Whether he’s remixing a classic, spinning at a star-studded gala, or dropping the next viral track, one thing is sure: he’s keeping the beat alive and the dance floor full.
Visit DJ Prince Hakim’s official website.
