Hailing from the sunny streets of San Diego, Star2 is a fusion of East and West, blending pop and hip-hop in a unique Asian-American rhythm. His journey began in a Thai refugee camp, a narrative he leverages to motivate fellow Asian-American talents to embrace their artistry. Currently on a pilgrimage back to his birthplace, the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand, Star2 seeks to kindle a creative spark in aspiring Asian musicians.
His latest creation, “Lies,” is a haunting acoustic ballad that narrates the unraveling of a romance during the holiday season. The song is a poignant tapestry of sweet string melodies, resonant harmonies that linger like whispers, and Star2’s tender yet powerful vocal delivery. The lyrics, “Lie to me / That’s what you do to me / Do to me,” convey a profound sense of betrayal and lost love. Star2 admits his urge to cling to the good times and high points throughout his relationship, but eventually realizes that he would only be lying to himself. “Lies” is a brutally honest profile on the devastating damage that dishonesty can bring to a once pure connection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWdej4rUS0c
The accompanying music video for “Lies” is a visual poem, juxtaposing fond, early moments of a relationship with a stark, painful conclusion. It culminates in a scene where Star2’s on-screen partner discards their photo into the flames, symbolizing the destructive nature of deceit. In many ways, the visuals resemble a paradise lost. Star2 is captured proposing to his lover with a diamond ring, and before you know it, she’s ripping it off in disarray. The unfathomable ups and downs will give you whiplash. This track encapsulates the agony of heartbreak, underscored by raw sonics and a soul-exposing vocal performance.
“Lies” shows new levels of depth for Star2 as he explores his emotions as a vocalist. Laying his heart on the table and embracing vulnerability, “Lies” draws Star2’s deepest insecurities to the surface. Over dark, ethereal echoes that float like a feather and visceral strings that uncover buried emotions, Star2 finds his voice. “Lies” speaks to anyone who has been left heartbroken or disappointed by someone you thought could be your happy ending. As we reminisce during the holiday season, Star2 reminds us that on the other side of heartbreak, there is always hope. While “Lies” rummages through a painful array of memories, it also sparks new life for better relationships to come.
Star2’s collaborative journey includes names like Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso. He’s a versatile force across genres, securing his foothold as a rising influence in the Asian-American hip-hop scene while simultaneously preparing for the release of his upcoming pop project Shooting Stars. Currently visiting his birthplace at the Mae La refugee camp, Star2 is undeniably invested in the future of Asian music. After leaving the refugee camp at a young age, Star2 traveled to San Diego with his grandmother where he still is based today. “Lies” is his latest single which will be featured on his highly anticipated pop album Shooting Stars set for release in 2024.
San Diego based artist Star2 is a rising pop sensation whose infectious blend of musical styles and honest storytelling reflects his remarkable journey as a courageous, hopeful refugee from Thailand. Entitled “Lies”, Star2’s new single is the holiday break-up track you never knew you needed.
The third release from Star2’s upcoming pop album Shooting Stars, “Lies” is a brooding acoustic ballad that captures how quickly a dreamy idyllic romance can turn cold as ice in the wake of betrayal. “We’ve all been there,” reveals Star2, “It hurts so bad!” The holidays are not all sugar and spice – in reality, we paradoxically see a spike in breakups. Star2 reflects nostalgically on the memory of a love that seemed unbreakable, yet unraveled right before his own eyes. “Lies” enchants the listener with an array of saccharine strings, ethereal harmonies filled with longing, and Star2’s emotionally moving performance which echoes the song’s deeply poignant narrative.
The accompanying music video creates a striking juxtaposition, alternating between intimate moments of romance and dark, turbulent moments of heartache. Ultimately, “Lies” captures the devastating effects of deception on a relationship.
Star2 is currently in Thailand visiting the Mae La refugee camp where he was born. Some of his most meaningful collaborations in music have been with other Thai refugees including Chinatown Runner. Star2 has also collaborated among the likes of Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso. He’s received high acclaim from Ones to Watch, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, GQ, Earmilk, BET, Lyrical Lemonade, HotNewHipHop, and more.
“Stay hopeful; we breakup so that we are free to be with our real true love, waiting for us in the New Year.”
Star2 began his life in a Thai refugee camp where he was forced to flee genocide from the Burmese army in Myanmar who burned his village to the ground. A lottery in the camp brought him to San Diego with his grandmother and her four children, where he began a new life. Now, under the mentorship of esteemed producer Chico Bennett, his collaborations with acclaimed rappers include Soulja Boy, $tupid Young, Mozzy, MBNel, Luh Kel, Lil Poppa, HoodTrophy Bino, YSN Flow, and MarMar Oso to name a few. While not on tour, he documents his journey in the popular ‘Adventures of Star2’ series on YouTube. As an influential figure in Asian-American music, Star2 entwines heartfelt stories with captivating visuals, chronicling a tale of resilience and ascent. Esteemed platforms like Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, GQ, HotNewHipHop, Ones to Watch, BET, and Lyrical Lemonade, among others, have celebrated his contributions.
