Star2’s newEPNo Place Like Home is his most personal project yet – rooted in Thailand, Burma (Kawthoolei), and the U.S. No Place Like Home is a global story told through a personal lens – connecting his Ka-ren heritage (Burma’s Kawthoolei), his Thai refugee upbringing, and his current base in Southern California.
The project’s focus single + video “Mamacita,” featuring Luh Kel and rising Ka-ren artist Luii Sodolo, is an infectious summer sun drenched anthem that’s as catchy as it is culturally rich – blending Latin vibes with smooth R&B and hip-hop heat. Watch all three artists charm their animated love interests in the colorful video by Josh the Artist
No Place Like Home EP:
“Mamacita” video:
Ka-ren:The Ka-ren people, an Indigenous ethnic group from Burma, have a rich cultural heritage rooted in resilience, tradition, and storytelling. Forced to flee decades of conflict and persecution, many have resettled as refugees in places like Thailand and the U.S
Star2 began his life in the Thai refugee camp he was forced to flee genocide from the Burmese army in Myanmar who attacked and burned his village to the ground, killing both of his parents in the middle of the night. A lottery in the camp brought him to San Diego with his grandmother and her four children, where he began a new life. Faced with overwhelming heartache and loss growing up, Star2 found his solace in music. His award-winning documentary Return to Kawthoolei: A Refugee Rapper’s Journey to His Homeland in Burma, follows Star2 as he returns to his homeland in Burma for the first time since he fled as a child, has earned over 33 Best Documentary/Short Film Awards in the 2024 film festival circuit.
Star2 has created a dynamic global sound of pop and hip hop while standing as a beacon for the Ka-ren music community, using his platform to elevate other Asian artists. His impressive collaborations include Soulja Boy, Mozzy, Lil Poppa, Luh Kel, HoodTrophy Bino, $tupid Young and Sprite. Star2’s new project spotlights his fellow Ka-ren brothers from the refugee camps – Chinatown Runner, Ler Mu Dex, Eh La, Tae Tae, Gee Kade, and M Bless.
Return to Kawthoolei: A Refugee Rapper’s Journey to His Homeland in Burma
33 Best Documentary/Short Film Awards
9 First; 3 Finalist; 4 Semi-Finalist; 3 Nominee; 14 Selected
Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival; Asian Film Festival, Hollywood and screenings in
Los Angeles, Pasadena, Sacramento, San Diego, Seattle, Atlanta, North Carolina, S. Korea, India, Malaysia,
Berlin, Madrid, Indonesia and Estonia