Star2 presents: Summertime
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
Star2Ā began his life inĀ theĀ Thai refugee campĀ Ā he wasĀ forcedĀ toĀ fleeĀ genocide from the Burmese army in Myanmar whoĀ attacked andĀ burned his village to the ground, killing both of his parents in the middle of the night.Ā A lottery in the camp brought him to San Diego with his grandmother and her four children, where he began a new life.Ā Faced with overwhelming heartache and loss growing up,Ā Star2Ā found his solace in music.Ā His award-winning documentaryĀ Return to Kawthoolei:Ā A Refugee Rapper's Journey to His Homeland in Burma,Ā followsĀ Star2Ā as he returns to his homeland in Burma for the first time since he fled as a child,Ā has earned overĀ 33 Best Documentary/Short Film AwardsĀ in the 2024 film festival circuit.
Star2Ā has created a dynamic global sound of pop and hip hop whileĀ standingĀ as a beacon for the Ka-ren music community, usingĀ hisĀ platform to elevate other Asian artists.Ā His impressive collaborations includeĀ Soulja Boy, Mozzy, Lil Poppa,Ā Luh Kel, HoodTrophy Bino, $tupid Young and Sprite.Ā Star2's new project spotlights his fellowĀ Ka-ren brothers from theĀ refugee campsĀ -Ā Chinatown Runner, Ler Mu Dex, Eh La, Tae Tae,Ā Gee Kade, and M Bless.
Summer Time - Third track on Star2 x Ler Mu Dex "Lonely Summer Nightz" EP Filmed by Gebar - Ordinary Visions in Dana Point, California.
"Summertime" is the focus track of Star2's new EP Lonely Summer Nightz.
This project spotlights the resilience and creativity of the Ka-ren refugee community, and features a powerful lineup of collaborators, blending voices and stories from across the globe. Star2 himself was born in Mae La refugee camp in Thailand and is on a mission to use his music to amplify voices from his community. In 2025, he traveled with fellow Ka-ren artist Ler Mu Dex to Thailand, where they brought food and treats to children living in Mae La and Mae Ra Moe refugee camps. For Ler Mu Dex, it marked the first time he had returned to the Mae Ra Moe camp in over 15 years - his brother still resides there. Ler Mu Dex is now one of the lead artists alongside Star2 who is on a trailblazing mission to promote talented Ka-ren artists from the US, Thailand, and Myanmar.
The EP also features contributions from Eh La, a Ka-ren rapper from Thailand born in the Mae La refugee camp, and Young Henny, a standout voice who hails from Thailandās NuPoe refugee camp. Adding further vibrancy to the project is Luh Kel, a celebrated US R&B artist who is a longtime collaborator of Star2 and an instrumental part of the mission, bringing not only his talent but ensuring that the project's ambitions resonate across cultures. Together, the artists weave narratives of love, struggle, triumph, and community into an EP that serves as both a reflection and a celebration of resilience.
