Photo Credit: Aram K
Pioneering Thai refugee artist Star2 has just released his highly anticipated EP titled “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 Thailand’s 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.
Lonely Summer Nightz Tracklist:
- Here We Go (feat. Ler Mu Dex, Luh Kel)
- By My Side (feat. Ler Mu Dex)
- Summertime (feat. Ler Mu Dex)
- 12AM (feat. Ler Mu Dex)
- One Day (feat. Ler Mu Dex)
- Can’t Forget (feat. Ler Mu Dex)
- Miss You Much (feat. Ler Mu Dex, Young Henny)
- There 4 U (feat. Ler Mu Dex, Eh La)
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.
Star2:
Luh Kel:
Ler Mu Dex:
