Star2 in San Diego has never been afraid of telling the type of truth that borders on the bone. He was born in the Thai-Myanmar border in the refugee camp called Mae La, where his parents were killed, and he made his way to a new life in the United States. It was in that suffering and endurance that arose a painter who makes memory a song–a verse of life a life of hardship a life of passion.

His most recent hit, Kokaine, with Eh La and Tae Tae, is emotionally charged. Mixed in English and Thai lyrics, the song embody the alcohol intoxicating nature of the love and destruction: the one that consumes as much as it binds. Star2 starts the song with a chilling confession – “I am addicted to your love like that Kokaine… and so on… – and this beat bursts into a rhythm of seduction and threat. The production is heavy-handed and hypnotic with bassline that is fat enough to feel in your chest. Each stanza reflects the instability of love that is obsession and the tension between the performers at the beginning and end is supported by the chemistry.

What gives “Kokaine” its edge is how personal it feels. There’s anger in the cadence, longing in the melody, and a clear sense that Star2’s music comes from lived experience rather than studio fabrication. His collaborations—with Soulja Boy, Mozzy, Lil Poppa, and Luh Kel, among others—have already proven his reach, but this record sharpens his purpose. It’s global, unapologetic, and deeply human.

Outside the song, the work of Star2 is also never-ending as his documentary Return to Kawthoolei: A Refugee Rapper Journey to His Home Country in Burma has received more than 30 awards at film festivals. He is with music and movies making an amplification of Ka-ren community stories, making hardship a source of pride and unity.

“Kokaine – Star2 ft. Eh La & Tae Tae (Official Visualizer)” was carefully curated for your audio enjoyment. We encourage you to leave a comment below letting us know what you think then head over and check out the FWTV section for more video features as well!

A great way to help support STAR2 on their continued journey is to SHARE and spread the word about the “Kokaine – Star2 ft. Eh La & Tae Tae (Official Visualizer)” project, and stay tuned for all of the other great works still yet to come.

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