Following a massive 500K-video TikTok viral wave for “M.O.B.” and 1.2M YouTube views for “Never Again,” the San Diego-based Asian American hip hop trailblazer returns with his most personal and collaborative project yet
Asian American rapper and S2MG Records founder Star2 is back with his new album 20-Something (In Love). Anchored by the success of his viral hit “M.O.B.” and the melancholic visualizer for “Never Again,” which rocketed past 1.2 million views on YouTube, his new project is a definitive sonic statement on modern romance, vulnerability, and resilience.The album boasts an impressive lineup of genre-fluid collaborators, including long-time creative partner Young Henny, chinatown runner, Ler Mu Dex, Lil BK, and Seko. Together, this ensemble creates a rich sonic landscape that captures the chaotic emotional highs and lows of navigating love and ambitions in your twenties.“This album is for everyone trying to figure it out,” says Star2. “We brought together a family of artists to tell stories about late-night longing, heartbreak, and moving forward. It’s the most collaborative and honest work I’ve ever put out.”
Born in a Thai refugee camp before migrating to San Diego, Star2 has systematically built a loyal global following. 20-Something (In Love) marks a significant evolution in his artistry, seamlessly blending raw, melodic trap with West Coast R&B sensibilities.With a deep baseline catalog now featuring 5 albums, 4 EPs, and critical acclaim from hip hop tastemakers, Star2 continues to break boundaries for Asian American representation in mainstream music.
About Star2:
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. 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.
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About Young Henny:
Young Henny was born Mookpolosoe in the Nu Po refugee camp on the Thai-Burma border. His Karen family had fled the Burmese military, hiding in the jungle until they reached the camp. In 2008, at nine years old, he landed in Akron, Ohio, in the middle of winter, seeing snow and a city for the first time. He grew up on the city’s North Side, where he taught himself English by watching PBS Kids before school and dealt with bullying and hate that hit close to home. A local church gave him a way forward. He picked up guitar and drums there and was leading worship by 14. After losing his father, he moved to Denver to chase music. There he met Star2, Ler Mu Dex and Chinatown Runner, and Star2 later flew him to San Diego to start work on the new album 20-Something (In Love). Now a husband and father living in Minnesota, Henny puts all of it into his music: the struggle, the faith, and the love that got him through. His message is simple. No matter how many times you hit rock bottom, pick yourself up and keep going.
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