Music Videos
@Star2Official & Lil Poppa Share “Real Life”
Entitled “Real Life” the song is Star2’s next hit with Jacksonville, Florida’s Lil Poppa. A child of a refugee camp, Star2 and Lil Poppa bond through their experiences growing up in inner city poverty – Lil Poppa in Florida and Star2 in San Diego, California, they both sing “I live in a place where you hear sirens all the time” throughout the song.
The urban rhythmic elements of the song are presented in an overlay of classical piano and a rush of strings that bring sorrow, angst, and despair. The haunting ballad is accomplished by an A-flat major chord progression with a B-major melody across it along with rich layers from drums, bass, and a trap drum beat. The despair is highlighted by distorted 808’s and trap drums – creating the feeling of desperation and deprivation along the backdrop of violence in the refugee camp as well as the urban hood.
The video begins with Star2 rolling his desert ATV and scrambling to the top of it sharing “you will never understand the pain that I’m feeling inside, I’ve done seen a lot of shit, shit you probably don’t even want to see in real life.” The video is set in the desert with the backdrop of a plane crash, the cockpit and fuselage at opposite ends. Star2’s lyrics tell us “I grew up in the jungle” and “if it weren’t for the music, I wouldn’t be here today.” He also remembers that to help support his grandma, who brought him from the refugee camp, “gotta hustle on the block…I was just too young, I was just a kid.”
The video ends with a beautiful rush of purple and pink smoke bombs. According to Star2: “making the video with Lil Poppa was a rush. We acted as our own stunt men and had a blast racing in the desert. Lil Poppa is humble, not flashy but able to tell an emotional story about his struggle. I respect his unique flow and vocals. He’s been through the same struggles as me but in a different way. He is one of my favorite artists and underrated.”
See here!
Lu’ (@ottawasveryown) is back with another one! He has been shaking things up in the music scene since his ground-breaking debut “FEVA,” released earlier in February this year. Now, he returns with another highly-anticipated single, “Over,” out now. This offering is accompanied with a music video & solidifies Lu’s mark in the music game with his captivating storytelling and infectious sound.
“Over” is another compelling feel good single that highlights Lu’s artistic identity and capability. “Over evokes pure enjoyment and immaculate summer vibes,” he says. He invites listeners into an irresistible musical experience through the Afrobeats sound. Drawing inspiration from English and French-speaking artists, as well as Congolese artists, he sets himself apart from the industry as a multilingual artist. The accompanying music video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria and offers a setting of African greatness, luxury, and an overall great time.
Originally hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and now making waves in Phoenix, Arizona, Lu’ is a renowned Arizona Cardinals linebacker who made his musical debut earlier this year with his debut single, “FEVA.” Fighting the notion of “shut up and dribble,” Lu’ has shown that he’s far more multifaceted than just an average athlete. He shares, “The narrative of ‘shut up and dribble’ is one I’ve fought internally for a very long time. I want my audience to grasp how passionate I am about chasing my wildest dreams. You can’t let another person tell you, your dreams are too far unattainable.” Lu’ has been able to perfectly parallel his passion and dedication of being a talented athlete as well as a talented artist.
It’s worth noting that Lu’ is a definite powerhouse to keep an eye on as he continues to break barriers in both sports and music. His transition from sports to music is a prominent testament to him embracing his versatility, following his dreams, and reaching new heights. The unfolding musical journey of this rising Canadian artist is a must see.
Watch the video for “Over” HERE.
Stream “Over” HERE.
Asian-American rappers Star2, ChinaTownRunner, and $tupid Young release the new single / video entitled “FWM”. The single precedes Star2 and ChinaTownRunner’s upcoming EP and sets the bar high with haunting cavernous beats and dark melodic flow.
Each of them affirm that they are “about money” in their separate verses and all ask listeners to “come and F*** With Me.” The music video for “FWM” captures Star2, ChinaTownRunner, and $tupid Young in a graffiti-stroked garage full of sports cars and women. Leaning into the sheer magnitude of the track itself, the visuals for “FWM” zero in on each rapper for an intense performance.
Star2 and ChinaTownRunner are preparing to embark on a summer tour with $tupid Young set to appear at multiple dates. Additionally, Star2 and ChinaTownRunner will perform on July 6th in support of the annual Ka-ren Soccer Tournament and Concert in South Dakota.
Star2 is a refugee artist from the Mae La refugee camp in Thailand. Star2’s documentary, RETURN TO KAWTHOOLEI: A Refugee Rapper’s Journey to His Homeland in Burma will be screened at the New Media Film Festival in LA on June 6th. So far, the documentary has been awarded with “Best Short Documentary” at the Malaysian Film Festival, “Best Documentary” at the Busan New Wave Short Film Festival in S. Korea, “Best Web and Media” at the IndieX Film Fest in LA, and “Exceptional Merit in Docu-drama Short & Human Spirit” at the Documentaries Without Borders Film Festival. Star2 returns to Thailand in May for his second trip.
Hollywood, Florida native Ann-Derie presents the official video for “Maximum Capacity”, the new single from I Am Only Human, her forthcoming album which also spawned “Just Us”, produced by Alvin Speights (R.I.P.), the engineer behind tracks for India Arie, TLC, Keith Sweat and many more. Shot in New York City, the “Maximum Capacity” clip comes on the heels of Ann-Derie’s tour of the East Coast (watch her interview with 99JAMZ). “Maximum Capacity” is out now on Dxnna Music Group.
Check it out!
Multifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”
Highlighting Earn Your Masters Open Call Winner + Performer
ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”
Big Lotion Drops “Green A Go”
Rising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th
Rising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th
Highlighting Earn Your Masters Open Call Winner + Performer
ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”
Big Lotion Drops “Green A Go”
Multifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”
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Editorials6 days agoRising Rap Star KP Skywalka Set To Release Highly Anticipated Sequel to ‘Granny’s House’ On May 10th
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Uncategorized5 days agoHighlighting Earn Your Masters Open Call Winner + Performer
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Music Videos6 days agoChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”
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Audio6 days agoBig Lotion Drops “Green A Go”
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Music Videos2 days agoMultifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”