Music Videos

@star2official Shares “Run Away” Visual

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2022

Weasel

Asian-American San Diego based artist Star2 just released his new visuals for “Run Away”.
Star2’s staggering new “conscious rap” release, documents the crushing social and environmental catastrophes that plague our world and consume us with alarm and despair, including the horrific invasion in Ukraine. Woven in his sobering retrospective is his personal sorrow and anguish growing up without a mother and father in a refugee camp in South East Asia – fleeing genocide and ethnic cleansing of his Ka-ren people by the brutal Burmese Army and Myanmar Military Regime.
The acoustic guitar song begins with a haunting arpeggiating guitar intro that flows into Star2’s almost spoken narrative about the world’s ills and his own hollow suffering, “we should appreciate things we have in life, appreciate your mama and papa…I’m one of those kids who grew up with no parents you see…it’s ok, it’ ok, it’s what I say to myself everyday…but deep down I ain’t feeling ok, I been puttin on a fake smile every day! I been putting on a fake smile.”

The song builds through the first verse and at the chorus carries to the arpeggiating guitar’s actualization, along with haunting, filtered vocals, and a sustained bass synth which support the song’s intense emotional refrain: “I just wanna go away, just wanna go away, I just wanna run away, got me thinkin, fuck the world … this place ain’t safe.”
Part religious testimony, part philosopher’s insight, Star2 directs us to consider what the rest of the world is facing and how they are suffering – also how people are in misery and anguish because of homelessness, poverty, violence, and war.
“…So mean, so unfair. People suffer every day, with these hurricanes and viruses. It’s all real shit, killing thousands of people every day. I pray to God to bless this place, to make this world a safer place…”

He delivers the chorus, retreating to an aching pain of wanting to “run away” and “fuck the world.”“Hella shit’s been going on! Killing, shooting, people dying…”
The video was filmed in an LED panel warehouse in Compton, California. A wet floor reflects the panoramic and mesmerizing images as well as a series of vintage tv sets Star2 views in a 1970s style living room watching in a peace symbol sweatshirt. Included are the Black Lives’ Matter protests, the desperate exodus from the Afghanistan airport, border patrol agents whipping Haitian refugees, tornado carnage in Kentucky, apocalyptic fires in California, homeless encampments, Burmese soldier atrocities, the Russian invasion in Ukraine, and the juxtaposition of the last views of stunning nature – birds, ocean, forests, mountains, what once was…
The visuals are instantly recognizable and bring sadness and even temporary numbness.Star2 reveals, “I wanted to write a song about the state of the world. I was in the studio recording during most of COVID and in LA during the Black Lives’ Matter protests. My family fled genocide, has experienced starvation and atrocities. My neighborhood in San Diego is a crossroads for refugees and the problems of poverty, homelessness, mental illness and addiction.” “The chorus poured out of me – at my lowest point, I literally want to run away – to a place of safety. Most of the suffering in the world is heartbreaking and so unfair!” The end of the video asks everyone to “Pray for peace in our world.” Star2 implores: “pray for my Ka-ren people who continue to experience genocide, for the Ukranian people, and for everyone suffering injustice – pray for peace.”

Music Videos

Multifaceted Artist and Professional Athlete Lu’, Shares New Afrobeat Vibes “Over”

Published

51 seconds ago

May 4, 2024

Weasel

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.

Music Videos

ChinaTownRunner x $tupid Young x Star2 Shares “FWM”

Published

4 days ago

May 1, 2024

Weasel

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.

Music Videos

Ann-Derie Releases “Maximum Capacity”

Published

2 weeks ago

April 23, 2024

Weasel

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!