In this new entry in our ‘Diamonds In The Rough’ category, we would like to introduce you to upcoming artist Star2 and his brand new single titled “By My Side” featuring LerMuDex.
Rising hip-hop artist Star2 is no stranger to turning pain into power, and with his latest single “By My Side” featuring Ler Mu Dex, he adds another compelling chapter to his remarkable story. More than just a track, “By My Side” is a deeply personal ode to resilience, loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared struggle — a message amplified by the real-life journeys of both artists.
Born in refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border — Star2 in Mae La, Ler Mu Dex in Mae Ra Moe — the two rappers grew up as survivors of conflict and displacement. Now rising voices in hip-hop, they returned to their roots in 2025, bringing joy, food, and hope to children in those same camps. For Ler Mu Dex, it marked an emotional first return to Mae Ra Moe in over 15 years, reuniting with the brother he hadn’t seen since childhood.
“By My Side” captures the weight of that shared history. Smooth yet sharp, tender yet full of grit, the track finds Star2 and Ler Mu Dex in perfect harmony — blending melodic hooks and razor-edged verses with unapologetic authenticity. It’s a love letter to the people who never leave, even when everything else falls away.
The accompanying music video, shot in Thailand, offers a nostalgic, sun-drenched lens into that world. With scenes evoking warm afternoons, village landscapes, and intimate moments, the visuals echo the emotional layers of the song — grounded in culture, memory, and quiet strength.
Star2 continues to blaze a trail in the Asian-American music scene. From humble beginnings as a refugee fleeing the Burmese army’s genocide, he’s now racked up millions of streams and co-signs from some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Soulja Boy, Mozzy, Luh Kel, $tupid Young, and more. Mentored by Grammy-winning producer Chico Bennett, his sound fuses raw storytelling with cinematic production, reflected in editorial features from GQ, BET, Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam, and Lyrical Lemonade.
Ler Mu Dex, a powerful new voice in his own right, brings heartfelt passion to every line — a voice shaped by years of silence, now roaring into the future. Together, he and Star2 deliver a collaboration that’s not only musically rich but soul-deep.
“By My Side” isn’t just a song — it’s a promise. That no matter how far you’ve come, the people who stood by you will always matter most.
Listen and watch below:
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