2hollis – A Captivating Journey Through Fame's Hollow Hedonism in 'Star'

Dive into the exhilarating world of 2hollis as he unveils 'Star,' his first release under Polydor/Interscope, exploring the highs and lows of modern fame.

An Introduction to 2hollis

In February, 2hollis stirred up quite the commotion on YouTube with the release of the music video for ‘Style.’ The 21-year-old singer-producer—who dabbles in rapping—captured attention with his strikingly lean frame and a captivating visual style. The hype was largely fueled by lyrics that embody the essence of it-boy fame: “Hot boys, everybody wanna be us.” However, this song doesn’t make it onto the tracklist of ‘Star,’ his fourth studio album, but it effectively sets the stage for what’s to come.

Cult Following and Evolving Sound

Over three previous albums, 2hollis, born Hollis Frazier-Herndon in Chicago, has cultivated a fervent fan base. His unique blend of blown-out, post-rage electronic pop-rap has fans flocking to his shows, with tickets selling out from London to Shanghai within moments. The emotional depth of his last album, 2024’s ‘Boy,’ garnered critical acclaim, but ‘Star’ introduces an enigmatic distance, as he asserts, “You’re now witness to something great” during the album's introduction.

Production Magic Behind 'Star'

‘Star’ sees 2hollis taking the reins as the executive producer and primary songwriter, although the talents of Playboi Carti producer Jonah Abraham also make their mark on several tracks. This album is his most cinematic effort to date, with a clean and expansive sound design that puts his distinct speak-sing style front and center. The art of sampling shines through, incorporating sounds like the gentle pitter-patter of rain and the exhilarating vrooooom of race cars, creating a captivating auditory landscape.

The Emotional Journey of 'Star'

The polished production lends an air of sophistication, thrusting listeners into a universe that mirrors the cold, hedonistic nature of its subject. For instance, ‘Tell Me’ is fraught with paranoia; 2hollis shifts from a laid-back bravado to urgent pleas, asking, “Just tell me, are they looking at me?” The track ‘Girl’ stands out with its seductive vibe, featuring tolling church bells as he sings, “You’re my girl, you’re my girl, c’mere / Necklace pearl, whisper slow, in your ear.”

Balancing Seriousness with Playfulness

While some longtime fans might crave the frenetic energy of tracks like 2023’s ‘Jeans’ or ‘Trauma’ from 2024, ‘Star’ still dazzles with explosive production and mind-bending drops, all wrapped in a playful theatricality. 2hollis showcases his acting chops through some theatrical outros; for example, at the end of ‘Burn,’ he exclaims, “I’ve never said goodbye, and I hate my own medicine,” while the sounds of giggling girls and a roaring tiger echo in the background.

Exploring Themes of Fame and Isolation

In the stripped-down track ‘Cope,’ he delivers the line “We could be heroes” with a detached audacity, intertwining it with feelings of resentment and a playful string of car metaphors. An intriguing revelation occurs when what appears to be a nod to Bowie turns out to also sample Alesso and Tove Lo’s catchy EDM hit ‘Heroes (we could be).’

Personal Reflection in 'Star'

As we peel back the layers, 2hollis offers a glimpse into his personal struggles in ‘Eldest Child,’ reflecting on the isolation that fame brings, the expectations of being the eldest child, and the pride of making his parents proud. The album closes with ‘Safe,’ where skyward synths punctuate emotional pleas for genuine love and companionship with lyrics like, “Kissing all your makeup off… Come and take your mask off me.” This track signals a heartfelt return to the themes of ‘Boy,’ showcasing a boy with his arms wide open, embracing an infinite ocean of possibilities. After all the glitz and glam, 2hollis’ apparent resurgence feels genuinely earned.

Album Details

• Record Label: Polydor/Interscope
• Release Date: April 4, 2025

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘Star’ is a remarkable album that delivers a thrilling exploration of fame’s hollow hedonism, while maintaining a balance of emotional depth and playful artistry. What are your thoughts on 2hollis’ evolution as an artist?

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What genre does 2hollis primarily create? 2hollis predominantly blends electronic-pop and rap, creating a unique sound that resonates with his audience.
• What themes are explored in the album 'Star'? The album delves into the complexities of fame, identity, and emotional vulnerability, capturing the highs and lows of fame and personal reflection.
• Who produced the album 'Star'? 2hollis served as the executive producer, with contributions from Playboi Carti producer Jonah Abraham.
• When was 'Star' released? The album was released on April 4, 2025, marking a significant milestone in 2hollis' career.
• What is the standout track on 'Star'? While opinions may vary, many listeners highlight ‘Girl’ and ‘Tell Me’ as standout tracks due to their emotional resonance and production quality.

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