2025 RAP
summer Schedule
July 21 Monday
- Welcome
- Daily Drum Circle
- Artist performance
-
Writing Lyrics
July 22 Tuesday
- Equipment & Industry LingoÂ
- Lyrics Part 2
- Introduction to Song Structure
-
Different Ways to Make Beats
- History of Rap & Hip Hop
July 23 Wednesday
-
Microphone Technique
-
Stage Presence
-
Marketing
- Put your lyrics to a beatÂ
- Music Business / Booking
July 24 Thursday
- Continue working on songs
-
Artist to be announced
July 25 Friday
- Finalize your song(s)
- Practice all songs on Boise Hive stage
-
Off Site Concert
- Evaluation of workshops
july 26 Saturday 6-9pm
- Network with each others’ friends and family and Boise Hive staff
-
Perform at showcase – free and open to the public
workshop Location
Boise Hive
3907 Custer Dr, Boise, ID 83705
Axiom Tha wyze
Jordan yocum aka axiom tha wyze
hip hop education director

Having opened up and played with an extensive list of iconic rappers and artists such as Freddie Gibbs, Tech N9ne (5x), Mobb Deep, Kay Flay, Brother Ali, Living Legends, Aesop Rock, Grieves, Mega Ran, Afroman, Lil Wayne, Gift of Gab and many more, the energy he brings to his performance is truly a special experience. Axiom has toured around the country spreading a positive message about Hip Hop, equality and the power of music.



Andy O
Andrew Heikkila aka Andy O
Lead Producer DJ

Andy O., born and raised in Boise, Idaho, is a multifaceted hip-hop artist, DJ, and community-minded performer whose work is deeply rooted in his hometown experiences. Since launching his music career in 2013, Andy has been a dynamic force in the Northwest hip-hop scene, known for his introspective lyrics and energetic performances.
Whether performing solo or as part of the Boise-based hip-hop collective The Earthlings, Andy brings a raw, reflective energy to the stage that’s earned him a spot alongside artists like Freddie Gibbs, Tech N9ne, Mobb Deep, and Aesop Rock. His creative output—ranging from solo projects to collaborations like The Nosferatwo—blends personal storytelling with a deep respect for the craft.
Andy joins the Rap America Project with a passion for community and a commitment to using hip-hop as a tool for connection and self-expression.



Zero
Cornell Johnson AKA Zero
Youth Mentor & Lyricist

Having grown up in a foster home, he started a career as a Youth Advocate with Boise Parks and Recreation in 2012. As the years passed, he became more immersed in his community and helped in any way that he could. Recently, he joined forces with Idaho Fine Arts Academy, aiding them with their music recital as well as performing with them.
Cornell aims to inspire youth, especially by helping with achieving self-love and self-discipline within themselves.



b-love
Benevolence AKA B-Love
Lyricist & Vocal Coach

Benevolence (a.k.a. B-love) is a musical artist whose work seeks to foster connection through the shared human experience, believing that music is a universal language that can bring more love into the world. A singer and songwriter from the start, she began singing as soon as she could speak, teaching herself by listening to music and breaking down melodies by ear. She started writing and recording her own songs before collaborating with local Hip Hop artists in the Treasure Valley on album projects. Benevolence has also been featured on songs nationally and internationally. Currently, she is working on a solo album that will include collaborations with local artists.
Born in Boise and raised in the small town of Fruitland, Benevolence began taking private singing lessons at age 12, later joining choirs, jazz choirs, and women’s choirs while competing in national competitions. Her musical influences are diverse, ranging from classic jazz, rock, and pop to R&B and gospel. Notable artists who have shaped her sound include Billie Holiday, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Led Zeppelin, Pharrell Williams, and André 3000.
In addition to performing, Benevolence is passionate about teaching, offering a personalized approach to help others reach their vocal and songwriting goals. She is committed to helping grow the Boise/Idaho music scene by connecting artists and encouraging the next generation of musicians.



Brenda
Francis
Brenda Francis
Project Director

Brenda Francis has been with the nonprofit Boise Hive since 2016, where she serves as the audio educator. In 2005, she founded Modesto Sound, a nonprofit focused on teens, music, and job training, after earning a Bachelor’s in Art & Entertainment Management and an MBA. She remains on Modesto Sound’s Board of Directors while teaching audio technology classes in Idaho.
Brenda’s career includes roles as an Audio Engineer (recording over 550 artists), Treasurer at the Modesto Symphony, Manager at the Brubeck Jazz Music Camp, and Audio Technology Professor at University of the Pacific. In 2020, she launched Creative Culture Beats, a podcast and performance showcase that supports artists by paying them to perform original music.

Rick
Oliver
Rick Oliver
Producer

In 2000, Rick moved to Boise, Idaho and opened Rix Entertainment Group LLC. He is respected by local artists, producers, promoters and music industry professionals. He has coached artists through the creative process in Idaho, resulting in award-winning songs and performances.


Hunter
WalgamoTT
Hunter Walgamott
Composer & Beatmaker


hip hop
Rap America Project
Summer workshops
Ages 13+
The Rap America Project had a summer day camp for high school and college students in 2024. A similar experience is planned for Summer 2025 with some changes: (1) ages 13 and up will be invited, and (2) there will be daytime workshops and evening workshops too!
Participants learn aspects of producing rap and hip-hop music from beat making, lyric and songwriting, to performance. Workshop leaders include producing, writing, marketing, and performing professionals. These workshops conclude with a free public performance by the participants. Rap America Project is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Boise.
Watch our video below to see our 2024 Video Experience!