summer Schedule

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.

Cornell Johnson AKA ZERO is a hip hop artist based out of Boise, Idaho. Influenced by artists such as Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Common and many other conscious artists, ZERO takes his artistry into a new dimension. He captures fans with real life stories told through his music, which resonates with a refreshingly real honesty.

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.

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 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 developed a love for music at a very early age, his mom was a gospel singer. Growing up in New York City he absorbed the sounds of the streets. He heard congos and bongos when visiting relatives in the South Bronx or friends in Spanish Harlem. In Little Italy he could hear Frank Sanatra singing from an open window. When he headed up to Harlem he was guaranteed to hear that Motown Sound. He remembers as a kid while in the studio waiting to take piano lessons, his teacher would have Bach and Beethoven playing in the wings. By the late 70’s early 80’s, he was immersed in a new culture that emerged from New York. The culture was Hip Hop and the sound was rap!

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 has been producing beats for seven years. He has taught others how to use the MPC drum machine (music production hardware) along with the art of sampling, for three years. He works at Rocky Mountain Audiovisual as an assistant Deejay for Soundwave Events. He has experience doing freestyling and encourages others to perform at Boise Hive’s ‘Hip Hop at the Hive.’