Sonny Bonoho: Working With International Artists, Bellevue Hip Hop Performer Ready for Breakthrough

If you asked Sonny Bonoho eight years ago where he lived, he would have hesitated to tell you. The hip hop artist lives in Bellevue, but when trying to break into the Northwest hip hop scene, he said Seattle is where it’s at. But today, he represents Bellevue on a national scale.

Bonoho has been on three national tours, including last fall’s Shootin’ for Stars Tour with Grammy Award nominated rapper B.o.B, promoting the artist’s debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.

This month Bonoho is focusing on his own album and will be shooting music videos for tracks from his latest EP, Phonephreak. He’s headed to Salt Lake City to work with Chris Le (aka C-Le), an independent music video director that has worked with the likes of R&B recording artist Rihanna and members of 365, Vietnam’s latest boy band.

His connection to the city of Bellevue runs deeper than simply his mailing address. Bonoho says key people such as the folks at Monsoon East Restaurant in Bellevue who sponsored his latest EP, and counselors at that believed in him at a time he didn’t believe in himself, have helped him achieve and conquer some of his biggest life obstacles. 

When Bonoho first got to Bellevue he was homeless and staying in his girlfriend’s car.  He had left his hometown of Tacoma to get away from influences that would have led him to a dark path and possibly jail. He knew he wanted to get some kind of education. He quit selling drugs on the street, and used the money to attend Bellevue Community College (now called Bellevue College).

“When I first stepped into the college, I just had a gut feeling that school where I wanted to be, not on the streets,” said Bonoho.

He graduated from the college with a 3.86 GPA and went on to be a major player in the Northwest’s grassroots hip hop scene, both on stage and at the community level, organizing events and promoting other artists.

“Event though I’ve been around for a long time, I’m just getting started,” said Bonoho, “I’m still learning about the industry, still hustling to get my album in the hands of new fans, and still learning how to be a businessman and develop as an artist at the same time.”

One adjustment he’s making this year is giving his music out for free. “Everyone’s doing it these days. It’s how you get people to give your music a chance,” he said. “After they listen, then they know what you’re all about.”

Often described as the “weird” rapper, Bonoho raps about a variety of topics, including his love for money, loyalty to his wife, making fun of himself, and being in the shadow of other artists. His debut album, Life of A Back-up Singer, spoke about accepting circumstances and longing for a piece of the pie.

This year, he’s on his way to getting his piece.

 You can download the Phonepreak EP here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/p6ry41