Two Rising Stars of Hip-Hop to Play for Free at Stanford on Sunday

Two of the biggest rising stars in hip-hop will descend upon Stanford’s campus this weekend for a free show, Stanford Blackfest. On Sunday, May 3, Samara Cyn and J.I.D. are set to rock the university’s outdoor amphitheater.

An annual showcase of top-tier talent combined with a family-reunion vibe, Stanford Blackfest dates back five decades. The event started as a social gathering for African American students, organized by the Black Community Services Center and the Black Student Union. Over the years it’s welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including Future, E-40, Kendrick Lamar and more. Last year, San Francisco’s Larry June brought a healthy dose of game to The Farm.

Cyn, a frequent collaborator with Oakland’s Ovrkast., has etched a large following over the past five years. The Los Angeles-based artist recently released Detour, a follow-up to her acclaimed 2024 album The Drive Home. Last year, she was named Billboard’s Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month, was included in the 2025 XXL Freshman class and performed on The Daily Show.

J.I.D. is a former college football player who found his passion in wordplay, and rose to lyrical prominence as a member of J. Cole’s Dreamville Records.

The Never Story and The Forever Story are highlights of his output, which includes some notable EPs and a wide range of features with Eminem, Imagine Dragons and more. A Grammy-nominated wordsmith and Billboard-charting artist, his claim to fame is arguably the “Surround Sound Challenge” (or “Ceiling Challenge”), a viral phenomenon of people dancing to his song “Surround Sound” as filmed from the ceiling.

Both Samara Cyn and J.I.D. are talented writers who can float melodically over beats, vocally harmonizing with heavy bass lines and mixing catchy hooks with clever wordplay. Given the talent on stage, attendees are advised to show up early and be prepared for a musical treat.

Stanford Blackfest 2026 takes place May 3, 2026, at Stanford’s Frost Amphitheater (351 Lasuen St., Stanford). Details and more information here.