LEXINGTON, Ky. — Heavenleigh “Star Bookie” Hymon is a young anti-gun violence rapper and inspiring performer out of Lexington. She’ll soon be taking the stage at the Big Apple’s Apollo Theater.

What You Need To Know

  • Heaven Leigh “Star Bookie” Hymon is a young inspirational artist from Lexington

  • Star Bookie is gearing up for a trip to the Apollo Theater in New York

  • The young rapper speaks about anti-gun-violence, positive self-image and happiness

  • Star Bookie has performed across Kentucky

Her dad, Rico Hymon, says since Heavenleigh was 4 years old, she has been by his side learning how to perfect the art of performing. 

“I always used to just take her to the studio and hold her up by the microphone and she didn’t even know. She just liked the air phones and liked to be in there with me,” Rico Hymon said. “I guess it was like genes or something.”

Star Bookie is recognized around Lexington and beyond as an inspirational young rapper. She’s also known for her song “Put the Guns Down,” which started after her father experienced a loss resulting from gun violence—something that’s been felt by many across Lexington. 

“I see a lot of stuff around like people getting shot and like, my dad‘s family members, they got shot and stuff and it made me sad,” Heavenleigh said. “And my dad just said, let’s write a song about putting the guns down.”

In 2022, Lexington reported over 30 homicides related to gun violence. 

Artists like Richard Thomas are supporting the young performers’ agenda to spread wisdom and happiness across the bluegrass and soon, the country. 

“Try to be more involved in our community — and be more leaders and show that you can go in the right direction instead of going the wrong path. I think everything would be [better],.” Thomas said. “I think Star Bookie is an excellent example of leadership and she’s got what it takes to lead the next generation toward a better future.”

It’s why she’s taking her message to national platforms like the Apollo Theater in New York. The historic stage has hosted future African American stars, celebrities and newcomers since 1934. It’s where she hopes to experience for herself and to spread her message further. 

“Since it’s like almost all in Kentucky, I feel like maybe if I go in at the Apollo, it will reach out to more places in the world,” she said. 

Before her big trip, she and her team of supporters are making several special stops across central Kentucky. They plan to extend the work, support and connections where it first began. 

“I think that maybe I’m going to wear some like clothes that say Kentucky on it or something just because I want to keep the Kentucky like, that’s where I first like was really big at and like first like I was born here and stuff like that so I just wanna show homage to Kentucky and how much like they’ve helped me and stuff like that get to where I am right now.” 

Now, with two performances in two different cities under her belt, Star Bookie says the work has just begun. The young performer will take on the legendary stage this May.