R.H.Y.M.E x RSA East Harlem

R.H.Y.M.E x RSA

Over the course of 12 weeks, students at Renaissance School of the Arts (RSA) in Harlem participated in the R.H.Y.M.E. (Rhymes Help Young Minds Excel) program—an initiative by Thrive Collective that uses hip hop to teach essential “Mic Skills & Life Skills.” Led by teaching artists Cellus Hamilton and JSWISS, the program empowered middle school students to explore the intersection of creativity, culture, and character development.

Meeting every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, students were guided through an engaging curriculum that cultivated their writing, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. Through hands-on lessons in songwriting and music production, they learned how to count beats, identify rhyme schemes, understand time signatures, and develop original lyrics. They also received a foundational education in music theory and the history of hip hop, giving them a deeper appreciation for the art form and the creative process behind many of their favorite songs and music videos.

As the weeks progressed, students grew from being passive listeners of music into active creators, capable of telling their own stories through rhyme. The program culminated in a fully student-produced hip hop song and music video—complete with original lyrics, a storyline, scene direction, and album artwork conceptualized entirely by the students.

While attendance fluctuated week to week, averaging between 7 and 30 students depending on the school schedule, the growth was undeniable. Students who were once hesitant became deeply invested, proud, and protective of what they had created. By the program’s end, they not only had a tangible product to show for their efforts but had also developed confidence, ownership, and a new understanding of their creative voice.

The R.H.Y.M.E. program at RSA proved once again that hip hop is more than music—it’s a tool for education, empowerment, and excellence.

Special thanks to Cellus Hamilton & JSWISS for leading the program and Eric Mason for shooting and editing the music video.

Special thanks to NYC Council woman Diana Ayala for continued support and partnership.