PROJECTIVITY x R.H.Y.M.E x PS 18 STATEN ISLAND

 

R.H.Y.M.E at P.S. 18: Rhymes Help Young Minds Excel Through Hip-Hop and Mentorship

Presented by Projectivity and Thrive Collective

LISTEN TO “WE SHINE” HERE

This spring, something powerful took root at P.S. 18 in Staten Island: the fusion of hip-hop culture, creativity, and youth empowerment through the R.H.Y.M.E (Rhymes Help Young Minds Excel) program. A collaboration between Projectivity and Thrive Collective, R.H.Y.M.E gave elementary students a chance to discover their voice, build confidence, and learn life skills—all through the art of rap.

For 12 weeks, students met weekly with R.H.Y.M.E teaching artists and acclaimed recording artists Heesun Lee and Kei-Landa. What began as an introduction to rhyming and rhythm evolved into a hands-on experience in songwriting, performance, and music production.

Together, the students wrote and recorded an original track, channeling their thoughts, stories, and dreams into lyrics. They didn’t stop there—they also created a music video that brought their vision to life on screen.

But R.H.Y.M.E was about more than music. It became a space for students to grow in communication, collaboration, goal setting, and creative expression. Every rhyme penned and every beat dropped was part of a larger journey toward personal and artistic growth.

We’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to:

• Heesun Lee and Kei-Landa for their mentorship, talent, and inspiration.
• The incredible Projectivity team, especially Brandon, who mixed and mastered the track with expert care and Micky, the videographer who captured the energy and passion of the students and skillfully edited the final video.

Programs like R.H.Y.M.E show the incredible potential of combining education and the arts to uplift and empower the next generation. We’re proud to celebrate the creativity and courage of these young artists—and can’t wait to see where their voices take them next.

Stay tuned for the premiere of their music video—coming soon!