A$AP Rocky Teaches Harlem Kids About Rap Music: 'It's Cool as S---'

The rapper appeared on 'Celebrity Substitute' to educate students about the influential genre.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:47pm

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A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, visited a school in his native Harlem neighborhood of New York City to teach kids about rap music on the latest episode of 'Celebrity Substitute.' The 37-year-old rapper explained why he thinks it's important for children to learn about the influential genre, saying 'it's not only one of the most popular, influential cultural genres, but it's also just cool as s---.' During the lesson, Rocky planned to teach the students how to format a rap song, including subject matter and arithmetic.

Why it matters

Rap music has become one of the most popular and influential genres, particularly among younger generations. By educating children about the history and elements of rap, A$AP Rocky aims to expose them to an important part of music and culture, especially in the Harlem community where he grew up.

The details

A$AP Rocky, also known as Mr. Mayers, appeared on the latest episode of 'Celebrity Substitute' to teach a class of students in Harlem about rap music. The 37-year-old rapper, who has been a professional musician for 15 years, said he was excited to 'tap in with the youth' in the neighborhood where he grew up. Rocky planned to teach the students how to format a rap song, including subject matter and arithmetic, as he believes 'it's numbers, the way you count music.' The rapper, who shares three children with Rihanna, said he hopes the kids will like him, though he admitted he might be a 'strict teacher.'

  • A$AP Rocky appeared on the latest episode of 'Celebrity Substitute'.

The players

A$AP Rocky

Also known as Rakim Mayers, the 37-year-old rapper who grew up in Harlem, New York City. He has been a professional musician for about 15 years.

Julian Shapiro-Barnum

The host of 'Celebrity Substitute' who interviewed A$AP Rocky before his lesson with the Harlem students.

Rihanna

The singer and A$AP Rocky's partner, with whom he shares three children. The couple is introducing diverse music genres to their kids.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to be teaching rap today, boys and girls”

— A$AP Rocky (Celebrity Substitute)

“I hope that the kids like me 'cause, you know, I was told that I was a strict big brother, strict uncle. So, I might be a strict teacher”

— A$AP Rocky (Celebrity Substitute)

“Because it's not only one of the most popular, influential cultural genres, but it's also just cool as s---”

— A$AP Rocky (Celebrity Substitute)

What’s next

A$AP Rocky plans to continue his role as a substitute teacher, teaching kids about rap music and its importance.

The takeaway

By educating children about the history and elements of rap music, A$AP Rocky aims to expose them to an influential part of music and culture, especially in the Harlem community where he grew up. His efforts to introduce diverse genres of music to the next generation demonstrate his commitment to sharing his passion for music with young people.