The Hip Hop Workshop
The Hip Hop Workshop, in partnership with the non-profit organizations OC Rescue Mission, Aspire Creative Arts Program, and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Anaheim-Cypress, introduced students of all ages to the beauty of hip hop poetry: the words, rhythms, and rhyming structure. During the two week interactive workshop, students were introduced to guest hip hop artists and poets, will studied works ranging from Pulitzer Prize winning Kendrick Lamar to Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss, and wrote and rapped their own lyrics to a beat. At the end of the summer workshops, there was an open performance of the students' creations.

The Hip Hop Workshop's Partners:

Please click the images to find out more about our partnerships!
“It meant more than you know to hear each student's individual song. I know how hard it is to personalize things within a group setting and you really did your best to make sure that each student had the opportunity for their voice to be heard. It was great to watch you encouraging the students and seeing some of them really open up. One of the things I love about working with our students is how the smallest things are actually a really big deal - on the outside it might look like a student is just repeating a phrase after you, but on the inside it is a huge leap for someone who might be self-conscious about speaking or uncomfortable in groups. Thank you for your dedication to creating something special for our students.”
​- Kirstie Gallacher-Ang, Music Therapist and Teacher

THE HIP HOP WORKSHOP TEAM:

WORKSHOP FOUNDER & TEAM LEADER
​My name is Nathan Solomon.
I’m a graduate of Laguna Beach High School
​ and will be attending Tufts University this fall. 
Outside of the classroom,
I devote my time to swimming, photography, and music. 
​I am passionate about giving equal educational opportunities 
to underprivileged communities. 
I believe that education is the best gift to give.
WORKSHOP FOUNDER & TEAM LEADER
My name is James Koga. 
“A healthy mind in a healthy body” is my mantra.
A University High School senior, 
I’m just a boy with a sense of humor. 
Scholar, cellist, swimmer,
I'm also a history lover and an advocate for a fusion energy future; 
As a wanna-be rap producer, lyric making is my passion, 
my truest form of self expression.
Hi, I am Austin Robertson,
a senior at Sage Hill School. I am passionate about music, something that’s taken over my life. I like all sorts, I play the violin, and I’ve dabbled in production. Words can be used to paint pictures, and the ability to use words is something that is wonderful to have. I believe that learning the nature of these things, such as poetry and rap, can be applied universally and really brightens one’s world.
Hi, I'm Oliva Matas,
​Miss Orange County 2020
My name is Olivia Matas, I’m not only an Orange County local but I’m Miss Orange County for the Miss United States of America pageant system. My main platform is Elder Advocacy and spreading awareness of how to help our older generations with facing abuse whether it be physically, financially, or emotionally. If you’d like to find out more about myself or how to be apart of the Miss United States of America pageants you can follow us on Facebook @usoamissorangecounty @unitedstatesofamericapageants
Hi, I'm Jaden Chen!
I will be attending Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) High School for Television and Film Production. In my free time, I like to watch movies, listen to music of all kinds, play video games, make films, and play basketball. In the future, I hope to study Zoology. ​
Thank you to our The Hip Hop Workshop coaches! 

Jeff Walker

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Jeff Walker, M.A., the creator of Rhymecology.com

Elaine Monji

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Elaine Monji, M.A. Irvine Unified School District teacher. Favorite quote: "...Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Mahatma Gandhi