At New Visions School, hip-hop therapy (嘻哈疗法 ) has become part of the school culture. Students rap (表演说唱) about being stressed about grades, tests, relationships, etc. Taliesha Tliompson, 15 years old, said she now raps whenever she feels pressure building inside her. "It has opened me up more," she said. "I was very shy and quiet. I kept everything to myself."
Hip-hop therapy grew out of an after-school club. The club was started by Ian P. Levy, a teacher who was developing a model for hip-hop therapy as part of his research. Mr. Levy's students recorded 20 songs expressing their feelings. "When sad events happen, it's important that students have a way to express themselves," Mr. Levy said.
This school year, Mr. Levy also started a music class at the school, called Hip-Hop Lyricism. It is popular among students.
Stacey King, the school principal, said hip hop helped her connect with students like Ishmel Prince. Ishmel used to miss school two to three times a week because he could not get up. Ms. King bought him an alarm clock, but he still did not show up. But that changed after Mr. Levy and 19 students were invited to rap live on a morning talk show on SiriusXM Radio. Ishmel made an agreement with Ms. King. He promised to come to school on time every day in return for being allowed to go to the show. Ishmel kept his word. He studies hard now and has better relationships with others.
"Hip-hop therapy is great. It has the power to reach out to people and speak to certain people. It has helped me find out who I am," said Ishmel.
