School counselor in Wynnefield uses rap to reach students

WYNNEFIELD (WPVI) -- A classroom counselor at a school in Philadelphia's Wynnefield section is using rap as a way of reaching his students and spreading a powerful message.

Luke O'Brien, classroom counselor at Camelot KAPS Alternative School is also rap music artist "Lukey the Bird."

The students he works with have behavioral and emotional disorders.

He doesn't want their environment to keep them from living up to their potential.

"I come from such a different world than a lot of them do. I'm just kind of, at times, puzzled at the things that these kids go through and how strong they stay" said O'Brien.

O'Brien has a message for them in his rap music video called 'Just Kids.'

"Home life is chaos, they're raised to be ferocious, but it's not their fault because they too are victims," he raps.

He posted it on a GoFundMe donation site to buy gifts for them like the school sweatshirts they wear so proudly.

The students identify with him because, as a musician, he's well-versed in the hip hop culture.

"Right around their age, I started loving Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Lupe Fiasco as the years went on - and all these poets really," said O'Brien.

But it's also the rapport he's able to build through his creativity.

"I try to teach them to be better kids. I try to improve the rhetoric," said O'Brien.

His fellow staff members are aware that many of the students were dealt an unfair hand but children love coming to school here and over time they are able to dramatically improve their behavior and academics.

"The thing that's special about Mr. Luke is that he cares about us and he wants to work our hardest," said Egypt Bright, third grader.

Click here for more information on how to support.