Who says there’s no alternative to gangsta rap?
Definitely not Grand Hank, Philadelphia’s premier educational rapper. At a record release party scheduled for Friday, December 8, Grand Hank unveiled his most recent pro- 
educational singles, “Hyped about School” and the “8 Parts of Speech.” The release party was held at Winners Entertainment Complex, 1101 Vine Street, featured many a performance by Grand Hank and was attended by many educators, local celebrities, politicians, and scores of concerned parents. An autograph signing followed the performance.

The new single encourages young people to make education a priority and to “be about the business of learning.” The message in its “educational-rap form,” which is upbeat, uplifting, and lyrically challenging, is appealing to young audiences who habitually listen to similar forms of music with less productive messages. “Our goal is to make a difference,” said Grand

Hank. “We want kids to hear our message, and the only way to make them hear it is to present it in a form that they will listen to. We view our music as an opportunity to reinforce educational programs in a fun and non-threatening manner.”

The Grand Hank production team incorporates the full educational spectrum, including scientists, educators, marketers, and parents. In fact, many of the lyrics come directly from past classroom and lab experiences.

Parents, students, and teachers have applauded Grand Hank’s efforts and have endorsed the pro-educational message. In a letter, Juanita Duckson, a program coordinator from the Bayard Taylor School, describes Grand Hank’s lecturing raps as an “outstanding program.”

Grand Hank Production, Inc., founded in 1990 by Tyraine Ragsdale, is a multimedia company specializing in the development and production of interactive educational programs. The programs combine contemporary and rap music with…