But this is no English class.

There are no tests or pop quizzes. For the pupils of Emceeing 101, lessons might come in the context of hip­ hop, but the curriculum is life.?

All of the Above Hip ­Hop Academy is an organization of local professional rappers, beat makers, urban artists and break dancers who offer nine-week courses for adolescents. Classes are held at the Oak Park YMCA, located at 900 Long Blvd., in Lansing.

Recording artist and emcee instructor Raphael Downes has been working with the academy since last August.

The Lansing resident also works with homeless youth outside of the academy.

To him, the classes provide a sense of purpose to young people who might otherwise be at home or out getting in trouble.

“I always try and start the class with some type of history aspect,” Downes said.

He often chooses an artist from the past, breaks down his or her style and puts it into context with what was going on politically during that era and how the students can relate to it.

Beat making instructor and Lansing resident Shondell Brandon said he sees hip­-hop as a method of bridging generational gaps.

“Kids are often searching for an identity and some kind of artistic outlet,” Brandon said. “Hip-­hop gives them a voice in a culture where younger people don’t rely have one. It gives us something in common with the kids that come in here. We can use that connection.”

Brandon said his position is about being more than just an instructor — it’s about being a mentor and an example.