A$AP Rocky, a.k.a. Mr. Mayers, Explains Why Children Need to Learn About Rap Music: ‘It’s Cool as S—‘

A$AP Rocky’s class is in session.

The Don’t Be Dumb rapper, 37, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, appeared on the latest episode of Celebrity Substitute to teach kids about rap music at a school in his native Harlem neighborhood of New York City.

“Man, this is the heart of Harlem. I grew up here. I’m happy to be here [and] tap in with the youth,” Rocky told host Julian Shapiro-Barnum before meeting with the students. “I heard through the grapevine I’m the first rapper to be here, so we’re going to be teaching rap today, boys and girls.”

“I hope that the kids like me ‘cause, you know, I was told that I was a strict big brother, strict uncle. So, I might be a strict teacher,” he added. “I want this to be a continuous job position for me.”

Rocky explained why he thinks it’s important for children to learn about rap music. “Because it’s not only one of the most popular, influential cultural genres, but it’s also just cool as s—,” he told Shapiro-Barnum, before quickly rethinking his language: “Oh damn, I can’t curse.”

The “Punk Rocky” artist ensured he wouldn’t say anything regrettable in front of the kids. “I’ve been a professional musician for about 15 years not, and the FCC is pretty strict,” he quipped.

Looking back on a photo from his childhood in Harlem, Rocky said, “That was on 116th St and Morningside Avenue. Behind me, that’s my dad’s hand. He was DJing on the ones and twos. They named me after a very legendary rapper named Rakim. So, I kind of feel like music was my destiny.”

He explained why Harlem is “embedded” within him. “People from Harlem, we tend to pick up the qualities and the history. It’s really rich in culture if you ask me. And you should never forget where you come from,” he said.

Rocky, who shares three children with Rihanna, spoke about how the couple is introducing music to their kids.

“I play my children all sorts of genres, so from Michael Jackson’s old, classic stuff to psychedelic music and the Beatles, of course, right? A lot of reggae,” he detailed. “We live in a musical household, so it’s very diverse.”

As for Rocky’s lesson plan for the Harlem students, he detailed, “We’ll be teaching the kids how to format a rap song. We’ll teach them subject matter, and then we’ll also teach them arithmetic.”

“It’s numbers, the way you count music,” he further explained, before admitting he’s not great at math himself. “But I can count bars.”

Before working with the students on music, Rocky introduced himself to the kids. “Today I’m your substitute teacher, Mr. Mayers,” he said, writing his name on a white board with a dollar sign in place of the “S” — just like his rap moniker.