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Richmond teacher motivates students with viral #SoGoneChallenge rap

Posted at 5:38 PM, Sep 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-08 17:50:48-04

RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond teacher is going viral after he welcomed students back to school Tuesday with a creative #SoGoneChallenge rap.

Ryan James, a teacher at Lucille Brown Middle School welcomed his eighth grade students back with some motivational lyrics in preparation for the 2016-17 school year.

The popular hashtag challenges people to freestyle original lyrics over Monica and Missy Elliot’s 2003 hit “So Gone.” The challenge has gone viral on social media over the last few weeks with dozens of celebrities participating.

“New year. New me. I teach civics, econ and history. Y’all eighth grade now, y’all top of the class. Pay attention work hard and I’ll bet you pass,” James began his rap.

The 2015 Lucille Brown Middle teacher of the year said he got the idea from a co-worker after brainstorming ways to motivate his students.

“In my years as a teacher, I have noticed students love their music and the current trends and challenges on social media,” said James.

By all accounts, James nailed his rendition on the hit song as the students gave him a huge cheer at the end of his rap.

The eighth grade teacher said he thought this would be a great way to build a relationship and rapport with his new students.

“I try to really be myself and show that I’m human and have a life outside the school to connect with them,” said James.

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