About Us
Eric Royo & Hip Hop Building Blocks
Born and raised in New York Eric Royo grew up in an era where Hip Hop thrived and was at the forefront of everything cool, expressive and revolutionary. He gravitated towards the music because it gave him the feeling of being free and open to express himself in whatever way he chose. The beats, the rhythms, the lyrics all called to Eric in a way that was magnetic and electric. At first just freestlying in the parks of NYC he eventually formed a group with other MC’s, producing beats, writing raps, and performing shows. Hip Hop gave him a voice and an identity in a way nothing else had before. As he navigated his way through a complicated music industry he eventually began to find his footing running Hip Hop workshops with youth groups. This natural evolution transformed his career from Emcee to educator. Over the next 12 years Eric taught in elementary schools and continually found ways to introduce Hip Hop culture to his students.
“I wanted them to understand that this music they listen to, Hip Hop, is actually part of a bigger cultural tradition that has an origin, founding members, and a story to be told. It's important for me to share with them that Hip Hop is part of a lineage that was carried on from the shores of Africa to the streets of the Bronx and throughout the world.”
Hip Hop Building Blocks is born
Through this desire to spread the real and honest narrative of the culture, Hip Hop Building Blocks was formed. By teaching the origins, influences, and history of the culture it serves as a model for students to build and strengthen their own school community. Engaging students in the elements of Hip Hop (DJing, Emceeing, Graffiti Breakin’ and Knowledge of self) encourages them to represent their identity, giving young people a voice and a platform for self-expression. With the core principles of peace, love, unity, and having fun, Hip Hop Building Blocks is a unique approach to social emotional learning that is experiential, engaging, and accessible to all.
The Hip Hop Pedagogy Interview
Listen to my interview on the Powerful Pedagogy Podcast, a conversational educator podcast that explores the shifts and changes we have experienced in our field since 2020.