DMC Inspires Students at LIHSA: A Masterclass on Creativity, Education, and Self-Belief
DMC Inspires Students at LIHSA: A Masterclass on Creativity, Education, and Self-Belief
When Darryl McDaniels, better known as DMC from the legendary hip-hop group Run-D.M.C., first visited the Long Island High School for the Arts in June 2023, it was clear he was a powerful motivational speaker. But when he returned for a masterclass on September 30th, he took his impact to new heights. Known for his groundbreaking work in hip-hop, comic books, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy, DMC shared lessons that resonated deeply with students, encouraging them to embrace their creativity and believe in their limitless potential.
Creativity: A Birthright for All
DMC kicked off the masterclass by stressing an essential truth: creativity is not a talent reserved for a few; it’s in all of us. “You have the ability to create. We were all born with imagination,” he said, emphasizing that students already possess the power to make an impact on the world. Creativity, he explained, is the key to understanding and engaging with the world around us.
He further emphasized the importance of education—both formal and informal—as a catalyst for personal transformation. “Education is information that allows for your fantastic transformation,” DMC said. He highlighted that knowledge can come from school, friends, social media, and life experiences and that everything is an influence in our creativity.
The Role of Arts in Self-Discovery and Social Change
DMC’s personal story further illustrated the power of art, especially music, to change lives. Growing up in the Bronx during the 1970s, he witnessed firsthand how hip-hop and disco provided an opportunity to escape.
“Music is magic,” DMC shared. “It allows you to escape, to have fun, and to express yourself.” For DMC, hip-hop was more than entertainment—it was a platform for social commentary. “Rap is poetry,” he noted, pointing out that music, like all forms of art, is an essential means of self-expression and communication.
He encouraged students to think about how they could use their own creative talents to make a difference. “What are you doing to make our existence better?” DMC challenged the LIHSA students, reminding them that their art has the potential to inspire, uplift, and change the world.
Believing in Yourself and Your Potential
One of the most powerful messages DMC delivered was about self-belief. “None of you need permission to be great,” he told the students. Reflecting on his own experiences of bullying and self-doubt, DMC shared how he overcame those challenges to find his voice. “You have it already,” he reassured them, reminding them that they already possess everything they need to succeed.
He shared his own journey from a shy, introverted child to an international superstar. “I was a straight-A student who couldn’t sing,” DMC joked. “But I found my voice in other ways—through rap, through art, through entrepreneurship.” His story served as a powerful reminder that everyone has unique strengths and that creativity often manifests in unexpected ways.
Art: The Foundation of Everything
DMC also underscored the importance of art in shaping the world. “Art runs things. Nothing exists without art,” he declared, urging students to recognize how integral creativity is to all aspects of life—from music and film to animation and audio production. He highlighted how art drives culture, fuels innovation, and fosters connection.
He also touched on the power of collaboration, noting that “nothing works without working together with one another.” DMC encouraged students to collaborate and support each other as they begin their artistic careers, and referenced all of the LIHSA programs that can work together to creates original work.
A Special Performance: “Walk This Way” and “It’s Tricky”
The energy in the room reached new heights when DMC invited the students to perform alongside him. Together, they brought two iconic Run-D.M.C. tracks—“Walk This Way” and “It’s Tricky”—to life. The collaboration was electric, with the LIHSA music students adding their talents to the performance.
Thanks to the musical skills of Lars Sorensen (Long Beach) on drums, Max Einstman (Long Beach) on guitar, Matthew Pagliarulo (Wantagh) on bass, and vocalists Angelina Castro-Boutin (Westbury) and Cassidy Harris (Sewanhaka), the performance became a powerful celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the universal language of music. The students sang backup and blended their voices with DMC’s iconic rap verses, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Worth and Your Journey
DMC concluded the masterclass with a final, uplifting thought: “You are worthy in the first place. The fact that you are born, the fact that you are here, makes you worthy.” This simple yet profound message resonated deeply with the students, reminding them that their worth is inherent and that they already have everything they need to succeed.
It was clear from the energy in the room that DMC’s visit left a lasting impact on the LIHSA students. We are so thankful for his generous gift of time and wisdom that he shared with us and can’t wait to have him back again.
Special thanks to Alex Vietheer for working with our music students to prepare them for this memorable event and to Jeannine Sorenson for coordinating this visit.
