Harlem’s own, Allen F. Perry is leading the movement in hip-hop education. Hip-Hop 4 Freshmen is the Go-To self-help book and academic program for aspiring entrepreneurs, aspiring hip-hop artists and managers Alike.
In a world where hip-hop influences everything from fashion to politics, one Harlem-based innovator is harnessing the power of the culture to do something different—teach the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through hip-hop to the next generation.
Meet Allen F. Perry, the visionary behind Hip-Hop 4 Freshmen, a groundbreaking educational brand that’s rewriting the playbook on how youth learn about business. With a curriculum rooted in hip-hop, Perry is positioning himself as a national leader in the space of hip-hop entrepreneurship education—and truthfully, there’s no one doing it like him.
At the core of the movement is his self-published self-help book, already being called the bible for aspiring hip-hop artists, managers, and young entrepreneurs across all industries. It’s more than just a book—it’s a dynamic business tool that teaches the fundamentals of creative writing, branding, LLC formation, copyright and trademark law, business banking, management, self-publishing, digital distribution, and more. Ideal for schools, youth organizations, after-school programs, and homeschool curriculums, it’s written in the language of the culture and designed to empower.
This isn’t theory—it’s action. Over 1600 students across 26 New York City schools and community organizations have already been impacted during the 2024–2025 academic year. And the testimonials are powerful: students are engaging, parents and teachers are inspired, and communities are seeing a shift.
To amplify the curriculum, Perry created a track titled “Entrapreneur”—performed under the artist persona AL Perignon, solely developed for educational use. He’s not trying to be a rapper—he’s using the music as a teaching tool. Teachers are incorporating the song into class assignments and games, helping students break down business terms and entrepreneurial steps mentioned in the lyrics to better understand how to start a business – in a cool way.
“The goal is to meet students where they are, then guide them to where they can go,” says Perry. “Hip-hop is the bridge.”
From QR codes and lyric sheets to sketch pads, pop quizzes, over 200 vocabulary words and crosswords, the 342-page hand/workbook offers a full-on academic experience while staying culturally relevant. The curriculum has gained traction across NYC in institutions like the Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts in Harlem, Brooklyn Law & Technology High School, and Mosholu Montefiore Community Center in the Bronx.
Beyond the classroom, Hip-Hop 4 Freshmen maintains a strong online presence through Instagram and YouTube, with branded content, student spotlights, and merchandise that reflects the spirit of the movement.
Certified under NYC’s Department of Education via Alternative Education (a certified Minority Business Enterprise), Perry’s program is available for educators, facilitators, parents and community leaders nationwide through licensing and affiliate options.
Allen F. Perry is more than an educator—he’s a cultural architect, pioneering a space where hip-hop doesn’t just entertain—it educates, equips, and empowers.
To bring Hip-Hop 4 Freshmen to your school, youth organization, or homeschool program, visit hiphop4freshmen.com and follow us @HipHop4Freshmen on Instagram, Tik-Tok and YouTube.