Jason Reyes: Fostering Our Youth, La Educación & That Hip-Hop

Jason Reyes is making history from the Bronx to the WORLD. Born and raised in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Jason is the founder and principal of the Bronx School of Hip Hop, the first hip hop high school in the world, opening in New York City in September 2026. Before launching this groundbreaking school, Jason served as principal of MS 129 Academy and built his career around helping young people discover their identity, their voice, their brilliance, and their power. His journey was not easy. Jason grew up in foster care, experienced family loss and adversity, and still chose to dedicate his life to education and service. His story is rooted in resilience, culture, strength, and a refusal to let obstacles determine what is possible. In this conversation, we talk about how the Bronx School of Hip Hop came to be, why hip hop belongs in education, what it means to build a school around culture and identity, and how Jason is handling criticism from people who are not happy about his role as principal. We also get into books, fatherhood, leadership, his love of hip hop, and of course, his top five hip hop artists of all time.  Jason Reyes is not just opening a school, he is building a legacy. This fall, the Bronx School of Hip Hop will make history in New York City and around the world, and we are proud to celebrate the man behind the mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.