Photo credit: Skip Bolen l Getty Images

Oscar and Grammy winner, and freestyle beast Common surprised a group of New York students by donating a total of $10,000 to assist their teachers in buying new school supplies.

With rappers like Chance and Kendrick becoming more prominent in philanthropic efforts, Common has been one of the first and most consistent hip hop forces who keeps the culture and giving back a priority.

The lyricist partnered with the nonprofit organization AdoptAClassroom.org and the retailer Burlington Stores and gave the kids at Renaissance School of the Arts in Harlem the much needed funding.

During the visit, Common encouraged the students to keep their grades up and to persevere – in school and in life.