MONTREAL- For David Hodges, it's all about inspiring and empowering kids to stop bullying.
The Montreal teacher and rapper has combined his talents to benefit young people.
He uses lyrics that send positive messages to speak out against violence.
Bullying is an all-too-common situation, and the substitute teacher said he's on a mission put an end to violence in schools, and he does it in terms his students can connect with.
"There is a whole culture of music with meaning and positive messages and I want to be one of those people at the forefront of the battle line," he said.
His message about the dangers of bullying and violence quickly spread to his students.
"I think music plays such an important role in teenagers lives, so I think music is really the best way to get the message across and hit them emotionally," said student Clare Fogarty. "So its amazing the influence he has on all of us."
With his song When the Lights Turn, Hodges teamed up with Kids Help Phone to help raise awareness. The organization takes phone calls about bullying every day, often from the friends of bully victims.
"It's been proven that as soon as somebody steps in and says something to the bully, that it stops a lot faster," said Nicole Provencal, who directs community initiatives for Kids Help Phone.
Hodges said it pays to be genuine.
"The only way to get out of it is by being yourself and putting yourself out there and sharing what you've been given," he said.
And though teens can be a tough crowd, students seem to enjoy Hodge's refreshing take on rap music.
"Especially nowadays-- the rap music is sending a negative message, like, ‘I have women and cars and money.' It's nothing that you want to hear and take and bring to yourself," said student Esrom Beckley-Delaleu.
Hodges said he hopes his music inspires others.
"Stand for something positive, something that will actually benefit our next generation, that will be able to build them inspire them," he said.
