Take rap music and hip-hop culture, which sprang from a world that few people knew or understood.

FORBES: Lessons for Managing and Motivating Creative People

The famous producer co-founded Def Jam Records with rap mogul Russell Simmons, helping to popularize hip hop music with the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Run-D.

FORBES: Why A Music Producer Holds The Key To Unlocking Growth At Your Startup

And the early rap generation overwhelmingly sampled his music and voice as they laid the foundation of hip-hop culture.

NPR: Harlem Says Its Farewell to James Brown

The program focuses on popular music styles that most students already listen to, including rock, blues, rap and hip-hop.

FORBES: 12 Days of Charitable Giving: Little Kids Rock