Gabriel "Asheru" Benn

Educator | Hip Hop Artist | Social Entrepreneur

Award-winning international Hip Hop artist, veteran educator, and pioneer of the Hip Hop Education movement. Transforming education through culture and creativity.

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Gabriel Asheru Benn

About

Gabriel "Asheru" Benn, M.Ed. is an award winning, international Hip Hop artist, veteran educator, and social entrepreneur. Hailing from Washington DC, (via Barbados, W.I.), Benn has led a unique, double career path -- as both a Hip Hop artist and educator -- serving as a teacher and administrator in DC's public, private, and charter schools for 18 years, and is nationally recognized as a pioneer of the Hip Hop Education movement.

He is also widely known for his contributions to the hit TV show "The Boondocks", for which Asheru co-wrote select songs and episodes, which earned him the prestigious Peabody Award for Journalism in 2006. Having performed, worked, and collaborated with youth organizations and artists in communities in over 25 countries, Benn was appointed as a U.S. State Department Global Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador in 2014.

Benn currently serves as the Founding Director of Guerilla Arts Ink, LLC (GA) - an arts/education & media consulting organization which specializes in out-of-school time (OST) cultural arts programming, innovative curriculum design, professional development, creative placemaking, and youth engagement strategy.

Education

Executive Certificate in Arts & Culture Strategy
University of Pennsylvania, 2018
M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction
National-Louis University, 2004
B.A., Anthropology
University of Virginia, 1996

Selected Awards & Recognition

Peabody Award for Journalism, co-writing "Return of the King" Episode of The Boondocks, 2006
Global Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador, U.S. State Department, 2014
NABJ Salute to Excellence Award: Best Digital Media, Online Project, 2014
Reed Award winner, Best Use of Video on Social Platform, 2017

H.E.L.P.

Hip Hop Educational Literacy Program

An interactive workshop using Hip Hop lyrics and culture cues to contextualize current events, social issues, trends, and common themes through the use of our cornerstone workbook series and multimedia presentation format. Designed for students grades 6th-12th grade, scaffolded for ALL reading levels.

H.E.L.P. Workbook - Lauryn Hill
H.E.L.P. Workbook - The Boondocks
H.E.L.P. Workbook - Nas
H.E.L.P. Workbook - Rakim
📚

Improved Literacy

Enhances reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills through culturally relevant content.

🎵

Cultural Connection

Bridges the gap between youth culture and academic content, increasing student engagement.

🧠

Critical Analysis

Develops media literacy and analytical skills through examination of lyrics and cultural themes.

What Educators Are Saying

"The H.E.L.P. program transformed our classroom dynamics. Students who were previously disengaged became active participants, and their reading comprehension scores improved significantly."

Dr. Michelle Johnson

English Department Chair, Roosevelt High School

Purchase Workbooks Schedule a Workshop Online Course Access

Music

Explore my discography as Asheru, featuring award-winning Hip Hop tracks, collaborations, and music from The Boondocks.

Featured Tracks
  • 01
    Judo Flip (Boondocks Theme)
    The Boondocks Soundtrack
    3:24
  • 02
    Mood Swing
    Soon Come
    4:12
  • 03
    Elevator Music
    Insomnia
    3:56
  • 04
    So Amazing
    Collaboration
    4:35
  • 05
    What Do We Have To Lose
    Single
    3:48
Album Cover

Soon Come

2005

Album Cover

Insomnia

2008

Album Cover

The Boondocks Soundtrack

2006

Album Cover

Sleepless in DC

2010

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

Spotify Apple Music SoundCloud YouTube Music Bandcamp
Purchase Music Directly

Consultation Services

Leverage my expertise in education, Hip Hop culture, and social entrepreneurship to transform your organization, curriculum, or creative projects.

Education & Curriculum Development

Custom curriculum design, teacher training, and educational program development using Hip Hop pedagogy and culturally responsive practices.

Starting at $500

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Arts & Culture Strategy

Strategic planning for arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community programs focused on youth engagement and creative placemaking.

Starting at $750

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Professional Development

Workshops and training for educators in culturally responsive teaching practices, equity in the classroom, and arts and technology integration.

Starting at $1,000

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Automated Booking System

Schedule a consultation directly through our automated booking system. Select your preferred service, date, and time, and receive instant confirmation.

April 2025

Interactive booking calendar will be implemented here

Client Testimonials

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"Working with Asheru transformed our approach to education. His innovative curriculum design and deep understanding of youth culture helped us connect with students in ways we never thought possible."

Dr. James Wilson

Principal, Lincoln High School

"

"Asheru's arts and culture strategy consultation was instrumental in helping our organization secure major funding for our youth programs. His insights and expertise are unmatched."

Sarah Johnson

Executive Director, Urban Arts Coalition

Passive Income Solutions

Leverage automated systems to generate passive income through your educational programs, music, and consultation services.

Automated Booking System

Let clients book and pay for consultations, workshops, and speaking engagements without your direct involvement.

24/7 availability for bookings
Automatic payment processing
Calendar integration
Customizable booking options
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E-commerce Platform

Sell H.E.L.P. workbooks, curriculum materials, music, and merchandise through an integrated online store.

Secure payment processing
Automated digital delivery
Inventory management
Customer account system
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Email Marketing Automation

Build your audience and promote offerings through automated email sequences and newsletters.

Welcome series for new subscribers
Educational content drip campaigns
Promotional sequences
Audience segmentation
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Online Course Platform

Create and sell online courses on Hip Hop education methodology and curriculum development.

Membership area for students
Progress tracking
Certification system
Recurring subscription model
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How It Works

Our integrated business automation system works seamlessly to generate passive income while you focus on creating content and building relationships.

Client books a consultation through the automated system
Payment is processed automatically
Calendar is updated and confirmation emails are sent
Client receives pre-consultation materials via email automation
Post-consultation, client is offered additional products and services
Schedule a Demo
Business Automation Demo

Get In Touch

Have questions about my services, music, or the H.E.L.P. program? Interested in booking a consultation or workshop? Reach out using the form or contact information below.

Email
gbenn@guerilla-arts.com
Location
Washington, DC