About – 519 School of Hip Hop

Our Vision

We envision 519 as Canada’s leading institution for Hip Hop cultural education—a place where every lesson is a pathway to confidence, critical thinking, and positive social change.

Our Mission

At 519 School of Hip Hop, we’re more than a studio—we’re a cultural movement. Our mission is to preserve, educate, and expand Hip Hop’s five core elements in a way that empowers individuals and strengthens community.

Our Story

519 School of Hip Hop is London’s #1 resource for all things Hip Hop—led by members of Ill at Will, one of the city’s most respected crews, since the summer of 2020. For more than 17 years, Ill at Will has been promoting the positive lessons of Hip Hop through community workshops, performances, and dance education, laying the foundation for what 519 would become.

Founded and directed by Jim “JFX” Han, a dedicated community builder and B-Boy, the school is rooted in the belief that Hip Hop is a powerful tool for self-expression and transformation. Joining Jim in this vision is Greg Thane, a lifelong student of the culture who began with Breaking and now brings experience in MCing, education, and youth mentorship.

Together, they’ve created a space where London’s youth can explore creativity, build confidence, and develop their voice through the elements of Hip Hop. What began as a dance studio has grown into a full cultural education hub—offering weekly lessons that weave together graffiti art, DJing, poetry, dance, and the cultural knowledge needed to truly appreciate everything Hip Hop has to offer.

Meet The Co-Directors

Jim Han

As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be part of Hip Hop. The music videos I watched and comic books I read in the 90s gave me a glimpse of a lifestyle I could only dream of. I was captivated by the dance, the fashion, and the music—even before I understood the lyrics.

Hip Hop spoke to my soul and inspired me to create a safe space where people could express their creativity, find their voice, and build confidence.

After teaching Breaking and Hip Hop since 2007, I saw how often studios used “Hip Hop” as a label instead of a lesson. That pushed me to emphasize the culture—the history, the knowledge, and the purpose—behind every move.

In 2008, I founded Ill at Will Crew, and in 2020, that vision evolved into 519 School of Hip Hop—a space dedicated to preserving the culture and empowering the next generation through creativity and community.

Greg Thane

My journey in Hip Hop began with Breaking—long before I realized how much it would shape who I am. What started as movement became a deeper pursuit of storytelling through freestyle rap, design, and education.

I’ve always believed that Hip Hop is more than art—it’s a way of thinking, a means to build confidence, and a path to understanding yourself. At 519, I bring that mindset into every program, helping students express their ideas and discover their voice through creativity and culture.

Outside the studio, I continue to connect Hip Hop with the wider community through youth mentorship, music, and storytelling—carrying forward the same mission that started it all: teach the culture, not just the dance.