Some young artists selected to perform in a talent show at Radio City Music Hall have seen their dreams postponed by the coronavirus pandemic. But they got the chance to rehearse their talents online with the help of a hip hop icon as a mentor.

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run DMC offered some expert feedback to a group of aspiring rappers, including 11-year-old Leryana Lopez of Paterson.

Lopez is among the young artists selected to perform in the Garden of Dreams talent show.

“It’s much better being there in person, but we can’t and the kids understand that,” McDaniels says. “But to use technology and keep them rehearing and busy is very helpful.”

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The Garden of Dreams Foundation in partnership with Madison Square Garden organizes the talent show each year for young participants facing special obstacles.

As one of the creators of the hip hop genre, McDaniels says that it is great working with the kids.

“I wrote my first songs when I was 12 years old. But what’s amazing about this generation of children…these children are all writing songs of inspiration and education. I’m surprised that a lot of the material that these kids are singing and rapping about isn’t about, ‘Look at me. I got this or I want this.’ They’re talking about emotional situations,” McDaniels says.

More information about the Garden of Dreams Foundation can be found on the foundation’s website.