Rapper Fat Joe surprised some Bronx students Thursday in an effort to get them motivated.

The Bronx rapper is challenging students at four schools -- P.S. 146, which he attended, M.S. 123, Accion Academy and I.S. 127 -- to improve in areas such as attendance and engagement.

In December, the "most improved" class in each school will receive a brand-new pair of sneakers.

Fat Joe will be footing the bill himself and says he hopes to take his challenge to more schools.