BRONX, N.Y. - He's known for hit songs like Lean Back, but now Fat Joe is giving back. 

The Bronx-born rapper returned to his former stomping grounds, the Hunts Point and Intervale neighborhoods, to announce that he's buying high-priced and high-fashion sneakers to the most improved class. 

"I think it's a good idea because some kids' parents can't really afford Jordans," said one student. 

"I like the fact that we have to work hard to get the thing that we want," said another student.

The leader of the Terror Squad chose four schools for the friendly competition -- his former elementary school PS 146 and three middle schools with low test and attendance scores. Everyone in the class will have to have improved grades and behavior to win. 

"I was a terrible student in Junior high school. I had behavioral issues and anger issues. And I know for a fact that if somebody came to me, to my particular time and said yo listen: You can win a free pair of Nikes, a free pair of Jordans if you behave, I would be the leader of the class," Joe said.

Some students are already strategizing.

"[Class] 601 is going to win because even though we kind of don't behave, we still want to get what we want," said one student. 

The borough president and school leaders say Fat Joe's visit is about more than winning fresh kicks. 

"Folks may say, 'Well why sneakers?' This is what the kids like. This is what motivates them," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  

Fat Joe will be back in December to reward the best performing classes with their brand new sneakers.