Former rapper Mase was one of the many celebrities who participated in 'N Sync's first "Challenge for the Children" basketball benefit last week in Atlanta, where Mase is currently going to school.

In April, Mase announced that he was quitting rap music ("Mase To Retire From Rap, Cites Religious Reasons"), just two months before he was to release his second solo album, "Double Up."

According to the Associated Press, Mase enrolled this semester as a freshman at Clark Atlanta University, a historically black college, and has been taking classes at CAU since August 19. But unlike other freshmen, Mase is permitted to live off campus and commute, although he is said to downplay his past as a musical performer.

When MTV's John Norris caught up with Mase at last week's charity event, the ex-rapper talked about his recent down time, as well as his pursuit of a higher education.

Mase said, "[and I've] been going to school and working on my degree in education." [RealVideo]

Mase also offered his own personal breakdown of the "game" exhibited by R&B singer Brian McKnight and the event's host, 'N Sync.

"Brian McKnight is doing all the arguing," Mase added. "I'm doing all the scoring and 'N Sync is doing all the fouling, so we're just having a good time."[RealVideo]

Even though Mase has given up on rap music, he's openly discussed the possibility of pursuing a career in gospel music, and Mase's business interests continue to be represented by Magic Johnson's management company.