Lupe Fiasco will be teaching a rap course at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, which is set to launch in the fall of 2025. This initiative is part of a new four-year hip-hop degree program. Fiasco shared this announcement on New Year’s Day, expressing his honor to contribute to a field he is passionate about.
The program will be directed by Wendell Patrick, a distinguished composer and producer, and will include specialized training, including a major dedicated to rap with Fiasco and private lessons focused on turntablism. Students will also explore the history and cultural impact of hip-hop, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the genre.
In addition to his role at Johns Hopkins, Fiasco will maintain his teaching position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and pursue a fellowship at Yale University.
This development follows the trend of established musicians taking academic roles. Notably, Brian Eno will offer a songwriting course at the School of Song in early 2025, featuring lectures, Q&A sessions, and collaborative writing exercises.
As applications for the hip-hop degree program closed on January 3, those interested in Eno’s course have until January 4 to enroll for the upcoming session. The excitement surrounding these programs reflects a growing recognition of hip-hop’s influence in the music industry and academia.