Rapper Lupe Fiasco Joins Hopkins University’s Hip Hop Degree Program
Renowned rapper and record producer Lupe Fiasco is set to make a groundbreaking move into academia as he joins Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute faculty. The Grammy Award-winning artist took to social media to announce his upcoming role as a Distinguished Visiting Professor in the university’s new four-year Hip Hop Degree Program, starting in Fall 2025.
Revolutionizing Music Education
The Peabody Institute revealed plans for the undergraduate degree program in Hip Hop music last year, with associate professor Wendel Patrick leading the charge as the program director. This innovative curriculum is tailored for aspiring rappers, beatboxers, turntablists, and producers, culminating in a Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop degree. By merging Peabody’s cutting-edge Music Engineering and Technology resources with the Conservatory’s rich performance training history, the institute aims to redefine music education in the 21st century.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Lupe Fiasco, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco in Chicago, boasts an impressive musical career with nine studio albums and numerous chart-topping hits. With a Grammy Award under his belt for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, he has collaborated with industry giants like Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z. Beyond music, Fiasco is a multifaceted artist, with two clothing lines and a passion for martial arts, holding black belts in karate, kendo, and aido.
Embracing New Opportunities
As Fiasco gears up to share his expertise with aspiring musicians at Johns Hopkins University, he remains committed to his teaching role at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a fellowship at Yale University. Embracing this new chapter in his career, the artist expressed his excitement to contribute to Peabody’s illustrious legacy while staying true to his love for Rap. The deadline for applications to the Hip Hop program is January 24, and prospective students can find more details on Peabody’s website or by reaching out to peabodyadmissions@jhu.edu.
Ed Gunts, a local freelance writer and former architecture critic for The Baltimore Sun, shared this inspiring news of Lupe Fiasco’s venture into academia, bridging the worlds of music and education.
