In the world of hip-hop, it seems expensive cars, sprawling estates, glittering chains, and hourglass-shaped lovers are the signifiers of success. But a select group of artists have been able to transcend this model, by turning their musical and entrepreneurial genius into a course subject for higher education. University classes on popular musicians are becoming increasingly popular as professors realize their potential to entice and enlighten students, so we will probably see even more emcees listed in course catalogs in the coming years. (I’m thinking “Andre 3000: A Close Read.”) Check out this list of eight hip-hop college courses to add to your registration.
Producer 9th Wonder has lent his expertise to some of the biggest names in the music industry, from Drake and J. Cole to Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige. The North Carolina native has been a force in music since he emerged as a member of Little Brother. In 2007, he made the move to the ivory tower by teaching a hip-hop class at North Carolina Central University, his alma mater. He followed this up in 2010 at Duke University with a music history course called “Sampling Soul.” And now, the Grammy-winner is completing a fellowship at Harvard, where he teaches “The Standards of Hip-Hop.”
In 2004, students at Syracuse University had the opportunity to sign up for a course called “Hip Hop Eshu: Queen Bitch 101 – The Life & Times of Lil’ Kim.” The class, offered through the English Department, deeply examined the Queen Bee’s controversial lyrics and how they challenge and relate to male chauvinism, homophobia, and sexual politics. Professor Greg Thomas even brought Kim in to guest lecture. While the class isn’t available today, there are certainly enough female rappers to inspire another one.
If you’re wondering how the richest man in hip-hop became just that, you can now sign up for “Topics in Recorded Music: Sean Combs & Urban Culture.” The class is taught at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, and aims to explore the various social, cultural, and political factors that have contributed to his success over the last two decades. Students will also discuss the ways in which Puff and his counterparts have helped to launch hip-hop onto the global stage, and transform the world of branding. (Learning how to Diddy-bop is extra credit.)
Jay Z and Kanye West are two of the most prolific emcees in the game. And for one professor at the University of Missouri, they are more than fit to be studied at the collegiate level. Andrew Hoberek teaches “Major Authors: Jay Z and Kanye West” for the English department. Students read Decoded, as well as other texts on the history and influence of hip-hop, in order to evaluate the ways in which these two artists have affected history, poetry, and the American Dream. (The University of Missouri also offers classes about global hip-hop and Black women in the music industry.)
Students at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts are very fortunate to have a diverse selection of music courses. When they are not studying Diddy’s business savvy, they can sit in on “Topics in Recorded Music: Classic Albums” with professor Questlove. The Roots drummer co-teaches the course, which dissects the music, production, and marketing of records like Michael Jackson‘s Off The Wall, James Brown‘s Live From The Apollo, and Public Enemy‘s It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back.
Rice University students have had the privilege of learning from Houston native Bun B. The UGK rapper helps teach “Religion and Hip-Hop Culture,” a religious studies course that delves deep into the relationship between lyricism and spirituality. The class fosters dialogue about the ways in which many hip-hop artists demonstrate their religious beliefs through their music, and also examines the ideologies and influences that hip-hop and religion have in common.
As one of the most successful rappers to ever touch a mic, it’s no wonder Jay Z has more than one higher education course in his honor. In addition to the English class at Mizzou, scholars at Georgetown University can sign up for “Sociology of Hip-Hop: The Theodicy of Jay-Z” with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. This class raises issues of race and gender equality, sexuality, capitalism, and economic inequality, while using Hov as the focal point. Dyson has taught classes on Black musicians before, including Marvin Gaye and Tupac Shakur.
Like her husband, Beyoncé‘s cross-cultural appeal has made her a worthy topic of study in academia. The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers University offers “Politicizing Beyonce,” a class that evaluates lyrics and visuals from her catalogue against work from Sojourner Truth, Alice Walker, and other Black feminists. Discussion topics include “the extent of Beyoncé’s control over her own aesthetic” and “whether her half-naked body is empowered or stereotypical.” Professor Kevin Allred hopes that students in his class will take away the ability to be critical consumers of music. (Where can I sign up?)