Lupe Fiasco is making waves beyond the music industry, stepping into a significant new academic role at one of the nation’s most prestigious institutions. On January 1, the Chicago rapper announced that he will join Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute as a Distinguished Visiting Professor. Starting in the fall of 2025, Lupe will lead a rap course as part of the Peabody Conservatory’s groundbreaking four-year hip-hop program.
A Visionary Role
Sharing the news on Instagram, Lupe expressed his excitement: “Thrilled to share that I’ll be joining the faculty at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Fall 2025 as a Distinguished Visiting Professor, teaching Rap as part of the groundbreaking new 4-year Hip Hop Degree Program led by the visionary Professor @wendelpatrickofficialmusic.”
He added, “The @peabodyinstitute is one of the oldest music conservatories in America. World-renowned for its rigorous training and for producing some of the world’s greatest musicians, and I’m honored to contribute to this legacy doing what I love most, Rap.”
Dual Academic Commitments
Despite his new position, Lupe will continue his roles as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a research fellow at Yale University, demonstrating his commitment to bridging the worlds of academia and hip-hop.
A Pioneering Program
The four-year bachelor’s program in hip-hop at the Peabody Conservatory is the first of its kind, offering aspiring turntablists, lyricists, beatboxers, and producers an unparalleled opportunity to refine their craft. According to the program description, students will engage in one-on-one lessons with private instructors, such as chart-topping emcees for rap majors and world-class turntablists for turntable majors.
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The program’s collaborative environment aims to encourage both experimentation and authenticity, allowing students to perform and grow alongside their peers. Applications are currently open, but interested candidates must act fast—the deadline is January 3, following a brief extension.
Recognizing Leadership
Lupe also praised the program’s director, Wendel Patrick, an esteemed professor and visionary leader behind the initiative. Under Patrick’s guidance, the program promises to set a new standard for hip-hop education, combining the rigor of conservatory training with the innovative spirit of the genre.
Looking Ahead
As the program prepares to launch in 2025, Lupe Fiasco’s involvement highlights the growing recognition of hip-hop as a vital art form within academic circles. By blending his artistic expertise with the Peabody Institute’s legacy of excellence, Lupe continues to redefine what’s possible in both music and education.
Aspiring hip-hop artists and educators alike will undoubtedly be watching closely as this program takes shape, marking another milestone in the evolution of hip-hop culture.
