The Bronx-born rapper Mickey Factz is stepping from the stage to the classroom this fall, bringing decades of hip-hop expertise to New York University’s prestigious Clive Davis Institute.
Starting October 23, 2025, Factz will teach a brand-new course titled “The Art of the MC,” guiding students through the craft, culture, and philosophy of emceeing. His appointment as an adjunct professor continues a growing trend of hip-hop artists joining academia — following in the footsteps of MC legends like Lupe Fiasco and Black Thought, who previously taught the course.
What Students Can Expect From “The Art of the MC”
Factz’s course dives deep into the DNA of being an MC, blending technical skill with cultural knowledge. He explains:
“It’s about more than rhymes — it’s culture, rhythm, delivery, and truth. I’m honored to continue the legacy of the greats who came before me. Long live lyricism — class is in session.”
Over a seven-week program, students will explore:
- Songwriting and lyrical structure
- Freestyle mechanics and improvisation
- Stage presence and live performance skills
- Hip-hop’s historical and cultural impact
The course aims to fuse theory with practice, giving students both a historical understanding of rap and the tools to develop their own authentic voice as an MC.
Mickey Factz’s Legacy in Hip-Hop
With over 20 years in the game, Mickey Factz is celebrated for his sharp wordplay and storytelling. Emerging during hip-hop’s influential blog era, he earned respect for his lyrical finesse, collaborating with major artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
Factz’s recent remarks comparing lyricists — claiming Lupe Fiasco outshines Kendrick Lamar — went viral, sparking widespread debate among fans and showcasing his deep understanding of rap technique.
His teaching at NYU continues this legacy, allowing him to share insider knowledge on what it truly takes to excel as an MC, from technical skill to cultural awareness.
NYU Welcomes Hip-Hop Expertise
JD Samson, associate arts professor and head of performance at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, praised Factz’s appointment:
“Mickey brings unmatched insight as a lyricist and educator. His energy and expertise will elevate our program and inspire a new generation of artists.”
Factz also brings his experience from Pendulum Ink, the rap education academy he co-founded to preserve and teach lyricism. His role at NYU strengthens the bridge between hip-hop and higher education, proving that MCing is not just music — it’s a craft worthy of study and respect.
Hip-Hop in the Academic Spotlight
Factz’s appointment reflects the increasing mainstream recognition of hip-hop’s cultural and artistic significance. As more universities incorporate hip-hop into their curricula, artists like Mickey Factz are ensuring that the next generation of rappers learns not only the technical skills but also the historical and cultural context of the genre.
For students at NYU, this isn’t just a class — it’s a chance to learn from a veteran lyricist and gain a front-row seat to the evolving art of emceeing.
Bottom Line:
Mickey Factz isn’t just teaching rap — he’s shaping the future of hip-hop scholarship. With “The Art of the MC,” students will study, perform, and internalize the essence of lyricism, proving that hip-hop belongs in the classroom as much as on the stage.
What do you think of Mickey Factz joining NYU? Would you take “The Art of the MC” if you could? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates on hip-hop in higher education!
