As reported by AFROTECH, in an intersection of music and education, Lupe Fiasco is poised to make his mark in academia as he prepares to share his wealth of knowledge on the art of Hip-Hop. The acclaimed artist, whose real name is Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, has announced via Instagram that he will take on the role of professor at the prestigious Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University this fall, specifically within its innovative four-year Hip-Hop degree program. The program, under the guidance of esteemed Hip-Hop producer Wendel Patrick, who also serves as an associate professor of music engineering and technology at the Peabody Conservatory, is set to expand its academic offerings with Fiasco’s expertise.
“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,” Lupe Fiasco revealed in his social media post, marking a significant moment in his career.
Known for his hit "The Show Goes On," Lupe expressed his enthusiasm about joining a revered institution, noting, “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.”
Students enrolled in this pioneering program can look forward to a comprehensive education that combines individual mentorship with collaborative opportunities.
The course structure promises personalized instruction aimed at honing students' skills, emphasizing a unique, one-on-one studio model reminiscent of traditional conservatory education.
“Following the one-on-one studio model of a traditional conservatory education, you will develop your skills in lessons with a private instructor — turntable majors will study with a world-class turntablist; rap majors with a chart-topping emcee,” describes the program, as reported by Billboard. “And you’ll get to perform, with and for your colleagues, in an environment that encourages experimentation and authenticity.”
In addition to his new role at Johns Hopkins, Lupe Fiasco is also engaged in teaching at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he will lead a course in Spring 2025 titled “Rap Theory & Practice.” This course will be accessible not only to MIT students but also to those from Harvard University, Wellesley College, and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Amidst his commitments to education, Lupe Fiasco remains dedicated to his own personal and professional growth. He recently announced that he is currently working toward completing a fellowship at Yale University, demonstrating his continuous pursuit of knowledge alongside his contributions to the next generation of artists.
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