Okayplayer University: 10 Rappers Who Lowkey Deserve Their Own College Courses

The way Kendrick Lamar’s music reflects the power, plight, and politics of Black America should be studied. And pretty soon, Temple University students will do just that.

The Philadelphia institution announced last week its plan to launch a new course in the Fall 2025 semester titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D. City.” The class, taught by Timothy Welbeck of Temple’s Africology and African American Studies department, will explore the Compton rapper’s life, catalog, and cultural impact.

College campuses have long embraced hip-hop scholarship, with Tupac Shakur, OutKast, Lil’ Kim, and Jay-Z all inspiring coursework. Nas even has a fellowship named after him at Harvard. Still, we think higher ed academies are sleeping on plenty of artists who offer food for thought across academic disciplines.

READ THE FULL STORY AT OKAYPLAYER

Views: 8

Reply to This

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Don Carlos
Friday, June 12 @ The Chapel, SF

J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley

DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Editor's Pick posted discussions
17 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted videos
19 hours ago
Olivia Perry posted a blog post

James Artissen - Blank Face

Grammy-Nominated Singer/Songwriter, and Producer James Artissen returns with a dark, emotionally gripping new release, "Blank Face," arriving on all streaming platforms July 24th. Blending haunting melodies, cinematic production, and raw vulnerability, the single captures the tension of hiding pain behind a disconnected expression. Driven by atmospheric production and…See More
yesterday
2 events by Editor's Pick were featured
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted events
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
yesterday
Editor's Pick shared their discussion on Facebook
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

J Boog at THE UC THEATRE, Berkeley

June 16, 2026 from 8pm to 11:30pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. June 16, 2026 J BoogTHE UC THEATRE 2036 University Ave. Berkeley, CA Doors: 7:00 pm. Start: 8:00 pm All Ages >> BUY TICKETS…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Don Carlos at The Chapel, SF

June 12, 2026 from 8pm to 11pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. Friday, Jun 12, 2026 DON CARLOSThe Chapel, 777 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA Doors: 8:00PM | Show: 9:00PM>> BUY TICKETS…See More
Tuesday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Jhaysings Blends Love, Culture, and Soulful Energy on New Single “Emotions”

Nigerian Afrobeat's artist Jhaysings is making waves once again with the release of his latest single, "Emotions" Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Jhaysings has spent the last seven years building a name for himself as a singer, songwriter, producer, and mix engineer. His dedication to developing a unique sound has earned him recognition from…See More
Tuesday

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service