Rapper Lupe Fiasco to serve as hip-hop professor at Johns Hopkins' Peabody Institute

American rapper Lupe Fiasco has been appointed as a distinguished visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute, set to begin in Fall 2025. He will play a key role in teaching rap within the framework of the institute's new four-year hip-hop degree program, which is spearheaded by professor and musician Wendel Patrick.

The Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop aims to leverage Peabody's renowned Music Engineering and Technology programs while embracing the conservatory's extensive legacy in performance training. This innovative program is designed to cultivate the next generation of musicians and artists in the hip-hop genre.

Fiasco is celebrated for his contributions to the music industry as a Grammy Award-winning rapper, songwriter, and producer. He gained prominence with his debut album, "Food & Liquor," released in 2006, which showcased his storytelling abilities and socially conscious lyrics. His accolades include Grammy Awards for popular tracks such as "Superstar" and "Daydreamin'."

In expressing his excitement for the new role, Fiasco acknowledged the Peabody Institute's prestigious history and its status as one of America's oldest music conservatories. He emphasized his honor in contributing to its legacy through his passion for rap music.

Prior to this engagement, Fiasco served as a visiting professor at MIT, where he led a programming competition focused on language and rhythm. His collaborative efforts at MIT continued through the 2022-2023 academic year, paving the way for his upcoming contributions at Johns Hopkins University.