Lupe Fiasco to teach rap at the John Hopkins University Peabody Institute as a Distinguished Visiting Professor

American rapper and record producer Lupe Fiasco is set to join Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute as a Distinguished Visiting Professor starting in fall 2025. The Grammy Award-winning rapper will teach rap as part of the new, groundbreaking four-year Hip Hop Degree Program, led by Professor Wendel Patrick.

In a post shared on his Instagram account on January 2, Fiasco expressed his excitement about the new role:

"Let’s hit the ground running in 2025… 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."

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Lupe Fiasco to bring rap to the classroom as part of Johns Hopkins' new hip hop degree program

Founded in 1857, the Peabody Institute is one of the oldest and most respected music conservatories in the United States. Known for its rigorous academic standards and the success of its alumni, Peabody has produced some of the world’s most renowned musicians.

The Peabody Institute’s new Hip Hop Degree Program is set to offer students an in-depth understanding of the genre, emphasizing its artistic, cultural, and historical significance. Fiasco’s teaching career has already seen him serve as a visiting professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and he is currently pursuing a fellowship at Yale University.

The program at Peabody will provide students with an opportunity to study Hip Hop in an academic setting, exploring the genre’s impact on music, society, and culture. Over the years, Fiasco has been recognized for his efforts to elevate Rap as a form of intellectual and artistic expression.

Lupe Fiasco, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco on February 16, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative lyricists in the rap industry. He rose to prominence in the mid-2000s when his debut album Food & Liquor, was released in 2006.

Lupe Fiasco's career continued to soar with the release of his second album, The Cool (2007), which expanded his reputation as a visionary rapper. The album received critical acclaim and showcased Fiasco’s intricate storytelling skills, earning him several Grammy nominations.

However, it was his hit single "Daydreamin" from Food & Liquor that won him his first Grammy Award in 2008, for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Featuring Jill Scott, the song became an anthem for its smooth blend of soul and rap, and its success solidified Fiasco as one of the brightest stars in hip-hop.

Lupe Fiasco’s discography includes a series of albums that push boundaries, such as Lasers (2011), Tetsuo & Youth (2015), and Drogas Wave (2018).

At 42 years old, Lupe Fiasco remains active in both music and academia. In addition to his teaching role at Johns Hopkins University, Fiasco has also made a name for himself as a philanthropist and advocate for community-based projects. His initiatives, such as the Society of Spoken Art and the Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, aim to foster creative opportunities for underrepresented communities.