Grammy-winning rapper and producer Lupe Fiasco will join the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute as a distinguished visiting professor in Fall 2025. Fiasco is set to teach as part of the institute’s innovative new Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop program, a groundbreaking four-year degree that combines the Peabody Conservatory’s performance expertise with its industry-leading Music Engineering and Technology resources.
The program, which will be led by professor and artist Wendel Patrick, aims to equip students with both technical skills and artistic mastery within the rapidly evolving field of hip-hop.
Fiasco, known for his impactful storytelling and socially conscious lyrics, first gained widespread recognition with his 2006 debut album Food & Liquor. His chart-topping singles “Superstar” and “Daydreamin’” earned him a Grammy, cementing his place as one of the most respected voices in hip-hop.
In a statement shared on social media, Fiasco expressed his excitement about contributing to the rich history of the Peabody Institute. “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,” he wrote. “I’m honored to contribute to this legacy doing what I love most, Rap.”
This appointment follows Fiasco’s previous academic work as a visiting professor and scholar at MIT, where he led a programming competition on language and rhythm and collaborated on multiple projects in the field of digital media and hip-hop.
As part of his new role at Johns Hopkins, Fiasco will bring his unique blend of musical expertise and cultural insight to a new generation of hip-hop artists and innovators.
Related Topics
