In a notable development for the world of academia and hip-hop, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco has been appointed as a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University’s prestigious Peabody Institute. Starting in Fall 2025, Fiasco will teach within the university’s newly developed four-year hip-hop program, designed to merge musical artistry with industry and business skills.
Fiasco, known for his intricate lyricism and socially conscious messages, shared his excitement in a recent Instagram post, stating, “Thrilled to share that I’ll be joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins’ Peabody Institute as a Distinguished Visiting Professor.” The rapper also expressed his gratitude to Wendel Patrick, the leader of this new program, for making this collaboration possible.
Born as Wasalu Muhammad Jaco on February 17, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois, Lupe Fiasco has become a towering figure in hip-hop since his breakthrough debut album, Food & Liquor (2006), which earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. In 2008 he won the Grammy Award for Daydreamin, song from Food & Liquor. His celebrated albums, such as The Cool and Lasers, have solidified his position as one of rap’s most influential artists. Fiasco’s fanbase spans globally, with millions of followers who appreciate his thoughtful and thought-provoking music. Notably, he has 611K followers on Instagram, where he regularly connects with his fans and shares his latest ventures.
In addition to his musical success, Fiasco has also made strides in the academic world. He taught a rap course at MIT during the 2022–2023 academic year as part of the MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars Program. This experience further cemented his reputation as an advocate for the academic exploration of rap, blending his artistic achievements with a commitment to advancing the discipline in higher education.
