In a historic move, the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University has announced the launch of the nation’s first Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop program. Set to welcome its first class in fall 2025, the program will be led by acclaimed composer, producer, and pianist Wendel Patrick, with Grammy Award-winning rapper and producer Lupe Fiasco joining as a distinguished visiting artist.

A Trailblazing Program for a Cultural Phenomenon

This new degree represents a significant milestone in recognizing hip-hop’s cultural and artistic impact. Peabody, the first conservatory in the United States, will now be home to the first undergraduate program dedicated to hip-hop, blending its tradition of innovation with the dynamic, evolving art form of hip-hop.

The program will cover essential elements of hip-hop, including rapping, beatboxing, turntablism, and producing, alongside coursework exploring the cultural history, technique, and technological evolution of the genre. Students will receive private instruction from world-class practitioners and collaborate within Baltimore’s thriving hip-hop scene.

Dean Fred Bronstein emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Peabody has been a leader at the intersection of art and education for over 150 years. We couldn’t be more excited to foster and support the talents of future generations of hip-hop artists in collaboration with those who are pushing the art form forward.”

Wendel Patrick and Lupe Fiasco Lead the Charge

Wendel Patrick, known for his visionary music production and classical and jazz expertise, has played a pivotal role in integrating hip-hop into Peabody’s curriculum since 2016. As co-founder of the Baltimore Boom Bap Society and a former Nasir Jones Hip Hop Fellow at Harvard, Patrick brings a wealth of experience and a passion for mentoring the next generation of artists.

Lupe Fiasco, celebrated for his intricate lyricism and socially conscious music, will further elevate the program. Known for his critically acclaimed albums, including Food & Liquor and Samurai, Fiasco has also made a mark as an educator, teaching “Rap Theory and Practice” at MIT. He described his involvement at Peabody as an opportunity to advance hip-hop within higher education, saying, “I’m honored to be joining the faculty of the prestigious Peabody Conservatory doing what I love most, rap.”

A Gateway to the Future of Hip-Hop Education

With its robust curriculum and access to Peabody’s Music Engineering and Technology (MET) program, the Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop aims to equip students with the artistic and entrepreneurial skills needed for success in today’s music industry. From mastering the craft of performance to engaging with the broader sociopolitical context of hip-hop, the program promises to shape the future of the genre while staying rooted in its cultural heritage.

Applications for the program are open through January 24, 2025. For more information, visit peabody.jhu.edu/hip-hop.

With its groundbreaking approach, Peabody Conservatory is once again leading the way in reimagining the future of music education—this time through the lens of hip-hop.