Discover the Power of Kendrick Lamar: New University Course Explores His Impact on the Black Experience

Kendrick Lamar’s influence is making waves at Temple University. Starting Fall 2025, students can enroll in a course titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City.” Timothy Welbeck, a professor in Africology and African American Studies, will lead the class. He believes Kendrick is a voice of this generation, reflecting many aspects of the Black experience through his art.

Welbeck explained, “Discussing his work in the context of his life can reveal important journeys toward self-understanding, especially related to the Black experience.” This course follows previous offerings that included classes on Tupac, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z, showing the university’s commitment to hip-hop studies. Welbeck has been teaching at Temple for 14 years and has integrated Lamar’s work into other lessons for nearly a decade.

He shared, “Our department is open to hip-hop as a serious area of study.” Lamar’s recent successes, such as performing at the Super Bowl and winning multiple Grammys, will be part of the discussion in class. Welbeck hopes students will develop a deeper understanding of Lamar, hip-hop culture, and how art reflects the Black experience.

The course will explore themes like urban policy changes in Compton, which influenced Lamar’s journey. Students will listen to several of his albums and engage with some of his collaborators, offering a firsthand glimpse into the music industry.

Kendrick’s work has also been recognized in academic circles. A recent report indicated that hip-hop courses are gaining popularity in universities across the U.S., with enrollment in courses like these growing by 35% over the past three years. This trend highlights the relevance of hip-hop not just as entertainment, but as a vital cultural and academic subject.

For those interested in exploring how art can prompt social change, this course is an excellent opportunity. It opens the door to discussions about music, identity, and the evolving landscape of hip-hop. As Welbeck emphasized, understanding Lamar’s work can lead to insights into broader societal issues, making this class a potentially transformative experience for students.



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