Unlocking the Genius of Kendrick Lamar: Temple University Launches Exciting New Course This Fall!

Timothy Welbeck, a professor at Temple University, is launching a new course focused on renowned rapper Kendrick Lamar. This comes after 14 years of teaching subjects like hip-hop and Black culture, as well as courses on icons such as Tupac.

The course, titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City,” will be available in Fall 2025 and is already catching the attention of students at the university.

In an interview with NBC10, Welbeck said, “Kendrick Lamar is a defining voice of his generation. His life and art reflect the Black experience in powerful ways.” He believes that discussing Lamar’s journey can help students understand self-actualization as it relates to the Black community.

Lamar isn’t alone; other artists like Tupac, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z are also included in Temple’s curriculum. Welbeck points out that Lamar’s impact on hip-hop makes him a fitting subject for a course like this.

From his memorable 2016 Grammy performance to his recent Super Bowl halftime show, Lamar continues to shape the landscape of rap. Welbeck has been working on this course for a year but has incorporated Lamar’s music into his lessons for nearly a decade.

Temple University has been increasingly open to the study of hip-hop. Welbeck hopes the course will shine a light on Black expression in America through the lens of Lamar’s work. He wants students to come away with a better understanding of hip-hop as an art form and its cultural significance.

While keeping some syllabus details under wraps, Welbeck mentioned that students will explore urban policies affecting Compton, which played a role in shaping Lamar. The course will also examine cultural studies and the evolution of hip-hop as a form of self-expression.

Students can expect to dive into several of Lamar’s albums and hear from guest speakers who have collaborated with him, adding real-world insights to the discussions.

As interest grows, students are encouraged to register soon as space is limited. This course promises not just to educate but also to deepen appreciation for Kendrick Lamar and the vibrant culture of hip-hop.

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Education, Music & Musicians, Philadelphia, Temple University