T.I. has landed a teaching gig at Clark Atlanta University.
The multi-platinum selling rapper is teaming up with Dr. Melva K. Williams to teach a course called the “Business of Trap Music” at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU). CAU President George T. French Jr. announced the school’s partnership with T.I. on Tuesday (June 23).
“In higher education, it is important that we challenge, empower and equip our students with the proper resources to excel,” French said in a press release. “I believe the best way to do this is to understand their culture and create life-long experiences that will not only motivate our scholars but present them with opportunities to help them become globally competitive.”
T.I.’s course is scheduled to begin in the fall 2020 semester. Dr. Williams, his fellow instructor, is the co-founder of Higher Education Leadership Foundation (H.E.L.F.) as well as the Vice-Chancellor of Southern University Shreveport and New Orleans.
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“HBCUs have a vital role in our community and have managed to withstand even while being some of the most under-resourced institutions,” Tip stated. “Our national HBCUs continue to underscore the fact that we have always had to do more with less. I am excited to be partnering with Clark Atlanta University in my hometown – Atlanta.”
He added, “I applaud their innovative approach to ensuring their students are educated beyond the traditional textbook curriculum. I am honored to lend my voice and unique experiences to the betterment of today’s young people and to do my part to lift the legacy of historical black colleges and universities across the nation.”
CAU is a private HBCU established in 1988 following the consolidation of Atlanta University (founded in 1865) and Clark College (founded in 1869). DJ Drama, Don Cannon, Ma$e, Bryan-Michael Cox, ESPN’s Bomani Jones, Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and director Spike Lee all attended the school at one point in their lives.
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Hip Hop continues to be taught in colleges. Earlier this year, The Ohio State University announced that Rapsody’s 5.0-rated album EVE will be taught as part of a class called “Black Womanist Criticism and Rapsody’s EVE.”
Fall semester classes are scheduled to begin on August 19. Tip’s course will be offered to undergraduate students.