"The Journey of an Iconic Rapper" - Discover the Story Behind Lupe Fiasco in the Rap Laureate Magazine

The Rap Laureate magazine explores the impact of Lupe Fiasco's music on society and helps us understand cultural identity through rap.

To celebrate 50 years of hip-hop, we have released the first issue of our brand new magazine the Rap Laureate. This new publication analyzes an artist's work, highlighting the significance of hip-hop culture and its potential to inspire and educate young people from diverse backgrounds. It bridges the gap between hip-hop culture and academics and helps teachers create curriculum that is culturally relevant, keeps students interested, and helps them learn.

Dr. Jason Nichols and Mikal Amin Lee co-wrote the first issue of Rap Laureate, which features artwork by Ali Cool Guy. It delves into Lupe Fiasco's discography and career to show why he is one of the most important rappers of the past two decades. Fiasco's music frequently explores social issues and cultural identity, offering valuable insights and fostering cultural understanding. As a Grammy Award-winning rapper and producer, he demonstrates a commitment to connecting art and academia. Initially a 2020-21 CAST Visiting Artist at MIT's Center for Art, Science & Technology, Fiasco laid a foundation for fruitful collaborations. In the 2022-23 academic year, he returned to MIT as part of the MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars Program, building upon the alliances established in 2021.

This semester, Fiasco is teaching a course on rap, sharing his expertise and offering students a distinctive learning opportunity that celebrates the richness and diversity of perspectives in the field. This recognition of the Rap Laureate highlights the significance of integrating the voices and experiences of discredited and discounted groups into mainstream education. You can check out Fiasco accepting the Rap Laureate from his MIT Classroom here.

Read the magazine below or click the button for your free download now!