Wendel Patrick is an artist who is always working is creating the next project.
“A lot of people think it’s magic,” Patrick says about the way his beats come together, the rhythms flow, and the melodies take shape. But for him, it’s not magic—it’s just music.
Patrick is a name many people recognize in the world of music. He’s an award-winning beat maker, composer, producer, and a trained pianist with skills that cross over many genres. While most know him for his music, Patrick has always had a bigger vision: to push the limits and create something new for the future of hip hop.
“I’m usually making music in my head,” Patrick says. “The most fun I have is when I’m by myself in my studio, unlocking another level.”
His passion for creating has shaped his career, and now it’s driving him to do something completely new: launching the first-ever bachelor’s degree in music focused entirely on hip hop.
Patrick’s second studio isn’t just a place where he makes music; it’s also where he teaches. As a professor at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, Patrick is introducing the Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop, a program that allows students to specialize in turntablism, rapping, beatboxing, or music production. It’s the first performance-based degree of its kind.
“This is really a performance degree,” Patrick explains. “You can major in turntablism, rapping, beatboxing, or music production.”
The degree isn’t just a regular program—it’s a chance for students to dive deep into the world of hip hop, learning both the craft and the history of the genre. They’ll master their skills while also understanding the cultural significance of hip hop.
To make the program even more special, Patrick has recruited a stellar faculty. His first hire is none other than Grammy-winning artist Lupe Fiasco, a respected name in hip hop and a professor at MIT.
“Lupe Fiasco is the first faculty member,” Patrick shares. “He’s not only one of the best emcees but also a brilliant person with a lot of wisdom to offer.”
With Lupe Fiasco on the team, students will have the chance to learn from someone who has reached the highest levels in hip hop while also being a thoughtful and intellectual voice in the industry.
But the program is about more than just impressive faculty. Students will learn the core elements of hip hop, such as beats, rhythms, turntables, and of course, lyrics. Patrick reminds us that hip hop is more than just rapping—it’s a whole system of sound and style that goes beyond what most people see.
Patrick’s personal connection to hip hop goes way back. He’s been a fan since the mid-1980s, and he started making music when he was 17 years old. He credits his success to the trailblazers like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and MC Lyte, who inspired him. His work has allowed him to collaborate with artists he once looked up to, but he still sees himself as a student of hip hop.
“I’ve been a fan since 1984, 1985,” Patrick says. “I never want to stop learning. I never want to stop improving.”
This drive for constant improvement is what makes him such a great teacher and mentor for the next generation of artists. Patrick has always wanted to give back to the genre that has given him so much, and this new program is his way of doing that.
“There’s never been anyone with a degree in hip hop performance,” Patrick says. “I don’t have a hip hop performance degree.”
This program is a groundbreaking opportunity for future hip hop artists. It will officially launch in Fall 2025 and is just the beginning of a larger movement to make hip hop a respected art form in music education. Patrick wants to give students the foundation they need to succeed, whether they become the next big name in hip hop or create their own path.
“They can go out into the world and do whatever they want to do,” Patrick says.
For Patrick, it’s not just about teaching music; it’s about helping students build the future of hip hop.
Lupe Fiasco is joining the faculty at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University this fall as a Distinguished Visiting Professor. He’ll be teaching rap as part of the new Bachelor of Music in Hip Hop program, which is the first hip hop performance degree in the U.S.
In a post on Instagram, Lupe had expressed his excitement about joining the Peabody team. “I’m thrilled to be teaching rap and advancing the study of hip hop at such a prestigious place,” he wrote. Along with teaching at Johns Hopkins, Lupe will continue his teaching role at MIT and his fellowship at Yale.
Peabody Institute, located in Baltimore, Maryland, has an impressive history, with alumni and faculty members winning more than 17 Grammys, as well as numerous Emmys and MacArthur grants.
This is just the latest milestone for Lupe, who was recently honored with a special “Lupe Fiasco Day” in his hometown of Chicago, celebrating his contribution to the city and his work as an artist and teacher.
This fall, students at Peabody will have the rare chance to learn from one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time as they pursue their degrees in this groundbreaking program.
For those interested in applying or want to learn more, you can find out more Here.
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