Howard University to Launch Groundbreaking Cardi B Course in Hip-Hop Studies

Howard University is taking hip-hop education to the next level with an innovative new course that places Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B at the center of scholarly study. The three-credit elective will examine the artist's music, brand, and cultural impact as part of a comprehensive exploration of the modern music industry.

Set to debut in Fall 2026, the course titled "The Cardi B: Am I The Drama? The Art, Production, Marketing, and Cultural Impact of Hip-Hop" will focus specifically on Cardi B's second album, which made an impressive debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. According to Billboard, the project earned more than 200,000 equivalent album units in its first week.

Multi-Dimensional Curriculum

The class will examine the album through several critical perspectives, including:

• Music production
• Marketing and branding
• Media and business strategy
• Gender studies and cultural theory

Professor Jasmine Young, director of Howard University's Warner Music/Blavatnik Music Business Center, explained the significance of choosing Cardi B as the course's focal point.

"Cardi B — she's not just the moment.



She's definitely the movement."

In an interview with WUSA-9, Young emphasized the artist's value as a case study, stating, "She's business, she's everything," highlighting the relevance of studying a global music figure in an academic setting.

Collaborative Teaching Approach

The course will be taught in collaboration with Dr. Msia Kibona Clark, associate professor in African Studies, and Professor Pat Parks from the Department of Theatre Arts. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the multifaceted nature of hip-hop culture and its business dimensions.

The class is supported through Howard's partnership with the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center, which focuses on preparing students for careers in the music industry.

Beyond analyzing Cardi B's music, the curriculum will tackle broader topics including:

• Representation of Black women in the music industry
• The global influence of hip-hop culture
• The business strategies behind major artists

Designed specifically for students minoring in hip-hop studies, the course will meet twice a week and provide critical insight into how artists build brands and navigate the entertainment business landscape. Professor Young emphasized that the goal is to connect classroom learning with real-world industry practices.

This innovative offering continues Howard University's position at the forefront of integrating hip-hop into academic study, expanding how music, culture, and business are taught at HBCUs nationwide.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.