The hip hop recording artist and social activist attended Cheshire Academy, a coed boarding and day school in Cheshire, Connecticut. He fielded scholarships from Georgetown University, Morehouse University, and Harvard University before deciding to attend UPenn. degree in psychology in 2003. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for AFI. Eminem raps with a vocabulary rivalling Shakespeares, while Wu-Tang members GZA and Ghostface Killah have vocabularies even larger. Dean Norris was a straight A student in high school, and decided to pursue his college education at Harvard, where he studied the interdisciplinary concentration of Social Studies. Many rap artists, including some notable figures, have gone on to obtain a college degree. These artists are proof that college is not just a place to get an education, but a place where one can learn to use their talents to change the world. Here's a quick look at 21 rappers who attended college. Smith has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Awards, and . Cam'ron, Texas JUCO Source:Getty 3. J.Cole: The rapper graduated from St. John's University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images). He majored in social anthropology and studied filmmaking, graduating in 1991, and it was at Harvard that Aronofsky became interested in becoming a filmmaker. Like our content? has a degree in fine art, film, and video from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Maryland rapper IDK will teach a tuition-free music business seminar at Harvard for BIPOC students this August. RELATED: 20 Times Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Were Stunningly Beautiful Fashion Icons. Yes Wayne attended university, and is one of the few rappers who not only excelled in their rap career but also excelled academically. Chuck has made education and activism the center of his career, from speaking to college students to producing documentaries about hip-hop and political issues. Helen Keller sitting, holding a magnolia flower, circa 1920. OShea Jackson grew up in South Central Los Angeles, the younger of two sons of middle-class families. Common Known as one of the best conscious rappers in the game Common continues to enlighten the masses through rap songs and poetry. While Glover had DJd and made a mixtape in college, it was writing (and, later, making cameos) on 30 Rock that brought Glover into the public eye. The University of Central Florida, or UCF, is an American metropolitan public research university in Orlando, Florida. Plazacore. Alicia Keys was signedby Columbia Records at only 15 years old. and as a solo artist, Ice Cube was at the center of the West Coast gangsta rap phenomenon, putting himself in the crosshairs of the culture wars with songs like F the Police and Amerikkkas Most Wanted. Before he was a figure the media loved to hate (and way, way before he was the lovably gruff face of family comedies), OShea Jackson was the younger son of a middle-class family in Baldwin Hills, the nicer side of South Central Los Angeles a background that gangsta rapper Ice Cube preferred to keep quiet. With a flow that meshes Jay with his New York rival Nas, Coles earnest but unsentimental reflections on life, politics, and life have gained him a massive following, while other artists seek him out for guest verses and beats even people who were once his idols, like Kanye West and Talib Kweli. That kind of dedication shows in every aspect of an impressive, and still developing, career that is already going on a decade. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. John Lithgow attends a Special Screening of Liongate's "Bombshell" at Regency Village Theatre on December 10, 2019 in Westwood, California. of Linguistics and Psychology from USC. In 2021 she completed her degree in Health Administration at Texas Southern University, and is dedicated to using her money and influence to establish more healthcare and assisted living facilities in Houston. He is best known for Genres, a hip hop neo soul pop song with 9 rows. However the teenage rapper addressed the rumours on Twitter, writing: "I really did drop out of Harvard to save . In 1977, Chuck D was born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour, and his rap career began right alongside the New York City blackout. Before the songstress and rapper was making hits and setting industry standards, Hill was a Columbia undergraduate. The College Consensus ranking of the Top 10 Rappers with College Degrees is focused on the hip-hop legends and stars who have done their time in higher education and earned degrees even if they dont boast about their BAs along with their gold chains and Lambos (although rap stardom might be a good way to pay off student loans). He has discussed his addiction struggles in detail and offered advice on how to overcome them to others. Chuck D may have majored in graphic design, but hes not known for his visual style hes known for one of the most recognizable voices in hip-hop. If you want to be accepted into Harvard, youll need a 4.0 unweighted GPA. An Honorary Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology is a prerequisite for pursuing a degree in this field. Degree:Communications and Business,St. Johns UniversityImage Source: Survivor Org Wiki. & Southfield Freeway in the Warrendale neighborhood due to his mother and father constantly being in and out of prison. NOTE: Ice Cube gets Honorable Mention only because the technical school he attended no longer exists. Tommy Lee Jones graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Harvard University in 1969. Amy Brenneman attends HBO's Post Emmy Awards Reception at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Harvard graduates went on to found disruptive companies, invent new technologies, discover new. Some have even used their platform to become social activists and bring attention to important issues. Roosevelt and his siblings suffered from a variety of physical ailments, and as a result, were home-schooled. Natalie Portman tops this list. Apart from his formidable rapping skills, he has also produced hit songs for other southern rappers like T.I. This didn't stop him, though, and he used pseudonyms to perform. Matt Damon enrolled as a student of the class of 1992, but left before receiving his degree12 credits shy of his degreeto take a lead role in the film Geronimo: An American Legend. In middle school he began developing an interest in rap music and eventually formed the musical group All Stars Ball Hard along with three . And 2022 will find her back at USC, this time as a guest lecturer in the entrepreneurship department! Young MCs ambitions took him to the other side of the country, however: to the University of Southern California. Yo Gotti Southwest Tennessee Community College. #1 Jay-Z. And what was Gurus major? Harvard has produced hundreds of geniuses who made the world a better place in their own ways. But he was also the son of hard-working, striving Jamaican immigrants, and slacking off, running the streets, and getting in trouble was not an option. There, he studied Architecture before changing to Art History. Rappers who went to college are as unique as can be Native Tongues and backpacker MCs, hard-core gangsta and Dirty South rappers, pop stars and underground. The Thin Red Line director acquired a BA in philosophy from Harvard College, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1965. Damon, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, wrote an early treatment of his script for Good Will Hunting for an English assignment while at Harvard. New York University is a private nonprofit research university based in New York City. Rappers Method Man (Wu Tang Clan) and Redman play two "potheads" (for lack of a better term) who through the use of a magical herb attain brilliance and gain acceptance to Harvard University. There is no requirement to have a degree, but certain programs, such as music production, can be completed. Aloe Blacc earned a B.A. These hit-makers and record breakers are serious smarty pants, and have attended some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States. Her ambition and a compelling letter to the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism got her a place in one of the top communications programs in the world. No musical or. While there, she participated in several organizations including the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, Harvard Radcliffe Dramatic Club, Harvard Opportunes, and the Black Students Association. The Most Intelligent Rappers: Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000, J. Cole, And Jay Z Who are some of the smartest rappers? Hoodie Allen, the rapper, singer, and songwriter behind chart-topping rap albums, is a UPenn alum. Unfortunately, Young MC was a victim of timing; he became a sensation precisely at the same time that his witty, clever, and harmlessly positive style became passe. Leon Black $5.2 Billion He's the founder of the Apollo Management Group, which specializes in leveraged buyouts of other companies. Some requirements include the ability to work hard, have discipline, determination, stamina, self-confidence, the ability to motivate others, and the ability to market effectively. Simon & Garfunkel went on to become one of the biggest bands of the 60s. How Important is the LSAT to Law School Admissions? Despite toting little Megan to recording sessions when she didnt have childcare, Thomas had one requirement when Megan wanted to become a rapper wait until youre 21. Childish Gambino, Talib Kweli, David Banner Lavell William Crump, and others are all well-known rappers. However, against all odds (when Glover first announced his new persona, many wondered if it was a joke), Childish Gambino has proven to be an ideal creative outlet for a young genius with apparently unlimited potential and energy. Southwest Tennessee Community College is a community college operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, United States. After he was given an ultimatum, he also threatened to sue, and went to the press - at which point the school backed down. Director Terrence Malick filming his new movie during Fun Fun Fun Fest at Auditorium Shores on November 2, 2012 in Austin, Texas. major in English from Harvard University in 1997. 5-popular-rappers-who-went-to-college By Mike Coppola, Getty Images Wale attended Robert Morris University, Virginia State University and Bowie State University. When Megan Thee Stallion was a baby, her mother, an underground rapper, was a hip-hop fan. Then, of course, Bust a Move swept the world, a Grammy-winning, top-10 hit that became an albatross. The median salary for rappers in the United States is $49,920, with salaries ranging from $18,720 to $141,440 per year. Stockard Channing attends the press night after party for "Apologia" at the Haymarket Hotel on August 3, 2017 in London, England. The University of Alabama is a public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States, and the flagship of the University of Alabama System. Some of these hip-hop stars earned their degrees after attending four years of college, while others were presented with honorary degrees for their contributions to the arts. Natalie Portman walks the red carpet ahead of the 'Vox Lux' screening during the 75th Venice Film Festival at Sala Grande on September 4, 2018 in Venice, Italy. Jack Lemmon (1925-2001), US actor, wearing a brown jacket, a white shirt and brown-and-white striped tie, in a studio portrait, circa 1970. And a business professor encouraged her to go for her hip-hop dreams, rather than settle into a boring corporate career. Junior colleges or JUCOS for short, are two-year Texas colleges similar and including community colleges. Ryan Leslie, also known asCastor Troy, was born on September 25, 1978 in Washington D.C., and is a Harvard University (BS) graduate. The Full House star graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English and American Literature from the university in 1998, and then returned to acting, starring on shows including What I Like About You, Scrubs and Fuller House. He majored in Communications. Campbell hadn't forked over the money by 1995, so Jones placed a lien on some choice Miami property Campbell owned, which would lead to a sale to pay off the legal debt. Rashida Jones attends the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 09, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. The highest degrees offered are usually associates and program lengths are usually two years. During his time at Harvard, Jack Lemmon was president of the Hasty Pudding Club and vice president of Dramatic and Delphic Clubs, but due to academic probation, he was banned from acting onstage. The young rapper's new self-titled album, Lil Pump, is ready for streaming on iTunes and features rappers Smokepurpp, Rick Ross, Chief Keef, 2 Chainz, and Gucci Mane. Her education and communications skills have been well-honed, and she has received numerous endorsements as well as a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 list. This list of notable alumni is loosely sorted by popularity and has people from different domains of life, such as writers, intellectuals & academics, miscellaneous, media personalities and film & theater personalities etc. In 1969, he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, having written his senior thesis on "the mechanics of Catholicism" in the works of Flannery O'Connor. At USC one of the most prestigious private research universities in the West Young majored in economics while honing his rap skills, catching the ear of two classmates who had started Delicious Vinyl Records. Throughout his childhood, he was heavily involved in Atlantas Dirty South scene. Five mixtapes, an EP, and three albums (Camp, Because the Internet, and Awaken, My Love!), all in less than a decade, have earned Glover a reputation for always having his finger on the pulse of the culture. After attending school in Kenya, training as a field biologist and backpacking across Europe, Darren Aronofsky enrolled at Harvard in 1987. He roomed with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore as an upperclassman. Copyright 2023 Interactive One, LLC. Ultimately, it is up to the individual rapper to decide if college is right for them. With help from some of the biggest producers in the industry, like Pharrell andWyclef Jean, she created dozens of pop/ R&B bops. A three-hour rap practice would take approximately three months to master. He majored in English and Spanish literature, writing his honours thesis on the films of Shakespeare's Hamlet, and was a member of the Harvard Lampoon team and the Hasty Pudding Club. In November 2017, famous American rapper and actor LL Cool J took to Instagram to announce that he has completed Harvard's Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports program. With smart business sense, Luda also broke numerous younger Southern rappers, such as 2 Chainz, using his Disturbing tha Peace record label as a major front for the genre. The Best '80s Rappers #8 of 27 on The Best Rappers with MC in Their Name #4 of 80 on The Best Bands & Artists That Start With Y J. Cole Photo: Dreamville J. Cole graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. John's University in 2007. At that same time, in a galaxy not so far, far away, Portman was studying at Harvard. Famous Men You'd Want To Have A Beer With, The Best Talk Show Hosts Of Daytime, Late Night, and All Time, The Greatest Actors & Actresses in Entertainment History. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to a rappers success, and whether or not they went to college is just one of them. But first, she knew she wanted to go to college. Their degrees are from major research universities and liberal arts colleges and HBCUs. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, commonly known as FAMU, is a public, historically black university in Tallahassee, Florida, United States. Cole released his first mixtape, entitled C, shortly after graduating from college in 2007, drawing a lot of underground attention. Ryan Leslie 11 languages Anthony Ryan Leslie (born September 25, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur from Washington, D.C. How's that for school spirit? Not surprisingly, Kweli also scores as one of the rappers with the highest vocabulary, a product, most likely, of his deep reading in biographies, history, politics, and philosophy, all of which appear prominently in his socially aware lyrics. Kamaljeet Singh Jhooti, more commonly known by his stage name of Jay Sean, was raised in Southall, West London, where he attended a private secondary school. He enrolled at Harvard and concentrated in History and Literature, later graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude in 1985. He received an honorary degree from the University of Houston in 2008. Even rappers who went to college will often play down their education as not being real enough. Some of your favorite rappers have attended your childrens graduation. And Cube has never forgotten his love of design, either, even serving as the Getty Museums representative for a Charles and Ray Eames exhibit; Cube compared their mid-century style to sampling and mash-ups, always keeping it real in the rap game. Born: 09-15-1946 Age: 76 Birthplace: San Saba, Texas, United States of America More Tommy Lee Jones #44 of 272 on The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #23 of 643 on His formidable rapping skills, he was heavily involved in Atlantas Dirty South scene, however: to other... Alongside the new York City best Known for Genres, a Grammy-winning, top-10 hit became..., but certain programs, such as music production, can be completed also... Still developing, career that is already going on a decade apart from his formidable rapping skills, he also... Swept the world, a hip hop neo soul pop song with 9 rows: Getty.. To college will often play down their education as not being real enough stop him, though and. 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