The hip hop scene is known for promoting street credibility as one of its central values, but these rappers with a college degree prove that talent and knowledge certainly complement each other. From business administration to graphic design, the skilled Emcee’s on this list cracked the books in the past, completed college with a degree, and then dedicated their lives to the craft of rapping, becoming the most successful masters of the genre.
If you’re curious to know just how much money you can earn in the rap game, then check out our compilation of the world’s richest hip hop artists. However, this article is about brains and academic standards, and about combating the stereotype that you need to be a high school dropout in order to become a famous rapper. So, without further ado, these are some of the rappers with a college degree.
6. Ludacris
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Ludacris attended Georgia State University under his real name – Christopher Bridges – in order to get his degree in Music Management. And it seems his college says were put to good use, as he proceeded to release 8 albums, several No.1 hits, and starred in films like Crash and Fast and the Furious.
5. Chuck D
One of the original members of the hip hop pioneers Public Enemy, Chuck D became one of the biggest names in the rap game throughout the 80’s and 90’s. Considering the groups lyrical contents, which addressed issues like cultural empowerment and social discrimination, it shouldn’t be surprising that more than one member went to college. In Chuck D’s case, his school of choice was Adelphi University, where he earned a degree in Graphic Design.
4. J. Cole
Although this young man still has a way to go until he reaches iconic status, he’s done very well for himself so far. Not only is he signed to Jay Z’s label, Roc Nation, under which he released two albums, but he also started his own label called Dreamville Records. However, before dedicating himself to hip hop’s urban sounds, J.Cole attended St. Johns University in New York City on a basketball and academic scholarship. And his determination spoke loudly as he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Communication and Business.
3. Ryan Leslie
It’s one thing is to be a college graduate with a music career, but to graduate from Harvard at the tender age of 19 and still dedicate your life to rapping and producing says a lot about Ryan Leslie’s passion. After receiving his degree in government, with a minor in macroeconomics, and giving his ceremonial speech as the chosen Harvard Male Orator, Leslie went on to produce songs for Beyonce, Kanye West, and Britney Spears, as well as releasing his own albums.
2. Childish Gambino
Before Childish Gambino appeared on the rap scene, we already knew his face from the critically acclaimed TV show, Community, where he showcased his comedic talent as the character Troy Barnes. He also used to write the script for the comedy show 30 Rock, before dedicating his time to writing rap lyrics. See a pattern yet? Well, dramatic writing clearly comes naturally to Donald Clover, who graduated from the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Today, he’s become one of the best new rappers on the scene.
1. David Banner
If it weren’t for his love of music and particularly, hip hop, David Banner (or Lavell Crump) would now have a master’s in education from the University of Maryland, and possibly be working as a professor. However, instead of pursuing his post graduate studies, the Mississippi native stuck to his degree in business from Southern University, and dedicated himself to producing tracks for big names like T.I. Considering that Banner was also president of the Student Governor Association, we could say that he’s the most fond of academia of the rappers with a college degree.
