Which rappers have attended or graduated from Harvard?
I read somewhere that at least one rapper went to Harvard, but I can't remember who. I'm working on an essay about unconventional college students, so I'm wondering if anyone knows of any rappers who either studied or graduated from Harvard?
If you know about anyone with a strong connection to Harvard (not just visits or giving talks, but actually as a student), I’d really appreciate any info or links. Also curious if you know of any rappers at other Ivy League schools, too. I think that would be cool to mention in my project.
If you know about anyone with a strong connection to Harvard (not just visits or giving talks, but actually as a student), I’d really appreciate any info or links. Also curious if you know of any rappers at other Ivy League schools, too. I think that would be cool to mention in my project.
2 weeks ago
•
38 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
When it comes to Harvard, one of the most prominent rappers connected to the university is Chukwuemeka N. Okafor, better known as Chika, but in this case, Chika did not attend Harvard as a student. The most well-known rapper who actually attended Harvard is Tommy Genesis, who completed a Master’s degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Beyond Tommy Genesis, the rapper Armani White (best known for his viral hit 'Billie Eilish') also participated in Harvard's 'Hip Hop Archive and Research Institute' program, though this is more of a research affiliation and less a traditional degree path.
If you want a notable but different angle, consider mentioning GZA (from Wu-Tang Clan), who took part in a teaching residency at Harvard and even ran workshops, or mention LL Cool J who attended Harvard Business School's Entertainment, Media and Sports program—not a full degree, but he did take part as a student.
For your essay on unconventional college students, you might highlight Tommy Genesis as the most significant Harvard-connected rapper with a student background, and supplement with other rappers who have engaged with the Ivy League as fellows or visiting scholars. Including names like LL Cool J, Nas, and GZA for their academic involvement (rather than traditional enrollment) can help illustrate the intersections between hip hop and elite academic spaces.
Beyond Tommy Genesis, the rapper Armani White (best known for his viral hit 'Billie Eilish') also participated in Harvard's 'Hip Hop Archive and Research Institute' program, though this is more of a research affiliation and less a traditional degree path.
If you want a notable but different angle, consider mentioning GZA (from Wu-Tang Clan), who took part in a teaching residency at Harvard and even ran workshops, or mention LL Cool J who attended Harvard Business School's Entertainment, Media and Sports program—not a full degree, but he did take part as a student.
For your essay on unconventional college students, you might highlight Tommy Genesis as the most significant Harvard-connected rapper with a student background, and supplement with other rappers who have engaged with the Ivy League as fellows or visiting scholars. Including names like LL Cool J, Nas, and GZA for their academic involvement (rather than traditional enrollment) can help illustrate the intersections between hip hop and elite academic spaces.
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years