The Cardi B course does not exist in a vacuum. Howard introduced its Hip Hop Studies minor in Spring 2025, anchoring a broader push to blend cultural theory with practical, industry-ready training.
Hip Hop Studies
What is Hip-Hop Studies?
Study Hip-Hop’s music, culture, dance, fashion, media, and global impact. Howard’s interdisciplinary minor explores Black and African diasporic cultures through scholarship and creative practice.
Scholarship. Culture. Community.
4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference | November 13-15, 2026
Respect the Technique: Last Night a DJ Saved My Life
Explore DJ culture through panel presentations and interactive workshops.
Students register FREE. Registration required.
Co-sponsors include the HU Hip Hop Club.
Register NowWho Is This Minor For?
Connect Hip-Hop to your interests in:
- Music, dance, and theatre
- Race, gender, and identity
- History, politics, and social change
- Fashion, media, and entrepreneurship
Students across majors are welcome.
Contact us at hiphop@howard.edu
Hip Hop Studies Courses
Spring 2027 Hip-Hop Studies Courses
The following courses will be offered Spring 2027
- AFRO 128: Hip Hop (T/Th 3:40 PM - 5:00 PM)
- AFST 132: Hip Hop & Popular Culture in Africa (Tuesdays 5:10 PM - 7:30 PM)
THFD 211: Seminar In Hip Hop (section 1: T/Th 2:10 PM - 3:30 PM | section 2: T/Th 3:40 PM - 5:00 PM)
- AFST 890: Hip Hop, Politics, and Identity in South Africa (Spring Break study abroad)
- HIST 043-01: Coll: Music, Resist & Blk Dias (Thursdays 5:10 PM - 7:30 PM)
- IDSD 190: Independent Study (*Permission required)
- SOCI 161-01 - Problems of the Black Community (T/Th 11:10 AM - 12:30 PM)
- MJFC 200: Introduction to Media Production (multiple sections)
- MUSI 033: Entrepreneurship in the Entertainment Industry (W 6:10 PM - 8:30 PM)
Hip Hop Studies Minor Requirements
Complete 15 credits
Students must take 2 of the following foundational courses
- AFRO 128: Hip Hop
- AFST 132: Hip Hop & Popular Culture in Africa
- THFD 211: Seminar in Hip Hop
Students must take 9 credits in approved electives, including
- AFST 122: ST: Black Women & Popular Culture
- FASH 102: African American Dress
- HIST 043: Music, Resistance & Black Diaspora
- IDSD 192: Independent Study *Permission needed
- PORT 700: Brazilian Hip Hop
- THAC 124: Seminar in Hip Hop Theatre
- THDN 030: Dance History II
- MUSI 033: Entrepreneurship in the Business of Music and Arts
- SOCI 161: Problems of the Black Community
- MJFC 200: Introduction to Media Production
- MJFC 462: Advanced Audio Production *Prerequisite courses include Intro to Media Production, Music in Media, Audio for TV & Film, Podcasting, and Audio Engineering.
- MJFC 330: Multimedia Audio Production *Prerequisites: MJFC 200 Intro to Media Production, MJFC 211 Announcing and Interviewing for audio majors, and MJFC 201 Multimedia Storytelling for journalism majors.
- SLMC 401-01, 402-01, 403-01, 404-01405-01: Practicum-Internship
Declare the Minor
Ready to declare? Follow the Registrar’s instructions to declare your minor.
To declare the Hip Hop Studies minor, visit the Registrar's website.
Need help choosing courses?
Email hiphop@howard.edu.
News and Events
Affiliated Faculty and Staff
College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Msia Kibona Clark, Director and Faculty Coordinator for the Hip-Hop Studies Minor and Associate Professor of African Studies
Dr. Lakeyta M. Bonnette-Bailey, Professor and Chair of Political Science
Dr. Tammy Brown, Associate Professor of History
Dr. David Green, Associate Professor of English
Dr. Michael Ralph, Professor and Chair of Afro-American Studies
School of Communications
Dr. Roger Caruth, Faculty Coordinator for the Hip-Hop Studies Minor and Associate Professor of Strategic, Legal & Management Communications
Dr. Tia Tyree, Interim Associate Dean, School of Communications
College of Fine Arts
Mr. Timothy Jones, Faculty Coordinator for the Hip-Hop Studies Minor and Lecturer of Theatre Arts
Dr. Elka Stevens, Associate Professor of Art
School of Business
Ms. Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Music Center