Respect the Technique: Last Night a DJ Saved my Life! The 4th annual Hip-Hop Studies Conference will be held at Howard University from November 13 to 15, 2026.
Hip Hop Studies
What is Hip-Hop Studies?
Hip-Hop Studies explores Hip-Hop as a global cultural movement with deep roots in Black and African Diaspora traditions. This interdisciplinary program provides students with the tools to analyze, engage with, and contribute to Hip-Hop culture through research, critical theory, creative practice, and media production.
4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference | November 13-15, 2026
We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for the 4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference, taking place November 13–15, 2026 at Howard University.
This year’s theme, “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life,” centers the DJ as a foundational force in Hip Hop culture—exploring their influence across music, technology, community, and global cultural production. As someone who joined us last year, we invite you back to be part of another dynamic weekend of panels, workshops, performances, and conversations with scholars, artists, and practitioners from around the world.
Register NowWho Is This Minor For?
Scholars & Researchers: Study the scholarship shaping Hip-Hop Studies and examine Hip-Hop as a global, political, and artistic movement rooted in Black cultural production.
Social Science & Justice: Explore how Hip-Hop emerges from—and challenges—systems of inequality, social movements, and everyday life across the diaspora.
Artists & Practitioners: Develop your creative voice as an MC, dancer, or visual artist while engaging Hip-Hop’s cultural histories, aesthetics, and innovations.
Media & Industry: Gain hands-on experience in audio production and entrepreneurship while building connections with leading industry partners.
The minor prepares you for academia, media, the arts, and more through critical analysis, creative practice, and cultural leadership. Howard University’s Hip-Hop Studies Minor is more than a program; it is a community grounded in Black thought, culture, and global impact.
Contact us to declare the minor and begin your journey.
Hip Hop Studies Courses
Fall 2026 Hip-Hop Studies Courses
The following courses will be offered Fall 2026
Core Courses
- 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)
Minor Electives
- FASH 102: African American Dress (MWF 9:10 AM - 10:00 AM)
- SOCI 161-01 - Problems of the Black Community (T/Th 12:40 PM - 2:00 PM)
- MJFC 200: Introduction to Media Production (multiple sections)
MUSI 033: Entrepreneurship in the Entertainment Industry (W 6:10 PM - 8:30 PM)
- Students wanting to register for Cardi B: Am I the Drama? The Art, Production, and Cultural Impact of Hip-Hop need to register using either AFST 122 (Black Women & Popular Culture) or THFD 214 (Topics in Theatre Arts: Theory) (T/Th 12:40 PM - 2:00 PM)
Hip Hop Studies Foundational Courses
Minors must take 2 of the following courses
- AFRO 128: Hip Hop
- AFST 132: Hip Hop & Popular Culture in Africa
- THFD 211: Seminar in Hip Hop
Hip Hop Studies Electives
• AFST 122: ST: Black Women & Popular Culture
• FASH 102: African American Dress
• HIST 043: Music, Resistance & Black Diaspora
• 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
Additional Optional Electives
- IDSD 155: A Hip Hop Convo on Race (1 hour)
- IDSD 160: Woke Poetry (1 hour)
- COMM 102: Fundamentals of Advertising & Story Telling (1 hour)
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