Temple University will introduce a new course this fall centered on Kendrick Lamar. The class—“Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City”—will debut in Fall 2025. It will be hosted by Timothy Welbeck, a professor in Africology and African American Studies and director of Temple’s Center for Anti‑Racism.
An Afrocentric Lens on Compton and Culture
Welbeck described Lamar as “one of the defining voices of his generation.” He said the artist “articulates the complexities of Black life and the pursuit of self‑actualization.” The course will examine Lamar’s Compton upbringing, the shifting urban policies there, and how these dynamics shaped his art.
Students will study Lamar’s lyrical themes of marginalization and resilience. They’ll explore his storytelling structure, production choices, and political commentary.
Curricular Depth with Guest Voices
Welbeck previously taught courses on Tupac and broader hip‑hop culture. Now he shifts to Lamar to explore modern rap scholarship. He told NBC10:
“Being able to discuss his art in the environment that helps lead him into being the man that he is… can tell you him as an individual, but can also talk about the journey’s towards self‑actualization particularly as it is related to the Black experience.”
The curriculum will feature guest speakers who have collaborated with Lamar, adding firsthand insight into his creative process.
Courses like this reflect rising recognition of hip‑hop as a serious academic subject. Lamar earned the Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for DAMN., marking a turning point for rap in higher education. His voice now enters lecture halls.
Context Amid Lamar’s Breakout Year
The announcement arrives amid an eventful period for the Compton artist. This year, he headlined the 2025 Super Bowl LIX halftime show and swept multiple Grammy categories in February. He has also co‑headlined the blockbuster Grand National Tour with SZA.
In a social media update, Welbeck expressed excitement:
“Thanks for sharing this. I’m looking forward to the fall.”
Temple says seats are limited. Interested students are encouraged to register quickly.
Podcasting, lyrical analysis, and urban policy reviews will likely all feature in class sessions. The syllabus promises to offer both theoretical frameworks and lived narratives. The result? A fresh model for music‑driven scholarship.
By launching this course, Temple University joins a growing number of institutions that academically validate hip‑hop’s influence. Kendrick Lamar’s work combines artistic innovation with cultural critique.