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Temple University is rolling out a powerful new elective this fall titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Moral of M.A.A.D. City,” centered around the Pulitzer Prize–winning artist’s lyrical genius, social impact, and connection to the modern Black experience!

Led by Professor Timothy Welbeck, the course dives deep into Kendrick’s discography—from good kid, m.A.A.d city to DAMN.—exploring themes of race, identity, trauma, resistance, and moral reflection through his storytelling.

🎓 WHY KENDRICK? WHY NOW?

According to Welbeck, Kendrick isn’t just a rapper—he’s a cultural historian with a mic. “He’s one of the most important voices of his generation,” Welbeck said. “His work is reflective of the Black experience in ways that are incredibly powerful and nuanced.” The course will include guest speakers, lyrical breakdowns, and academic discussions that frame Kendrick’s music as more than entertainment—it’s art with a purpose.

✊🏾FOR THE CULTURE

Temple’s track record speaks for itself— with past courses that have successfully honored Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Tupac, and Kendrick’s inclusion only solidifies hip hop’s seat at the academic table.

📍 COURSE BREAKDOWN:

💡 What’s Being Taught:

Kendrick’s storytelling through music

Morality in good kid, m.A.A.d city

Religion, race, and identity in lyrics

📚 Topics Include:

Systemic injustice & community trauma

Hip-hop’s role in activism

Cultural responses to his work

📅 FALL 2025 IS LOOKING REAL SCHOLARLY.

This course isn’t just for fans—it’s for thinkers, changemakers, and students ready to dissect what Kendrick has been trying to tell us all along: this is deeper than rap.

So whether you’ve been bumping K.Dot since Section.80 or just woke up from the Mr. Morale era, Temple’s course is proof that hip hop’s finest belongs in the books just as much as on the charts.