National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators

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National Teachers Week Gets the Hip-Hop Treatment

It’s National Teachers Week—a time to celebrate the educators who inspire, guide, and push us to be our best. But what if the classroom looked a little different?

What if the people at the front of the room were some of hip-hop’s biggest icons?

Imagine trading textbooks for mixtapes, and chalkboards for bars. From life lessons in hustle and ownership to deep dives into history, emotion, and identity, many of your favorite rappers already teach us through their music.

So, in the spirit of honoring educators everywhere (and having a little fun with it), we imagined what subjects hip-hop artists would teach if they ran their own school. Whether it’s Kendrick leading a deep discussion on social justice or Megan Thee Stallion running the ultimate health class, one thing’s for sure—this faculty would have students lined up early for every period.

Class is officially in session. Now let’s meet the staff.

Happy World Teachers’ Day: These Famous Celebrities Were Once Teachers

20 Hip-Hop Artists as Teachers

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

1. Jay-Z – Business 101: Hustle & Ownership

Class Motto: “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man.”
Teaches generational wealth, brand-building, and how to own—not rent—your lane.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

2. Nicki Minaj – English Lit: Shakespeare & Savage Bars

Class Motto: “If I’m fake, I ain’t notice ’cause my money ain’t.”
Mastering metaphors, alter egos, and high-level shade detection.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

3. Kendrick Lamar – U.S. History & Social Justice

Class Motto: “We gon’ be alright.”
Lectures that dissect the American system—and make you feel every word of it.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

4. Drake – Creative Writing: Feelings, Flexes & Flings

Class Motto: “Started from the bottom, now we’re in our feelings.”
Course includes passive-aggressive lyricism, emotional IQ, and Instagram caption writing.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

5. Megan Thee Stallion – Health & Wellness

Class Motto: “Hot girl semester.”
Teaches anatomy, confidence, and mental health—all in stilettos.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

6. J. Cole – Philosophy & Ethics

Class Motto: “Love yours.”
Every lecture feels like therapy. Bring a notebook and your soul.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

7. Cardi B – Public Speaking & Media Studies

Class Motto: “Say it loud, say it real.”
How to stay unfiltered and unbothered—even in a room full of critics.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

8. Ice Cube – Civics: Protest, Power & Policy

Class Motto: “Check yo’self before you wreck yo’self.”
From N.W.A. to political commentary, Cube shows how to turn bars into blueprints for change.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

9. Tyler, the Creator – Art & Design

Class Motto: “Create something weird. Or don’t. I’m not your dad.”
Aesthetics, fashion, color theory, and controlled chaos. No syllabus, just vibes.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

10. Snoop Dogg – Botany (You Know Why)

Class Motto: “Stay elevated.”
Exploring the science, history, and lifestyle behind greenery.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

11. Missy Elliott – Technology & Music Production

Class Motto: “Flip it and reverse it.”
Beat-making, futuristic visuals, and how to stay ahead of your time—literally.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

12. 21 Savage – Personal Finance & Budgeting

Class Motto: “I got 1, 2, 3, 4 reasons to stack.”
No fluff, just real-life money management. Teaches you how to build wealth quietly.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

13. Doja Cat – Performance Art & Alien Studies

Class Motto: “Be weird. Be wild. Be you.”
Every class is a new costume, genre, and planet. No two lectures are the same.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

14. Lil Wayne – Poetry & Wordplay

Class Motto: “Real Gs move in silence like lasagna.”
Teaches you to bend language, metaphors, and minds. Bonus points if you catch every double entendre.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

15. Nas – History Through Hip-Hop

Class Motto: “It was written.”
Unpacks the cultural roots of hip-hop and its connection to Black history, politics, and survival.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

16. Latto – Women’s Studies: Power & Presence

Class Motto: “Big energy only.”
Teaches confidence, boundary-setting, and how to make every space yours.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

17. Travis Scott – Sound Design & Event Production

Class Motto: “It’s lit.”
Focuses on sonic atmospheres, stage design, and how to throw a concert that breaks the internet.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

18. Chance the Rapper – Theology & Spiritual Exploration

Class Motto: “I speak to God in public.”
Explores religion, gratitude, and inner peace—with gospel vibes and good energy.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

19. Ice Spice – Intro to Viral Culture & Aesthetics

Class Motto: “You thought I was feelin’ you?”
Dissects meme-making, TikTok trends, and why brand consistency is personality.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc

20. Rick Ross – Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management

Class Motto: “Lemon pepper everything.”
Teaches luxury, taste, and how to live like a boss—plating skills included.

National Teachers Week, But Make It Hip-Hop: Rappers as Educators was originally published on ronezhiphopcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc