Chicago’s vibrant hip hop scene is set to gain a new academic voice this fall, as acclaimed local artist Femi Adigun, widely known as Femdot, is slated to teach a course at his alma mater, DePaul University. The class, titled “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop,” marks a significant step in recognizing the genre not just as entertainment, but as a profound art form and a vital academic subject. Adigun, a DePaul alumnus, is bringing his unique perspective and deep connection to the city’s music heritage directly into the classroom.
A New Curriculum for the Concrete Jungle
Set to begin in Fall 2025, “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop” is part of DePaul’s first-year program, designed to offer incoming freshmen and transfer students an “Explore” class that uses the city as its central theme. For Adigun, hip hop is the perfect gateway into understanding Chicago’s multifaceted identity. The course aims to explore hip hop as a dynamic cultural force, delving into its historical roots, artistic evolution, and its indelible impact on the city’s social fabric.
Unlike traditional academic settings, Adigun’s approach promises an immersive experience. Students will be encouraged to move beyond the confines of the classroom, with assignments that involve navigating and exploring influential neighborhoods that have shaped Chicago’s hip hop sound. The curriculum also plans for studio visits and in-depth discussions, offering students a direct connection to the creative processes and the stories behind the music.
Adigun’s core philosophy for the course centers on respecting hip hop’s intellectual depth. He emphasizes that the art of writing rap lyrics is akin to crafting poetry or prose, requiring skill, intellect, and a profound understanding of rhythm and narrative. His hope is for students to grasp that hip hop is not only ingrained in Chicago’s culture but is also a rich intellectual tradition deserving of academic rigor and esteem.
Professor Femdot: A DePaul Alumnus’s Journey
Femi Adigun’s path to academia is as compelling as his rise in the music industry. Born in Evanston and raised across various Chicago neighborhoods, including Rogers Park, the South Side, and the West Side, Adigun has long been immersed in the city’s culture. He began his academic journey at DePaul University, where he pursued a degree in Biological Sciences, graduating in 2018. This scientific background provides a unique lens through which he approaches his art and his educational endeavors, demonstrating a commitment to diverse intellectual pursuits.
Adigun’s musical career, under the moniker Femdot, is characterized by prolific output and a dedication to elevating Chicago’s rap scene. He has consistently released acclaimed projects, with his work often drawing praise for its lyrical depth and authentic storytelling. His career trajectory, marked by milestones like performing at Lollapalooza and building a significant following, reflects a personal philosophy of manifestation and unwavering dedication to his craft. He has previously expressed a desire to teach, seeing it as a way to give back to both Chicago and the hip hop culture he cherishes.
Beyond Music: Fostering Future Leaders
Beyond his artistic achievements, Adigun is deeply committed to community uplift. In 2018, he founded the Delacreme Scholars nonprofit. This initiative is dedicated to providing scholarships to Black and Brown college students, offering crucial financial support and fostering community engagement through mentorship and civic participation. The program exemplifies Adigun’s belief in empowering the next generation and ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible. His involvement with the university extends beyond this new teaching role, reflecting a sustained commitment to supporting DePaul students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Hip Hop’s Growing Role in Higher Education
Femdot’s appointment at DePaul aligns with a broader trend of hip hop gaining recognition within academic institutions. Increasingly, scholars and educators are exploring the genre’s cultural significance and its potential as a pedagogical tool. Hip hop studies programs and courses are emerging across the country, acknowledging the genre’s complex history, its influence on social identity, and its capacity to engage students in learning through multimodal approaches. The integration of hip hop into university curricula validates its position as a legitimate field of study, offering new perspectives on art, culture, and society.
As “Professor Fem” prepares to guide his students through the sounds and stories of Chicago’s hip hop landscape, the course promises to be an illuminating experience. It bridges the gap between artistic practice and academic inquiry, offering students a chance to explore their city and its top music narratives through the eyes of a respected artist who is deeply rooted in its culture. This initiative not only enriches DePaul’s academic offerings but also celebrates the profound cultural contributions of hip hop.
