Chicago, IL – Femi Adigun, widely known as the acclaimed Chicago rapper Femdot, is set to embark on a new academic journey this fall as he takes on the role of instructor at his alma mater, DePaul University. Adigun will lead a course titled “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop,” delving into the rich history and impact of the city’s vibrant hip-hop scene. This new venture fulfills a long-held aspiration for Adigun, who, as a graduate of DePaul, views hip-hop not just as music, but as a significant art form and an academic discipline worthy of deep study.
From Artist to Educator: A Dream Realized
Femdot’s transition into academia marks a significant moment, reflecting a five-year-old vision he articulated in a 2020 interview. At the time, he expressed a desire to teach at an institution after releasing what he considered two “classic albums.” Now, with a distinguished career marked by consistency, community engagement, and critically acclaimed projects, Adigun is bringing his multifaceted experience to the classroom. His journey began with writing poetry in the sixth grade, evolving through numerous spoken word open mic nights in his teenage years, and culminating in a robust music career. He graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Biological Sciences, all while balancing his burgeoning musical pursuits with a full course load.
Adigun, who was born in Evanston and raised across various Chicago neighborhoods, has always been deeply connected to the city’s cultural fabric. His early artistic development was honed through dedication to writing and performance, which later translated into his work as a rapper. He has consistently channeled his success back into the community, notably founding the Delacreme Scholars, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides scholarships to Black and Brown college students, aiming to foster community through mentorship and civic engagement. This commitment to giving back is a driving force behind his decision to teach.
Mapping the Curriculum: Hip Hop as an Academic Lens
The course, “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop,” is designed as part of DePaul’s first-year program, intended for all incoming freshmen and transfer students as an “Explore” class. Adigun plans to use hip-hop as a primary gateway for students to understand and engage with Chicago’s diverse cultural landscape. His curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach, moving beyond simple listening sessions. Students will analyze albums, engage with supplemental texts, and participate in discussions that contextualize the music within the social, political, and historical events of Chicago at the time of its creation.
“I really, really love hip hop as a cultural piece, as a form of language and writing, and as a lens into the world,” Adigun stated. “If I can use my knowledge to show that hip hop belongs in academic spaces — to humanize these experiences and bring an academic lens to the culture — that’s important to me. Teaching is my way of giving back to both Chicago and to hip hop.” The pedagogical approach will also extend beyond the traditional classroom setting, with plans to take students to significant locations in Chicago’s hip-hop history, including studios where iconic albums were recorded and neighborhoods that have shaped the city’s unique sound.
Chicago’s Hip Hop Scene: A Subject of Academic Rigor
Adigun’s initiative aligns with a broader trend of recognizing hip-hop as a legitimate field of academic study. Institutions like Columbia College Chicago have also established Hip-Hop Studies minors, underscoring the genre’s complex cultural, artistic, and social significance. By grounding his course in Chicago’s specific hip-hop narrative, Adigun aims to showcase the genre’s depth, its influence on urban identity, and its capacity to provide critical insights into societal issues. He wants students to first connect with the emotional resonance of a song before exploring its narrative context, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved.
This move into higher education represents a full-circle moment for Adigun, who previously spoke about the importance of time management and pursuing interests with full dedication, lessons he learned during his own time at DePaul. His academic background in Biological Sciences and his minor in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies at DePaul provided him with a diverse educational foundation, which he now aims to synthesize with his passion for hip-hop to educate the next generation. His career, marked by consistency and community focus, continues to reshape perceptions of what is possible for artists emerging from Chicago. The course is set to explore the nuances of Chicago’s contribution to the global hip hop landscape, reinforcing its status as a vital center for music and culture. The introduction of “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop” at DePaul University signifies a valuable opportunity for students to gain a unique perspective on urban culture, artistic expression, and community development, taught by an artist who has lived and breathed the essence of Chicago’s hip hop scene. It is expected to be one of the top stories in academic and cultural circles this academic year.
