Chicago’s vibrant hip hop scene has a new academic voice: Femi Adigun, widely known as the rapper Femdot. This fall, Adigun, an alumnus of DePaul University, will step into the role of “Professor Fem,” leading “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop,” a new course at his alma mater designed to explore the genre’s rich history, artistic merit, and academic value.
This appointment marks a significant moment, reflecting a broader national trend of hip hop being increasingly embraced as a legitimate and vital field of academic study. For decades, artists and scholars have championed the recognition of hip hop’s complexity, its power as a vehicle for social commentary, and its profound influence on language, culture, and politics. Adigun’s initiative at DePaul is poised to contribute to this growing academic legitimacy, offering students an in-depth exploration of hip hop rooted in its Chicago origins.
The Educator’s Journey: From Alumnus to “Professor Fem”
Adigun’s connection to DePaul University runs deep. He graduated in 2018 with a degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies, a testament to his intellectual curiosity and multifaceted interests. Even during his undergraduate years, Adigun was actively building his career as a musician, juggling classes with open mic nights and studio sessions. His journey into academia as an instructor is a dream he has long nurtured, even envisioning himself teaching in an institutional setting years ago. His mother’s early nickname for him, “Professor,” now feels prescient as he prepares to guide students through the intricate narratives of hip hop. [Initial Context]
His path to this teaching role is characterized by manifestation and a consistent work ethic. Adigun has spoken about setting goals—like performing at Lollapalooza—and seeing them come to fruition. This teaching position is another checkpoint, a realization of his ambition to blend his artistic passion with educational impact.
“Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop”: A Curriculum Beyond the Classroom
The “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop” course is designed as an “Explore” class for DePaul’s incoming freshmen and transfer students, serving as an introduction to the city itself through the lens of its iconic music genre. Adigun plans to take students beyond traditional lecture halls, encouraging them to engage directly with the city’s hip hop landscape. Assignments will involve visiting historic studios, influential neighborhoods, and spaces that have shaped Chicago’s unique sound.
Adigun views hip hop not merely as entertainment but as a profound cultural piece, a form of language, and a critical lens through which to understand the world. He aims to use the course to “humanize” experiences often overlooked or stereotyped, particularly within the context of Black experiences, which he notes are frequently dehumanized in broader societal and academic discourse. By sharing music and stories, he intends to open students’ perspectives to diverse realities and foster empathy, recognizing that hip hop is deeply narrative-based and can offer insight into unique, specific life experiences.
Hip Hop’s Growing Footprint in Academia
The integration of hip hop into university curricula is part of a larger movement to legitimize the genre as a subject of serious scholarly inquiry. Universities nationwide are increasingly offering courses dedicated to dissecting artists, albums, and the socio-historical contexts that have shaped hip hop. Fields like African and Black Diaspora Studies at DePaul provide a natural academic home for such explorations, offering interdisciplinary approaches to understanding culture, identity, and history through various perspectives.
Adigun’s course aligns with this trend, emphasizing that hip hop deserves respect not just as an art form but as an academic discipline. The curriculum will delve into Chicago’s specific contributions to the global hip hop narrative, highlighting how the genre has served as a voice for the community and a reflection of its challenges and triumphs. The top stories in music, he suggests, can indeed be found within the halls of higher learning.
A Multifaceted Impact: Music, Education, and Community
Beyond his new role as an educator, Femi Adigun is a respected artist with a significant discography, including acclaimed projects like “94 Camry Music” and “Not For Sale.” His career is marked by national tours, collaborations, and recognition from major platforms, solidifying his position as a key voice in contemporary music. He has also demonstrated a profound commitment to community service through his nonprofit, Delacreme Scholars, which provides scholarships and support to Black and Brown college students. This dedication to giving back further underscores his multifaceted impact on Chicago and beyond.
As “Professor Fem” prepares to engage students with the history and culture of hip hop, he not only imparts knowledge but also serves as an inspiring figure, embodying the power of artistic expression, academic pursuit, and community commitment. His foray into teaching at DePaul signifies a powerful fusion of his artistic legacy and his long-held desire to educate, contributing to both the academic discourse around hip hop and the cultural enrichment of his city.
