Temple University is adding a new course dedicated to Kendrick Lamar, led by professor Timothy Welbeck of the Department of Africology and African American Studies.
Launching in Fall 2025, the class titled “Kendrick Lamar and the Morale of M.A.A.D City” has already attracted student interest. Welbeck, who also serves as Director for the Center for Anti-Racism, told NBC10 that Lamar’s work offers insight into the Black experience and the path to self-actualization. “Both his art and life are reflective of the Black experience in many telling ways,” he said.
Welbeck previously taught a course on 2Pac and joins other Temple professors offering classes on artists like Beyoncé and Jay-Z. His Kendrick Lamar course will explore hip-hop’s relationship to urban policy and cultural identity, including how demographic shifts in Compton shaped Lamar’s perspective.
Kendrick Lamar recently wrapped the North American leg of his Grand National tour with SZA, following a strong year that included sweeping the 2025 Grammy Awards. With limited seats, the course offers fans a chance to academically explore his music and legacy.
