Clifford “T.I.” Harris is transitioning from rapper to professor with an upcoming teaching stint at Clark Atlanta University, according to a post by the HBCU.
In the fall semester, the “Motivation” rapper will be giving undergraduate students a lesson on the “Business of Trap Music”, alongside Presidential Leadership Scholar Dr. Melva K. Williams.
“HBCUs have a vital role in our community and have managed to withstand even while being some of the most under-resourced institutions,” said T.I. “Our national HBCUs continue to underscore the fact that we have always had to do more with less. I am excited to be partnering with Clark Atlanta University in my hometown – Atlanta.”
The university is hoping that the class will provide a more enriching experience for students and inspire them on a global level.
“In higher education it is important that we challenge, empower and equip our students with the proper resources to excel,” said the HBCU’s President George T. French Jr. “I believe the best way to do this is to understand their culture and create life-long experiences that will not only motivate our scholars but present them with opportunities to help them become globally competitive,”
Although T.I. and several Atlanta artists are attributed to bringing trap music to a worldwide platform, the origins of trap music can be found stemming from Texas, Tennessee and even parts of Florida. Some of the most prolific trap music rappers to date include UGK, Young Jeezy, Shawty Redd and Three 6 Mafia.
Hopefully, T.I. will pay homage to the many rappers that contributed to the music genre while teaching the course. A trip to T.I.’s Atlanta Trap Music Museum briefly acknowledges some of these artists, but mostly highlights Atlanta artists.
