From Grammy wins, to world tours, clothing lines, sports ventures, and more, musical artists have long been expanding their brand beyond just the music. Each new career move evokes both praise and criticism, making their longevity on the music charts and in business one to be examined, and college professors are definitely taking notes.
Over the past few years, more and more universities across the nation have taken a closer look at some of the musical greats of today, with professors examining song lyrics and their messages with greater detail in an effort to combine academia and pop culture to educate the next generation.
From Beyoncé to Jay Z, Nas and more, we’ve rounded up some of today’s hottest musical geniuses whose creativity and unmatched talent have landed them a spot in a university classroom.