Concordia University is adding a new hip-hop course to its curriculum this fall, with one of music’s biggest superstars serving as the central subject.
Beginning in the Fall 2026 semester, Professor Yassin “Narcy” Alsalman will teach “Drake: Media, Myth, and Manhood,” a course designed to examine the cultural impact and artistic evolution of Drake.
The class is part of Concordia’s broader “Hip-Hop: Past, Present & Future” program and will explore far more than Drake’s chart-topping catalog. Students will analyze the rise of the OVO empire, the relationship between celebrity and capitalism, modern masculinity, media narratives, and the business structures that shape today’s music industry.
Professor Alsalman, who performs as the rapper Narcy, is no stranger to teaching courses centered on influential hip-hop figures. He previously developed acclaimed university classes examining the work of Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, making Drake the latest artist to receive an in-depth academic study under his instruction.
The reading list reportedly extends well beyond music criticism, incorporating works by influential thinkers such as bell hooks and Guy Debord to encourage broader discussions about identity, culture, power, and media representation.
The announcement arrives during another dominant chapter of Drake’s career. His latest album, ICEMAN, has continued to generate major commercial success, while the rapper remains one of the most streamed artists in the world. His influence across music, fashion, branding, and popular culture makes him a fitting subject for university-level analysis.
Academic courses dedicated to hip-hop have become increasingly common over the past decade, reflecting the genre’s growing recognition as an important area of cultural and scholarly study. Concordia’s latest offering continues that trend by using Drake’s career as a lens through which students can examine larger conversations surrounding fame, identity, entrepreneurship, and contemporary media.
Although there’s no indication Drake will participate directly in the class, fans have already begun speculating about the possibility of a guest appearance or lecture. Given his close connection to Canadian culture and his ongoing engagement with fans, many will be watching to see whether the Toronto superstar acknowledges the course.
Regardless, the new class underscores Drake’s enduring cultural influence—one that now extends beyond streaming charts and arenas into the university classroom.
