Randall Newsome, Mar 02
BALTIMORE — On any given day, morning, noon, or night, there’s a good chance the man and artist known as Wendel Patrick has an instrument in his hands, ready to create his next project and chase after greatness.
“A lot of people think it’s magic,” Patrick said. The way a beat takes shape, how the rhythms evolve, and the melodies come to life. For Wendel Patrick, a master at his craft, it’s not magic—it’s music.
Wendel Patrick is a name that resonates in the world of music. He’s an award-winning beat maker, composer, producer, and classically trained pianist whose artistry transcends genres. But while most people might know him for his music, Patrick has always had a deeper vision: to break boundaries and build something revolutionary for the future of hip hop.
“I’m usually making music in my head,” Patrick shared. “The most fun I have is when I’m by myself in my studio, unlocking another level.”
This passion for creation has defined Patrick’s career, but now it’s driving him to do something that’s never been done before: launching the first-ever bachelor of music degree devoted exclusively to hip hop.
A Visionary Program: Hip Hop Meets Academia
Patrick’s second studio is not just where he creates music—it’s also his classroom. As a professor at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins, he’s introducing a Bachelor of Music degree in Hip Hop, an innovative program that allows students to major in four specific specialties: turntablism, rapping, beat-boxing, and music production. It’s a performance degree that’s the first of its kind.
“It’s really a performance degree,” Patrick explained. “You can come in and major as a turntablist, as a rapper, as a beatboxer, or as a producer.”
This degree is more than just a curriculum; it’s a path for students to immerse themselves in hip hop and the artistry that drives it. Students will learn to master their craft while gaining insights into the genre’s history and its cultural significance.
A Dream Team Faculty: Lupe Fiasco Leads the Charge
No groundbreaking program is complete without a stellar faculty, and Patrick’s team is as impressive as it gets. His first faculty hire is none other than Lupe Fiasco—a Grammy-winning artist, MIT professor, and one of the most respected names in hip hop culture.
“Lupe Fiasco is the first faculty hire,” Patrick said with pride. “In addition to being one of the finest emcees on the planet, he’s a super brilliant individual with a lot of wisdom and knowledge to share.”
Having Fiasco on board gives students unprecedented access to an artist who’s not only known for his musical genius but also his intellectual depth. Students will gain valuable experience from someone who’s lived at the pinnacle of the hip hop world.
But the program’s value goes beyond the prestige of its faculty. Students who are accepted—after an audition—are diving deep into the genre, learning about the sonic elements that make hip hop a unique and powerful art form. While the image of a rapper is often the first to come to mind when most think of hip hop, Patrick emphasizes that the genre is much more than just lyrics. It’s about the beats, the rhythms, the turntables—the whole dynamic ecosystem behind the music.
