Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship at Harvard University

Introduction to the Fellowship

Rapper Nas has trailblazed a unique path in the academic sphere, launching the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship at Harvard University in 2013. This innovative initiative, orchestrated through the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research, holds the distinction of being the first academic fellowship named after a hip-hop artist, highlighting the increasing recognition of hip-hop as a vital aspect of cultural and academic discourse.

Nas’ Legacy and Vision

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, known simply as Nas, is celebrated not just for his musical prowess but also for his profound social commentary and commitment to education. With classics like Illmatic (1994) and the King’s Disease trilogy (2020-2022), Nas’s lyrics are known to provoke thought and inspire solutions to societal challenges. His endeavors extend beyond music; for instance, he is investing $2 million into establishing the Hip-Hop Museum in The Bronx, further underscoring his dedication to elevating hip-hop culture.

In his own words, Nas recognizes hip-hop as a form of education: “If you want to understand the youth, listen to the music. This is what’s happening right underneath your nose.” His assertive acknowledgment of hip-hop’s cultural significance serves as a foundation for the fellowship.

Fellowship Purpose and Objectives

The Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship aims to cultivate research and creativity across various disciplines. With a focus on African and African American studies, the fellowship invites a diverse pool of applicants, including writers, filmmakers, musicians, and scholars from different academic backgrounds. Each year, selected fellows from locations such as Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas engage in projects that explore the complexities of the African diaspora and the impact of hip-hop as an educational tool.

In describing the fellowship’s mission, Nas emphasizes the need for scholarly engagement with hip-hop culture, stating, “The world is changing. Hip-hop is important like computer science.”

Eligibility and Application Process

The fellowship is open to a wide range of creatives and academics, including those specializing in humanities, social sciences, arts, and even technology. Applicants are encouraged to:

• Focus their research on areas like hip-hop, Afro-Latin American studies, and creative writing.
• Participate in collaborative activities, including weekly colloquiums, workshops, and social hours, fostering an environment of shared learning and growth.

Eligibility extends globally, allowing for representation from virtually every corner of the world, thereby enriching the intellectual dialogue around hip-hop and its various implications.

Fellowship Activities and Opportunities

Once selected, fellows have access to a myriad of resources, including office space at the W.E.B. Du Bois Research Institute. Their experience is designed to be rich and immersive, involving:

• Orientation activities to acclimate fellows to the program.
• Opportunities to present work in progress during colloquium series.
• Engaging in creative workshops tailored to enhance scholarly and artistic projects.

The program seeks to create a vibrant community that not only supports individual projects but also amplifies the collective knowledge about hip-hop and its broader implications.

Application Details

Prospective fellows have the chance to apply for multiple terms throughout the academic year, including fall, spring, or the full academic year. The selection process typically names twenty scholars annually, with many of the fellowships being funded, thus alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with academic pursuits.

Interested candidates should make a note of the upcoming application deadline for the 2026–27 academic year: January 30, 2026. Further details and application steps can be found on the fellowship’s official website.

For those passionate about exploring the intersections of hip-hop culture and rigorous academic inquiry, the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship at Harvard represents a groundbreaking opportunity to contribute to the evolving narrative of this influential genre while nurturing their own scholarly ambitions.

Visit hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu/apply for more information and to submit an application.