Georgia Tech Is Offering A Course In Outkast Lyrics, Trap Music, And Social Justice

This semester, Georgia Institute of Technology is offering a course on the intersection of hip-hop and social justice called “Exploring the Lyrics of Outkast and Trap Music to Explore Politics of Social Justice.” The class began on January 13, and is taught by Dr. Joycelyn Wilson a.k.a. Dr. Joyce, a visiting professor from Virginia Tech.

"The students will examine relationships between culture, media, race, science and technology," according to the university's website. "Here, Dr. Joyce gives insight on how artists such as Outkast play a critical role in the African American tradition of message music."

According to HipHopDX, the class will touch on decades of southern hip-hop. "Students enrolled in the course will research and analyze the metadata of soundscapes and social impact from artists including Goodie Mob, UGK, Eightball & MJG, T.I., Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, Future, Migos and 21 Savage, as well as highlighting the intergenerational tensions and discourse about Lil Yachty’s artistry." Producers such as Metro Boomin, Mike WiLL Made-It and Zaytoven are also on the curriculum.

Armstrong State University in Savannah, Georgia also offers an Outkast-centered course: "Outkast and the Rise of the Hip-Hop South,” taught by Dr. Regina Bradley.

Watch Dr. Joyce's TED Talk, "The OutKast Imagination," below.