Concordia University to Offer Drake Fall 2026 Course

Concordia University in Montreal will offer a new Fall 2026 course titled "Drake: Media, Myth & Manhood," dedicated to analyzing the career and cultural impact of the Toronto rapper.

The course, housed within the "Hip-Hop: Past, Present & Future" curriculum under course code FFAR 256, will be led by rapper and professor Yassin "Narcy" Alsalman, an alumnus of Concordia. Alsalman has previously taught university courses on other prominent artists, including Kanye West, demonstrating his expertise in translating individual discographies into academic study.

The syllabus is designed to explore Drake's extensive catalog, the rise and operational structure of his OVO label, the complex relationship between artistic creation and capitalism, and the intricate industry systems that artists must navigate. A sample syllabus week, dated November 12, 2026, and titled "US vs. THEM: Artist vs. Corporation," illustrates the course's approach to these themes. This week's content will delve into the inseparable nature of politics and art, particularly when political structures are perceived as flawed. Discussions will cover record label influence on artistic visibility, the mechanisms of stream farms, and legal disputes between established artists and the music industry.

Specific academic materials for this sample week include Drake's song "ICEMAN" for listening, alongside readings such as Liz Kelly's "Mood Machine," a Rolling Stone interview with Drake's long-time collaborator Noah "40" Shebib, and Hanif Abdurraqib's essay collection "They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us." The introduction of this course reflects a growing trend of hip-hop's integration into university curricula, moving from a novel concept to an established area of academic inquiry.