AceShowbiz - Concordia University in Montreal is set to introduce a unique course this fall centered on the career and cultural significance of Drake. The class, titled Hip Hop: Past/Present/Future - Drake: Media, Myth and Manhood, was announced by professor and artist Yassin Narcy Alsalman via a social media post on June 16.

This innovative course focuses on the comprehensive study of Drake's artistic journey, examining his discography alongside the evolution of his October’s Very Own (OVO) brand. Students will analyze how Drake’s work intersects with broader music industry systems and capitalist frameworks, providing insight into the relationship between art, commerce, and cultural influence.

A key theme explored in the course is the tension between audience expectations and the responsibility artists hold regarding their own well-being and autonomy. The curriculum encourages critical thinking about whether artists should be viewed solely as entertainers or also as individuals deserving of respect beyond their public personas.

Each class session is designed to align with one of Drake’s albums, starting from his breakthrough mixtape So Far Gone through to ICEMAN. This structure offers students a chronological understanding of his artistic development and impact on hip-hop culture.

Professor Narcy has a longstanding connection with the OVO camp, having interviewed Noah Shebib, also known as 40, multiple times over the years. Their most recent collaboration was for the cover of Rolling Stone Middle East North Africa in 2025. This is not Narcy’s first engagement with hip-hop studies, as he has previously taught courses on influential artists such as Ye and Kendrick Lamar.

The launch of this course reflects a growing academic interest in contemporary hip-hop and its key figures, emphasizing the genre’s significance within cultural and economic contexts. Interested students and hip-hop enthusiasts can look forward to a detailed exploration of one of the genre’s most influential artists and entrepreneurs.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Xxlmag.