Serious answers only: would you study Drake at university?
Because the Concordia University in Montreal is launching a new class for Fall 2026 called “Drake: Media, Myth & Manhood.” It's being led by professor and artist Yassin “Narcy” Alsalman, with the course taking an in‑depth look at Drake’s evolution, from his music catalogue and the rise of OVO to the industry structures that shaped his career.
The class will sit within Concordia’s broader Hip-Hop: Past, Present & Future programme and will use Drake as a case study to explore masculinity, fame, branding, and capitalism. Students will examine how the Toronto star built a global cultural identity, and how streaming, marketing, and celebrity influence have reshaped the modern music landscape.
Alsalman, who has previously taught university courses on Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, brings both academic insight and real-world experience as a working rapper. His background allows him to guide students through Drake’s cultural impact with a mix of scholarship and firsthand industry knowledge.
Course materials will include readings from influential thinkers such as bell hooks and Guy Debord, giving students theoretical tools to analyse identity, media, and celebrity culture. Alongside academic texts, the class will engage directly with Drake’s music to explore how pop culture mirrors social and economic trends.
Although the class is primarily for Concordia students, it has already generated buzz among fans and scholars. There’s even talk of potential guest appearances from members of the OVO team, adding extra anticipation around the launch.
