Princeton University is expanding its exploration of hip-hop culture with a new course for the Spring 2026 semester, uniquely focused on the contributions of women to the genre. Titled “Miss-Education: The Women of Hip Hop,” the course aims to reframe the narrative of hip-hop history, positioning women not as peripheral figures, but as foundational architects of its sound, politics, and intellectual core.
The course, described as a “multimedia course, lab and performance workshop,” will delve into the history of women in hip-hop through a multifaceted approach. Students will engage in scholarship, performance, and a public showcase, exploring Hip Hop feminism as both an academic discipline and a lived experience. The curriculum is open to all Princeton students, regardless of their academic discipline, reflecting a broad institutional commitment to recognizing the cultural significance of hip-hop.
The syllabus boasts a remarkable roster of influential female artists, spanning generations and styles. From pioneers like MC Sha Rock and Roxanne Shanté, who laid the groundwork for female MCs, to iconic figures like Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Bahamadia, Lil’ Kim, and contemporary star Cardi B, the course promises a comprehensive overview of women’s impact on the genre. This diverse selection underscores the breadth and depth of female artistry within hip-hop.
Leading the course is a formidable trio of educators and artists. Chesney Snow, a Hip Hop educator and faculty member at Princeton, brings academic rigor and institutional knowledge. Eternia, a highly respected Canadian Hip Hop artist, offers a practitioner’s perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by women in the industry. Dr. Francesca D’Amico-Cuthbert, a Hip Hop historian and multidisciplinary artist and researcher, provides crucial historical context and analytical expertise.
The course’s creation is a collaborative effort between Princeton University and its Lewis Center for the Arts, which actively promotes artistic expression on campus. The Hip Hop Education Center is also partnering on the initiative, signaling a growing recognition of hip-hop’s value as a subject of serious academic study. According to an announcement from the Hip Hop Education Center, they are “thrilled to see this initiative launch and honored to be partners in bringing it to life.”
“Miss-Education: The Women of Hip Hop” isn’t solely focused on analysis. it also emphasizes preservation and creative practice. Students will be tasked with archiving, oral history projects, performance-based research, and podcasting, learning how cultural memory is constructed and maintained. Drawing inspiration from the theatrical hybrid of the Lyricist Lounge Show, students will also develop and perform skits exploring themes of Hip Hop feminism. This hands-on approach aims to empower students to become active participants in shaping the narrative of hip-hop history.
The semester will culminate in an “original creative and scholarly work” presented at the Lewis Center for the Arts on . This public showcase will provide a platform for students to share their research, performances, and creative interpretations of women’s contributions to hip-hop.
Classes will be held on Thursdays from to , and given the limited number of spots available, competition for enrollment is expected to be fierce. As the course description playfully notes, “nothing in Hip Hop is supposed to come easy.”
The launch of “Miss-Education: The Women of Hip Hop” reflects a broader trend of hip-hop gaining traction within academic institutions, particularly in the Ivy League. Princeton’s initiative builds upon existing hip-hop studies programs and underscores the growing recognition of the genre’s cultural, social, and political significance. This course isn’t just about celebrating the achievements of female artists; it’s about challenging conventional narratives and ensuring that women’s contributions to hip-hop are rightfully acknowledged and preserved for future generations.
