A major shift is happening in the classroom as Howard University introduces a bold new course inspired by Cardi B and her latest album, Am I the Drama?. The course is designed to help students understand how today’s music industry really works—blending art, strategy, and cultural impact in real time.
Set to launch in Fall 2026, the three-credit class goes far beyond celebrity focus. Instead, it uses Cardi B’s career as a powerful example to explore how Black women shape culture, build brands, and influence global conversations through music and media.
Howard University Cardi B Course Explores Music Industry and Cultural Impact
The newly announced course, titled “The Cardi B: Am I the Drama? The Art, Production, Marketing, and Cultural Impact,” will give students a deep look into the inner workings of the modern music business. Notably, it was developed in partnership with the Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business, adding real industry insight to the classroom.
Through this course, students will learn how music is created, packaged, and promoted in today’s fast-moving digital world. From branding to audience engagement, the class breaks down how artists turn moments into movements—and how strategy plays just as big a role as talent.
At the same time, the course connects culture with education. By studying a current artist’s career, students can see how decisions are made in real time, giving them practical knowledge they can apply beyond the classroom.
Using Cardi B as a Case Study to Understand Marketing and Media Strategy
Although Cardi B is a central figure in the course, the focus is much broader. Her journey is used as a case study to explore key topics like marketing strategy, media narratives, and public image management.
Students will examine how artists build campaigns, manage attention, and even turn controversy into part of their story. This approach reflects the reality of today’s entertainment world, where visibility and storytelling are just as important as the music itself.
Howard University explained that the course will “bridge music, business, marketing, media, gender studies, production, and cultural theory.” As a result, students gain a well-rounded understanding of how different industries connect and shape each other.
Hip Hop Feminism and Black Women’s Influence in Culture
Beyond business and marketing, the course also dives into deeper cultural conversations. It will be taught by Dr. Msia Kibona Clark and Professor Pat Parks, who plan to guide students through discussions using a hip hop feminist lens.
Together, they will explore topics like respectability politics, misogynoir, agency, and visibility—issues that directly affect how Black women are seen and heard in society. By using real-world examples, the course highlights how Black women continue to influence culture while navigating complex challenges.
Importantly, this approach helps students think critically about representation. It shows how artists like Cardi B are not just entertainers, but also key figures in shaping conversations about identity, power, and expression.
Howard University Expands Hip Hop Studies and Career Opportunities
This new course builds on Howard University’s growing focus on hip hop education. The university recently launched a Hip Hop Studies minor, allowing students across different fields to study the genre’s history and ongoing impact.
As the music industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this are becoming more important. Today, success in music requires more than talent—it demands strategy, branding, and a deep understanding of culture.
By expanding its academic programs, Howard is preparing students for real careers in music, media, and beyond. At the same time, it is creating space for Black voices and experiences to be studied, valued, and understood at a higher level.
