REVOLT TV | Each One, Teach One | 19 rappers who have college degrees

As another school year wraps, it's hard not to feel excited for what the future holds for those who powered through balancing rigorous coursework and navigating a social life, while figuring out what they hope to do once they throw their graduation caps in the air.

While countless business professionals and artists have found ample successes outside of pursuing a formal education, it goes without saying that being a student of life is a necessary part of the process and those with a hunger for soaking in as much knowledge and experience as possible are poised to push the culture forward. For those who do embrace earning a degree, the road is not an easy one, but getting to the other side can be a feeling of accomplishment unlike any other.

In hip hop -- and music -- in general, there is no such thing as a linear path. One person's journey to the top of the rap game may be the complete opposite of the direction another chose to take. While there are several components that remain constants in majority of artists' careers -- such as talent or consistent hard work or unrelenting passion -- it takes a certain secret sauce to help elevate one's career. For some, that gusto was found within the walls of a classroom, helping propel one path, purpose, and of course, education to the next level.

In the spirit of graduation season, there are dozens of rappers to salute for their choice to go to college and experience all that comes along with enrolling. A handful of rappers have gone the more traditional route and pursed common undergraduate coursework, such as J. Cole earning a Communications degree or 2 Chainz focusing on Psychology, while others, such as Donald Glover and M.I.A. tried their hand at arts-focused schools.

For a handful of esteemed artists, their efforts and accomplishmentsin the arts were recognized by established and reputed institutions later on in their careers in the form of honorary degrees. Legends such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Chuck D and Missy Elliott have been awarded honorary doctorates, which are milestones that undeniably doubles as sources of inspiration.

On the other hand, some artists return to college in various ways outside of being technically enrolled as students, such as through guest lecturing or even being the actual subject of an official course. While Bun B has been providing wisdom at Rice University's School of the Humanities with Hip-Hop and Religion lessons since 2013, artists such as Beyoncé, the Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Kanye West and Master P have all found themselves at the center of courses that students can take at the collegiate level.

Pursuing a college education, whether by seeing it through its entirety or taking a handful of classes, has helped play a role in the genesis of some of today's most dynamic, successful and overall celebrated artists. Let's take a look at 19 hip hop artists who did the damn thing, and let's make way for the hard-earned celebratory BBQs and graduation parties. Congrats also to the graduating class of 2019!

J. Cole

College: St. John's University

Degree: Communications

As he weaves into his music on occasion, J. Cole moved to NYC after finishing high school and attended St. John's University on an academic scholarship. He reportedly graduated magna cum laude with a major in communications and a minor in business.

Childish Gambino / Donald Glover

College: New York University's Tisch School of the Arts

Degree: Dramatic Writing

Donald Glover graduated in 2006 and went on to land his first network television job straight out of college. Since then, he has become one of the most well-rounded creatives in the business by excelling in music and entertainment.

Talib Kweli

College: New York University

Degree: Theater

Talib Kweli grew up in a family that includes an English professor (his mom), a college administrator and sociologist (his dad) and a law professor (his brother), which helped inspire him to explore his own talents early on. He studied theater in college and went on to open the Nkiru Center for Education and Culture along with Mos Def.

Chuck D

College: Aldelphi University

Degree: Graphic Design

As a proud social justice activist, Public Enemy's Chuck D earned a BFA in Graphic Design and during his time at school, he launched his music career with a show on his college radio station.

Ludacris

College: Georgia State University

Degree: Music Management

Ludacris earned his degree in music management, which was a move that helped him launch his own label, Disturbing tha Peace, in 2000, and pave the way for longevity in the music business.

David Banner

College: Southern University and A&M College, later attending University of Maryland Eastern Shore to pursue a Master's in Education (left the latter to pursue music full-time)

Degree: Business

David Banner obtained a Business degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he also served as the president of his school's Student Government Association. He later went on to pursue a master's in education, but went on to shift his focus to his music career.

Guru

College: Morehouse College

Degree: Business Administration

Known as half of the iconic group Gang Starr, Guru studied at Morehouse and earned a degree in Business Administration. His business savvy undeniably helped inform his iconic music legacy.

Flavor Flav

College: Adelphi University

Degree: Radio Communications and Business

As a radio communications major, Flavor Flav laid a foundation for a career that would evolve into being an entertainer and reality TV star.

Lil Wayne

College: University of Houston

Degree: Honorary / Psychology

In 2008, Lil Wayne was awarded with an honorary degree from the University of Houston. After getting his GED, he initially attended the school as a psychology major and later transferred to the University of Phoenix to take online classes.

Phonte

College: North Carolina Central University

Degree: English

Phonte attended North Carolina Central University where he would go on to meet his future Little Brother collaborators Big Pooh and 9th Wonder. He went on to graduate magna cum laude honors.

Chance the Rapper

College: Dillard University

Degree: Honorary Doctorate

In 2018, Chance the Rapper was awarded with an honorary doctorate from Dillard University. He also gave the official class of 2018's commencement speech, where he touched on civic duty and entrepreneurialism.

LL Cool J

College: Northeastern University

Degree: Honorary

LL Cool J's body of work and contributions to hip hop were honored in 2014. Even cooler? LL shared the experience with his daughter, Italia Smith, who graduated the same year the college recognized his influence.

Sean "Diddy" Combs

College: Howard University

Degree: Honorary Doctorate

Sean "Diddy" Combs received his honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2014 and also delivered the official commencement speech the same year. During his impactful speech, he touched on how attending the famed HBCU for two years as a business major, before going on to focus on music full-time, inspired him on a deeper level and helped push him to realize his full potential.

Ice Cube

College: Phoenix Institute of Technology

Degree: Architectural Drafting

Ice Cube attended the Phoenix Institute of Technology to study architectural drafting, intending to use his love of architecture and design as a plan B in case his career in music didn't pan out.

M.I.A

College: Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design

Degree: Fine Art, Film and Video

M.I.A. graduated from London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 2000 with a degree in fine art, film, and video. As her multifaceted career shows, she definitely applied what she learned in school into her art, but in her own individual, unapologetic way.

2 Chainz

College: Alabama State University / Virginia State University

Degree: Psychology

2 Chainz attended Alabama State University on a basketball scholarship and played on their team from 1995 to 1997. He went on to transfer to Virginia State University where he graduated and went on to pursue music full-time.

Missy Elliott

College: Berklee College of Music

Degree: Honorary Doctorate

Missy Elliott was awarded with an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music this year. After receiving the recognition, she shared her excitement on social media and encouraged her fans to create their own lanes.

Kanye West

College: School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Degree: Honorary Doctorate

In 2015, Kanye West was awarded an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. As exemplified in his first three albums, he famously dropped out of Chicago State University and went on to explore an education of his own making. His dedication to the arts remains intact, even raising speculation on Twitter after a series of tweets alluded to him wanting to try his hand at teaching in the near future.

Common

College: Winston Salem State University

Degree: Honorary

In 2015, Common received his honorary doctorate degree from Winston Salem State University and went on to deliver an impassioned 27-minute commencement speech.

Originally published here.

#Repost | Rapstrology | Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and the Gemini charm of inspiring through words

Much like the name suggests, 'Rapstrology' celebrates the beautiful (and curiously slept-on) intersection between hip-hop and astrology. Whether exploring the Zodiac is a guilty pleasure hobby, something to roll one's eyes at, or a swear-by daily guide to WTF is going on, this column aims to explore the roadmap that is astrology, through the context of hip hop, lyrics and current events.

The second the clock struck midnight on May 21, Geminis around the world could feel their power strengthening, their eyes twinkling. As the #GeminiSeason hashtags began to blossom across the timeline, the remainder of the Zodiac collectively sighed and rolled their eyes, knowing full well we're all in for a full month of occasionally erratic, overly expressive and obnoxiously enthused behavior being excused by it being this time of year. This exact phenomenon is not necessarily breaking news to those born under the Gemini sun. Trust me, we get it.

While Geminis (like myself) are often fully aware of the bad rep they get for being indecisive, impulsive, unreliable, inconsistent and even nosy, one has to remember and take into consideration that the sign is represented by duality; the good comes with the less-good. Symbolized by the Twins, Geminis are characteristically known for having multiple personalities and a nature that is quick-moving and ever-changing. Ruled by the planet Mercury, on top of having several sides to their ruling characteristics, this sign is also known for being adaptive, whimsical and quick-witted. As the reputed astrologer Linda Goodman wrote, dating a Gemini will never be boring, nor will it ever be the same on any given day.

As the third sign in the astrological calendar, Gemini represents the age when one learns to communicate. They are curious, eager to learn and open-minded, naturally resulting in some of history's brightest and most creative thinkers, writers and innovators. Given that the sign is constantly navigating its duality, there is part of them that craves security; while the other, possibly stronger side, thrives off spontaneity. Eager for new experiences, Geminis are fascinated with the world and those who inhabit it, constantly searching for new places to explore and new people to learn from.

It isn't a coincidence that a generous serving of some of the most impactful recording artists, especially in hip hop, have also claimed Gemini. From the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac balancing out both sides of the month -- with the former born closer to Taurus and the latter born closer to Cancer -- to artists such as Prince, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, Ice Cube, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Remy Ma and André 3000 rounding out the month, ample rappers and singers have built legacies based off their quicksilver tongues and aptitude for creative disruption.

Look no further than Mr. West, who is arguably one of the most interesting astrological case studies. As he's declared in his music, Kanye is the "ultimate Gemini." Over the years, his Twitter has turned into a work of controversial performance art, leaving many fans divided over what to make of it at times, especially as he speaks brazenly about politics, and stubbornly endorses Donald Trump time and time again.

West's overall struggle with his ego in relation to art and perspective is one to mediate on. Fans have found solace in categorizing him into "Old Kanye" and "New Kanye," so much so that Kanye himself has even reflected on the subject in his music, poking fun and taking ownership of his own shameless reputation. Kanye's brand of confidence, brilliance and arrogance is a special one, and is naturally misunderstood at times.

Only entertaining being discouraged in fleeting moments, Geminis battle with the feeling of not having enough time or resources to accomplish everything they want to and at the quality they feel they deserve. West declaring he was in debt was shocking to so many, but certainly not to him. Geminis have an inquisitive knack for finding new ways to be inspired -- especially through their words or art -- challenge the status quo and live the truth they speak so passionately. As exemplified by 'Ye and countless other celebrities born under this sign; Geminis are intellectual, skillful, dynamic, clever and an occasional source of another person's migraine.

Simply put, Gemini is a multidimensional, mercurial sign and quite honestly -- given that there's never a dull moment -- we certainly could talk Gemini all day. Instead, I'll spare you and get to the music. Now that we've covered the gist of everyone's favorite Air sign to have a strong opinion about, let's take a look at some lyrical takeaways to keep in mind, and when the mood strikes, keep on repeat.

Song: "Let Em Have It" - Tupac

Lyrical Mantra: "Look in my eyes and you'll find peace / A Gemini, so you really blow my mind freak, come on."

Gemini-ish: During the outro, Tupac runs through the entire astrological calendar, not so nonchalantly referring to himself as the "zodiac f--ker." Tupac was far from shy when it came to discussing sex and life's other simple pleasures, with his pornographic drawings even going up for auction for over $21,000 decades after his death. While his blunt sexuality was scarcely questioned, his emotional side was hidden much deeper beneath the surface. This gives his legacy an air of mystery -- a compliment that would make most Gemini smile -- and of course, draws attention to the fact that tragedy cut his life short before his full potential could be realized. Despite only having 25 years in this lifetime, Tupac became heralded as one of the most prolific rappers of all time, much like his contemporary and complicated rival, Biggie.

Song: "Big Poppa" - The Notorious B.I.G.

Lyrical Mantra: "Who they attractin' with that line / 'What's your name? What's your sign?' / Soon as he buy that wine, I just creep up from behind / And ask you what your interests are, who you be with / Things that make you smile, what numbers to dial / You gon' be here for a while? / I'm gon' go call my crew, you go call your crew / We can rendezvous at the bar around 2"

Gemini-ish: With lyrics skeptical of the Zodiac, Biggie's charisma didn't need surface-level cornball astrology to charm the ladies. His ability to organically win over others was definitely a Gemini thing. A confident leader, Biggie prided himself on being loyal, a cornerstone of his larger-than-life personality that was later called into question as his relationship with Tupac infamously took a turn for the worse. While that's a conversation for another time, Biggie's storytelling abilities, paired with the mesmerizing dynamism of his commanding voice, all point to bonafide Gemini.

Song: "The Heart Pt. 1" - Kendrick Lamar

Lyrical Mantra: "Very emotional, I'm a Gemini / I love hard and I fight harder, a born author / A born starter, in the game for real / And the games appeal to the struggling youth with no father / You can't learn if mistakes ain't made / You gotta pay homage in order to get paid"

Gemini-ish: Kendrick Lamar's duality is one of the most captivating. The way he explores his ideals and brings to light his faults is truly impressive, and his transparency has helped him to rhyme his way to the top of the rap game. Kendrick recognizes his destined calling to bring truth to power, even as he acknowledges the ways in which he's not a perfect hero. He's human and he's a constant work-in-progress. In that and in his desire to keep bettering himself lies a strength, one that allows him to continuously inspire the culture at large. Gemini-ish, indeed.

Song: "Saint Pablo" - Kanye West

Lyrical Mantra: "Never listen to Hollywood producers / Don't stare at money too long, it's Medusa / The ultimate Gemini has survived / I wasn't supposed to make it past 25"

Gemini-ish: Kanye West's story, among many other things, is one of residence. And in true (unfortunate) Gemini fashion, his ego grows in tandem with his ability to prove people wrong. As a young producer who wanted to rap, but wasn't taken seriously, Kanye's debut single, "Through The Wire," changed everything, much like the near-fatal car accident that birthed the song itself. For those unfamiliar, he wrote and recorded the song with his jaw wired shut, bringing a new meaning to the Gemini brandof perseverance and helping elevate his career to the next level. On "Saint Pablo," he celebrates this and more, while also recognizing how integral his individuality is to his story and his implied blessings, alike.

Song: "The Beautiful & Damned" - G-Eazy

Lyrical Mantra: "'Cause I been this way, it's not a new thing / I know a Gemini can be confusing / Split right down the middle like there's two of me / No hiding, I bare all nudity / This is everything that comes with celebrity / Criticism, ridicule and the scrutiny / Think about what I spent on some jewelry / But it all comes back to me usually / And it's none of y'alls business truthfully"

Gemini-ish: G-Eazy arguably is also an ultimate Gemini. He explores the topic often throughout his music, calling into question the differences and similarities between Gerald the man, and G-Eazy the rapper. His words say it best. So, run this track back when you're interested in mediating on the multifaceted art that is being a Gemini. Tried and true... for better and for worse.

As seen on REVOLT TV.

Repost REVOLT TV: Each One, Teach One | How Akon is empowering the people of Africa through developing long-term sustainability

When "Smack That" was dominating the radio airwaves in 2006, it was hard to imagine a world where Akon was not only seriously contemplating running for president, but being encouraged to do so. Fast forward to present day, it doesn't feel all that far-fetched of an idea, especially considering the makeup of the current administration.

However, unlike artists such as Kanye West or 50 Cent who have flirted with or poked at the subject, the prospect of a pivot into politics is not rooted in ego or humor. For Akon, it would merely be a continuation of the ways in which he hopes to use his celebrity status and business savvy to help make the world a better place. In fact, the fruit of the innovative and impactful labor is he doing in Africa may not even fully ripen in his lifetime, making his efforts all the more selfless and admirable.

Often, we urge each other to give people their roses while they are still here and Akon deserves much more than a dozen long-stemmed. Throughout the past decade, as he began his transition from a multi-platinum hitmaker to a humble business mogul, Akon's career has covered a ton of ground, both literally and figuratively. While many may recognize his silky smooth voice from his array of nostalgic ringtone-friendly singles, his philanthropy has taken centerstage, as he's building a reputation as a disruptive entrepreneur.

Since 2014, the celebrated vocalist, who was born in St. Louis and spent a significant portion of his childhood in Senegal, has been spearheading Akon Lighting Africa, a for-profit initiative dedicated to bringing affordable electricity solutions to people in Africa. Now providing electricity via solar energy to over 15 nations including his beloved Senegal, Guinea, Kenya, Sierra Leone and more; his company has gone on to create over 5,000 jobs and reach over 1 million households in Africa. Data from 2016 shows roughly 600 million people are without reliable electricity in Africa, a staggering statistic that further enforces the revolutionary aspect of the work Akon is doing.

During an interview with Forbes, Akon noted how his business is far from a charitable effort, even though it does a lot of good.

"It's definitely not a charity," he noted. "It is a for-profit company. The way I would categorize it, really, is just social entrepreneurship. We do our business in Africa that's not [just] to help people, but empower them to make their money in the process."

Elaborating on the topic, he added his belief that charitable donations don't help Africa in the long-term the way that developing and focusing on sustainability does.

"We feel like charity just doesn't work with Africa and I don't think it works anywhere in the world. If you're not empowering people or giving them jobs…you're wasting your time, you're wasting people's valuable money," Akon explained. "They're going to spend it and put their hand right back out and be in the same position in the following week or month or year."

As reported, his initiative helps negotiate public-private partnerships with local governments and banks in order to finance the project, as well as has a $1 billion credit line from international companies, notably led by Chinese firms.

"We invest our own money to get things started," he further explained to the Wall Street Journal. "We go in, plead our case to the country, put up pilots with our own dollars using sophisticated equipment and we make sure we do the installation right. It shows people that we're not coming in to pull money out of the country. We're there to provide jobs for the locals and to enable them to feed their families."

In 2018, Akon announced that he began building a new futuristic "Crypto city" in Senegal, explaining how the city will trade exclusively utilizing his own digital currency, the aptly-named AKoin. The president of Senegal, Macky Sall, gifted him a 2,000-acre plot of land to develop the forward-thinking initiative. During a panel at the Cannes Lions festival of creativity, Akon revealed his plans, noting how blockchain holds the potential to help Africans become less dependent on their governments.

"I think that blockchain and crypto could be the savior for Africa in many ways because it brings the power back to the people," he shared. "Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology offer a more secure currency that enables people in Africa to advance themselves independent of the government."

While his efforts have been met with some hesitation and criticism, with some noting how a major obstacle AKoin faces comes in regaining trust of Africans who lost savings due to online investment ventures and ponzi schemes, data shows that his endeavors are heading in the right direction. As reported, investment in cryptocurrency is growing in Africa, a trend that hopefully will encourage African leaders to embrace the evolving technology.

On top of investing in developing solar energy systems through Akon Lighting Africa and introducing AKoin, Akon has also helped raise money for Senegalese children through his Konfidence Foundation, which brings popular artists to Africa, and donates proceeds to causes such as promoting literacy and education; as well as providing clean water and meals for families during holidays.

While working with the likes of Whitney Houston, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani, New Kids on the Block, Lil Wayne and more; garnering five Grammy nominations, overcoming a prison stint, balancing his career with fatherhood, and personally experiencing life without electricity as a young child are all cornerstones of his reliance; Akon's legacy glows with his unyielding dedication to being an agent for change against all odds. And that is both where the lessons lie and the difference is made. So, when Akon says he's been contemplating a career in politics, it's from a place of passion and not celebrity, and that alone should be celebrated. From his understanding of the system through personal experience to noting the best way to impart change is through direct action, maybe it's time we have a candidate whose lived in the trenches they boast about on Twitter.