T.I. has been announced as the recipient of an “honorary doctoral degree” from Harvest Christian University.
In an announcement that was posted on Instagram earlier this month but which went viral this week, it was announced that the “Rubber Band Man” would be receiving the honor at the university’s Spring 2024 commencement ceremony.
“Joining our Spring 2024 (Atlanta) Commencement is @tip who will be receiving an honorary doctorate,” the university said in its caption. “Undeniably, a multifaceted talent, known for his prowess as a rapper, songwriter, producer, label owner, fashion designer, and actor. With a dynamic career spanning various creative realms, he has solidified his place as a versatile and influential figure in the entertainment industry. Congratulations! #HarvestChristianUniversity #HCU #Atlanta.”
His wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris was also honored.
Check out the announcements below.
Tip isn’t the first performer to be so honored by the school. Tank received a similar degree back in 2021.
Harvest Christian is not the only institution of higher learning to award honorary degrees to Hip Hop and R&B stars. E-40, Anthony Hamilton, and Grandmaster Flash have all received them (though not from Harvest Christian University) in the past.
More recently, Q-Tip was honored with an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music, alongside jazz artist Ledisi and Puerto Rican bandleader Gilberto Santa Rosa.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday (May 11), the A Tribe Called Quest and Native Tongues legend shouted out his co-honorees while thanking the college.
“Thank you again to the folks at Berklee for the honor bestowed,” he wrote underneath a photo of him wearing a customary cap and gown, along with a scarf reading: “Black excellence.”
“What a great time to share w dear friend @ledisi and new friend @santarosalive and CONGRATS to the class of 2024! Im still pinching [pinching emoji] #berkleecollegeofmusic.”
Grandmaster Flash Salutes The Bronx As He’s Awarded Honorary Degree
Tip was honored for his “forward-thinking artistic vision, which merges rap, jazz, and other styles with socially conscious lyrics, as well as for his impact as a producer, actor, educator, and cultural ambassador,” according to Berklee.
Speaking in front of more than a thousand graduates at the commencement ceremony, the 54-year-old offered some words of wisdom to the graduating class.
“To choose this path [of the artist] is a courageous choice indeed. You are handed the task to be courageous in your personal lives, to find balance between intellect and instinct… to not let bad choices define you, but to refine you,” he said.
