It’s been a while since hip-hop’s influence was restricted to albums, music videos and the interviews. We’re in a time where hip-hop artists are being looked at by respected institutions for their insight into society. People like Afrika Bambaataa, 9th Wonder and Questlove have been given opportunities to spread their knowledge, through the lens of hip-hop, at many accredited colleges and universities.

Continuing this shift into having a stronger presence in higher institutions, Nas made his first visit to Harvard University this past week to give his blessing to the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship, according to the New York Times. The research fellowship will annually be awarded to two individuals that seek to work in hip-hop and how it affects the youth, “social justice, art and politics.”

Naming the fellowship after Nas was the idea of Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the main donor and the  Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard.

“Nas is one of the quintessential hip hop M.C. poets,” said Marcyliena Morgan, a professor of African and African American Studies and the founder and director of the Hip-Hop Archive and Research Institute, in the NYT article. “Someone who describes the landscape of life in ways that are incredibly touching and interesting. And having a fellowship in his name is like telling someone who’s eleven, ‘This is going to be here when you’re ready.’”– Keith Reid-Cleveland