Bronx rapper turns professor, passing the mic and the method to the next generation
Bronx native and wordsmith extraordinaire Mickey Factz is trading studio sessions for syllabus work. He’s been appointed an adjunct professor at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, where he’ll teach a new course titled “The Art of the MC” beginning October 23.
He’s filling big shoes. The class was previously taught by Black Thought of The Roots. Mickey says he’s honored to continue the legacy, bringing his years in rap, battle circuits, and education into a university setting.
Over seven weeks, students will dig into song structure, freestyling, stage presence, and the cultural philosophy that underpins hip-hop. The class is workshop based — meaning theory meets mic time.
This isn’t Mickey’s first class act. He’s the founder of Pendulum Ink Academy, an online school focused on lyricism and rap craft. His background as a seasoned battle rapper, collaborator with big names, and educator gives him a unique lens to teach from.
NYU’s vision for this move is bold to legitimize MCing as a serious academic discipline. Mickey’s appointment reinforces that hip-hop is not just entertainment; it’s art, culture, and worthy of study.
For the hip-hop culture, this is more than a win. It’s momentum. A rapper is now professor. Bars will become lessons. And the next generation will learn from someone who still lives on both sides of the mic.
Class is in session.
