The Pendulum Ink Academy is the first school dedicated to teaching hip-hop lyricism and they are celebrating their first graduating class. The graduation ceremony happened on February 26, 2023, and Bun B delivered the commencement speech. Grammy-winning songwriter Mickey Factz and battle rap champion Chilla Jones founded the school to teach aspiring rappers how to succeed in the music industry. Comikbook Cam, Jeff Walker of Rhymeocology and Rob Nice of Rap Seminar are co-owners and have helped to develop the school.
The Academy is designed to help students become strong writers, performers, and lyricists. The curriculum also teaches students how to navigate the music industry. The are courses on Creative Writing, Content Creation, Battle Rap 101, Criminology in Hip Hop, Hip Hop According to Finance, Evolution of Rhyme In Hip-Hop, and The Visual Aesthetics of Hip Hop. The teaching faculty includes DMC, Rah Digga, Blu, Ransom, Pharoahe Monch, King Los, Benny The Butcher, RJ Payne, Ab-Soul and more. Rhymecology is a mental health component that helps students tell their personal stories using rhyme.
Bun B shared his feelings about being the first commencement speaker, “I am honored to be the commencement speaker for the first Hip Hop and lyric academy in the world, that not only addresses the craft but has a care and concern for the creators.
Interested applicants can apply to the school at pendulumink.com and they can send any questions to info@pendulumink.com.