The study of Hip Hop at Rice University began in Fall 2006 when Dr. Anthony B. Pinn offered a new course--RELI 157/311 Religion and Hip Hop Culture in America. In part through the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (formally the Houston Enriches Rice Education Project), Dr. Pinn's work in Hip Hop at Rice University includes various related projects—from creating an archive to panel discussions, lectures, and exhibits, to developing innovative courses, to partnerships with key members of the Hip Hop community, such as Bun B, K-Rino, KRS-ONE, Mia-X, and Kool Moe Dee among others.
All this work, both on and off the Rice campus, is meant to highlight and explore Hip Hop’s impact on local and global communities. The CERCL Hip Hop Archival Collection and Oral History Series held at Rice University's Fondren Library Woodson Research Center increase the spotlight on Hip Hop, preserve its importance for future generations, and underscore Hip Hop's role as a space where community and intellectual leadership is generated and cultivated.