Trevor George Smith Jr., professionally known as Busta Rhymes, received an honorary doctorate from Harvest Christian University during the school’s New York Winter 2025 Masterclass Commencement on Saturday, according to HipHopDX.
The 55-year-old shared the news on Instagram with the caption, “WILL NEVER STOP SAYING IT!! THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP NEVER EVER EVER!! DON’T LET NOBODY EVER STEAL YOUR JOY!!! IT’S OFFICIAL!! FROM THIS DAY FORWARD YOU WILL FOREVER KNOW ME AS DR. RHYMES!!!!!
“SUCH AN HONOR AND A BLESSING TO BE CHOSEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED IN THIS WAY!!”
As Rhymes celebrates being honored, here are some other Black rappers who have received honorary degrees:

LL Cool J
In 2018, Harvard University bestowed an honorary degree on hip-hop pioneer LL CoolJ. Because of his wife’s experience with breast cancer, he is a fervent supporter of the American Cancer Society. LL Cool J has also campaigned to raise awareness about the value of early cancer screening. The renowned rapper has also taken part in a number of campaigns to combat poverty and advance education in underprivileged areas.
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Kendrick Lamar
The University of Hartford in Connecticut awarded Kendrick Lamar an honorary degree in 2018. Winning a Pulitzer Prize, Lamar has taken part in a number of social justice campaigns, speaking about equality, institutional racism, and police brutality using his position. His music has also been praised for its ability to tackle these themes in a meaningful and impactful way.

Queen Latifah
Actor-singer Queen Latifah received an honorary degree from Rutgers University in 2018.
Beyond becoming an icon for young female rappers, Queen Latifah used her platform to advocate for the disadvantaged, especially about issues involving Black women. She has also been involved with the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students who want to pursue higher education.
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Missy Elliott
One of the most popular artists in music, Missy Elliott was awarded an honorary degree by Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 2019. She was honored for her efforts to help the next generation of creatives find their feet.

Rapper E-40
In 2023, rapper and music mogul E-40 earned an honorary doctorate from Grambling State University.
Since entering Grambling in 1986, the rapper has maintained a close relationship with the university, providing support. In the year he was honored, he gave $100,000 to the school to assist the World Famous Tiger Marching Band, which is part of the music department, and to create a recording studio on campus that the school later called the Earl “E-40” Stevens Sound Recording Studio in his honor.
He also returned to the Grambling campus to film a music video for his tune “Bands,” which included the HBCU marching band.