On Mother’s Day weekend, Berklee College of Music held its commencement ceremony at the Agganis Arena in Boston, where Q-Tip, Ledisi, and Gilberto Santa Rosa were honored with honorary doctorates. Q-Tip, the celebrated A Tribe Called Quest emcee, was recognized for his unique approach to rap and production, blending hip-hop and jazz in his work. Alongside R&B singer Ledisi and Latin bandleader Santa Rosa, the Grammy award-winning honorees received their degrees from Berklee’s Interim Executive Vice President, Betsy Newman.
During his commencement speech, Q-Tip shared words of wisdom with the graduating class, emphasizing the courage required to pursue a career in the arts. He encouraged the graduates to find a balance between intellect and instinct, to remain resilient in the face of challenges, and to remember their worth and capabilities. The hip-hop icon highlighted the importance of not letting setbacks define them but rather refine them, instilling a sense of confidence in the new graduates.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Q-Tip expressed his gratitude and amazement at receiving the honorary doctorate, praising his fellow honorees Ledisi and Santa Rosa. He also congratulated the Berklee College of Music Class of 2024 on their achievements, emphasizing the significance of the honor bestowed upon him. The ceremony featured performances by Berklee’s top vocalists, dancers, visual artists, and instrumentalists, paying tribute to the honorees with medleys of their most iconic works.
Ledisi, who has been an artist in residence at the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, shared her own journey of overcoming adversity and self-doubt to achieve success in the music industry. The Grammy-nominated singer advised the graduates to never let others define their worth and to always stay true to themselves. Students at the ceremony performed a moving rendition of Santa Rosa’s “Que Alguien Me Diga,” joined by the Latin music icon himself, showcasing the diverse talents and influences present at Berklee College of Music.
Q-Tip’s association with academia includes joining the faculty at the NYU Clive Davis Institute in 2018, where he co-founded the Hip-Hop/Jazz Continuum course exploring the connections between hip-hop and jazz. As the founding artistic director of Hip Hop Culture at The Kennedy Center, the hip-hop legend has been instrumental in promoting and preserving the cultural significance of the genre. Q-Tip’s induction into the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside A Tribe Called Quest and other esteemed musicians further solidifies his impact on the music industry.
The honoring of Q-Tip, Ledisi, and Gilberto Santa Rosa with honorary doctorates at Berklee College of Music’s commencement ceremony highlights the diverse talents and contributions of artists across different genres. As the honorees shared their experiences and words of encouragement with the graduating class, the ceremony celebrated the resilience, creativity, and innovation that define the music industry. With their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continued dedication to education and advocacy, Q-Tip, Ledisi, and Santa Rosa exemplify the lasting impact of their artistry on future generations of musicians.
