Many sources mistakenly claim that Lil Wayne received an honorary degree from the University of Houston, but this is not accurate. According to direct verification with the university, Lil Wayne did not receive such a degree.
One of the most popular rappers ever, Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr.), doesn’t need a formal education to cement his status. It is well-known that the artist took psychology classes at the University of Houston in 2005. Lil Wayne has confirmed his attendance at the University of Houston in interviews, and this fact is supported by numerous sources.
However, claims that Lil Wayne was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Houston in 2008 are incorrect. Websites such as Revolt, AllHipHop, The List, and BestAccreditedColleges have perpetuated this misinformation.
In researching rappers with degrees, I delved into Lil Wayne’s educational background multiple times and found no credible evidence of him receiving an honorary degree. My direct contact with the University of Houston confirmed that the rapper did not receive any degree from the institution.
There is a lack of press coverage surrounding this alleged honorary degree. Typically, when a rapper receives an honorary degree, the university issues a press release, and local media cover the event. Examples include honorary degrees awarded to Missy Elliott, Dizzee Rascal, and LL Cool J. No such press releases or media coverage exist for Lil Wayne.
Additionally, respected publications rarely mention Lil Wayne receiving an honorary degree. The University of Houston’s student publication, The Daily Cougar, discussed Lil Wayne as a potential 2016 commencement speaker in 2015 but did not mention him receiving an honorary degree. Instead, they highlighted that Jim Nantz, another candidate for the commencement speech, received an honorary degree in 2001, underscoring the omission regarding Lil Wayne.
Finally, official records from the University of Houston confirm that no honorary doctorates were awarded in 2008. The university responded promptly to my freedom of information request, validating their list of honorary degrees, and Lil Wayne is not on it. Thus, it is clear that Lil Wayne did not receive an honorary degree from the University of Houston.