Todd Boyd
At a university where academic inquiry ranges from ancient Greece to atomic physics, Todd Boyd may be USC's only "hip hop professor."
His integration of hip hop culture into academic theory and discourse has brought him national attention as a new breed of intellectual and provocateur. He is one of the nation's most sought-after experts on the African-American community and pop culture.
An accomplished author, professor, media commentator and consultant, Boyd has appeared on nearly every major national news program, from "NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw" to "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer." His book, Young, Black, Rich & Famous, chronicles the rise of hip hop culture and the National Basketball Association.
But at USC he is known most for his engaging lecture style and for mentoring his students. He encourages them to actively participate. As long as they don't interrupt him when he is in "his groove."