How Mister Wagner Built USF's Commercial Music Program From Scratch

What if the most powerful thing you ever did was nothing? Kenrick Wagner, known as Mister Wagner, was at a funeral when a situation could have gone very wrong. He chose not to react. Months later, the University of South Florida emailed him about building a Commercial Music Program. The restraint wasn't just wisdom; it was the door. Kenrick Wagner is the director of the Commercial Music Program at the University of South Florida, a hip hop educator, DJ, entrepreneur, and founder of Project Game Time and Spin Academy. He's worked with BeyGOOD Foundation and brings hip hop into institutional spaces where it was never supposed to exist. His work is built on one belief: you don't have to change who you are to be excellent. You just have to be unapologetically yourself. Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Kenrick Wagner 00:48 The Power of Restraint 04:06 Navigating Challenges in Education 07:06 Embracing Authenticity in Teaching 12:09 Building a Hip Hop Curriculum 17:05 The Journey to USF and Curriculum Development 21:51 Courses and Entrepreneurial Spirit in Music Education 29:51 Project Game Time and Its Impact 34:11 Maturation of Mr. Wagner: Evolution Through Music 37:02 Lessons from Students and Future Aspirations Connect with Mister Wagner: 📱 Instagram:   / misterwagner312   📧 Email: rick@projectgametime.com 🎓 USF Commercial Music Program: University of South Florida 🎮 Project Game Time: https://projectgametime.com Come kick it with us at https://conversationswitha.lovable.app #ConversationsWithACreator #HipHopEducation #USF #musicprogram