Dr. Adam F. Bradley
Advisor, Internship Programs
Dr. Adam Bradley is a bestselling author, acclaimed scholar, and cultural curator whose work bridges literature, music, and the lived experiences of Black communities. A Professor of English and African American Studies at UCLA, Dr. Bradley is also the founding director of the Laboratory for Race & Popular Culture (the RAP Lab), where he leads innovative research at the intersection of art, identity, and social narrative. His scholarship has helped redefine how popular culture—especially hip‑hop—shapes collective memory, community expression, and American literary tradition.
A pioneer in the study of rap lyrics as poetry, Dr. Bradley has collaborated with leading artists in popular music and partnered with museums around the world to develop groundbreaking cultural exhibitions. His recent work includes co‑curating Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum (2023–2025), a landmark exploration of hip‑hop’s artistic, political, and social impact. His curatorial practice blends academic rigor with cultural storytelling, making him one of the nation’s most influential interpreters of Black expressive culture.
As a writer at large for The New York Times’ T Magazine, Dr. Bradley crafts long‑form essays that illuminate creativity, culture, and community. He is the author of seven books, including Book of Rhymes, The Anthology of Rap, and the national bestseller One Day It’ll All Make Sense, written with the artist Common. His newest book, Air Jordan, examines the cultural legacy of Michael Jordan and the global influence of Jordan Brand.
Dr. Bradley brings this rich blend of scholarship, creativity, and cultural insight to his role as Advisor to Internship Programs at Ben Free. His leadership helps shape transformative learning experiences that empower system‑impacted students to build confidence, develop professional skills, and access meaningful pathways toward their futures.