It’s a special honor for Bridges, who’s relationship with Georgia State goes back decades. Prior to topping the charts and making a name for himself in the music industry, the rapper took classes at the university, AfroTech reports. Years later, in 2019, Bridges was an artist-in-residence for the university’s Creative Media Industries Institute. In the role he mentored students.

According to Black America Web, the rapper has also supported Georgia State’s College of Law, assisting the creation of an entertainment law-focused course that takes a closer look at how entrepreneurs like Kandi Burruss and Steve Harvey have found success.

Bridges said he’s deeply touched by the honor, describing it as a major milestone achieved.

“This is a dream come true for me,” he said in a press release. “Georgia State helped me get my start and I am so honored and excited to share this milestone with the world.”

 

Bridges also talked about what the honorary degree means to him and his family on social media.

“MY MOMMA IS SHEDDING REAL TEARS,” he wrote on Instagram. “When I put ‘what’s your fantasy’ out in 2000 I had to choose between leaving school or a career in Music. History has already been made on one front and NOW it’s about to be made on ANOTHER. Everything comes full circle. THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE FOR ME. THANK YOU GA STATE.”

Georgia State is also thrilled to bestow the degree to Bridges. President of Georgia State University M. Brian Blake shared the institution’s thoughts on their decision to honor the rapper.

“We are proud that Chris Bridges got his start at Georgia State,” he said in the press release. “He has gone on to become a cultural and philanthropic icon, representing Atlanta and giving back in many ways. Our students in the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) and College of Law have benefited from learning from his career and we’re excited to honor him as a member of the Panther family.”

Bridges will receive his degree during the institution’s commencement ceremony on May 4.