before it appeared all over the country. >> i've learned a lot because it's caused disciplinary. i've had to learn sociology. php, programming language, and i can speak to my collaborators. >> reporter: his project got a big boost from an art technology committee in new york called ibeam that nurtures and supports innovative thinkers like hemphill. >> is an art and technology nonprofit. so i was awarded a residency last year. i was able to work on the project full-time for 12 months straight. i would say the main resource at ibeam are the people and the brain trust. so if you have a question and you're like working on something, you're stuck, you just shout down or send an e-mail like you will get back dozens of replies or answers. >> reporter: the hip-hop word count will go public this fall. and hemphill hopes everyone from academics to music lovers will take notice and maybe even learn something. for now it's becoming hard for him to separate his passion from