Lyrical Dharma - by Born I (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"It is hard to express how important I feel this book is."
--Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple

A powerful and poetic illustrated meditation on hip-hop and mindfulness

"I want to create music and experiences for people to understand that it's okay to be exactly who you are. You are enough."--Born I

Reading like a book of poetry with accompanying commentary, Lyrical Dharma explores the lyrics and life experience of Born I, conscious hip-hop rapper and meditation teacher. Born I's journey of self-expression from a façade of bravado and materialism to a raw sharing of joy, failure, anxiety, and insight inspires and uplifts. The book offers:

• the stories and insights behind the lyrics of Born I's most powerful and popular songs
• a beautifully designed package studded with photos and illustrations
• an authentic expression of Zen insight and mindfulness practice married to creative expression
• a resonant invitation to young BIPOC readers seeking a path to navigate the complexities of identity, society, and inner peace in a divided and dissonant world
• a testament to the power of music and mindfulness to foster well-being, joy, and empowerment

Born I's core message--"you are enough" rings through these pages, encouraging readers to embrace their imperfections and celebrate themselves just as they are, in the here and now.

Review Quotes

"It is hard to express how important I feel this book is. I wept many times, reading it, imagining the sound of music beneath the lyrics of the songs.... I love that Born I encourages us to grow; to know our good fortune. To be blessed with hereness. Like the rest of us, he has suffered. That part of his journey too is offered, beautifully, bravely, thoughtfully, as medicine."
--ALICE WALKER, author of The Color Purple

"Born I is one of my favorite Dharma teachers and podcast guests. Smart, wise, funny--and definitely the only meditation guru who can also rap."
--DAN HARRIS, host of 10% Happier

"A powerful fusion of storytelling and song that weaves the transformative impact of mindfulness, meditation, and selfcompassion into the vibrant tapestry of hip-hop ... an intimate glimpse into the heart of an artist and the creative process."
--PANOS A. PANAY, president of The Recording Academy

"Lyrical Dharma is a powerful blend of raw vulnerability and wisdom, offering readers an authentic journey through the life and lyrics of Born I. With depth, beautiful design, and an inspiring message of selfacceptance, this book is a beacon for readers seeking to experience inner peace through creative expression in a fragmented world."
--JUSTIN F. MILES, author of The Sadhana of Awakened Melanin

This poetic and powerful book illuminates the soul of hip-hop and the potential for pure joy when we infuse creative expression with mindfulness."--TARA BRACH, author of Radical Acceptance

"A groundbreaking exploration of how the lyrical soul of hip-hop intertwines with the timeless wisdom of Dharma. With unflinching honesty and lyrical brilliance, Ofosu Jones-Quartey, aka Born I, transforms his journey from bravado to vulnerability into a profound meditation on resilience, identity, and self-love. A powerful reminder of how music and mindfulness can heal and inspire us to embrace who we are."
--SPRING WASHAM, author of A Fierce Heart

"Lyrical Dharma inspires, sparks and illuminates the connective tissue between hip-hop and spirituality. This is a beautiful book, check it out!"
--MC YOGI, performance artist and author of Spiritual Graffiti

"Born I shows us how the path of meditation and vulnerability can create hip-hop that heals. Add this to your library; it's essential."
--EAST FOREST, musician and producer

About the Author

Meditation teacher, author, and musician Born I is an artist holding space at the intersection of hip-hop and mindfulness. Born I is an experienced meditation practitioner and certified teacher who collaborates with Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village community of Engaged Buddhism to express hip-hop as a form of mindfulness to expand the potential of both music and wellness. Born I hails from Washington, DC.