Lyrical Dharma

Hip-Hop as Mindfulness

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.

Paperback

$21.95

eBook

$12.99

$12.99 – $21.95

This product will be released on July 29, 2025.

Free U.S. shipping on orders above $50.

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

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, allowing readers to embrace their imperfections and celebrate themselves just as they are, in the here and now.

Additional information

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Format	Paperback, eBook

What others are saying

"It is hard to express how important I feel this book is. I know almost nothing about hip-hop and yet, when Ofosu shared one of his songs with me, I was immediately moved. I could feel the energy of loving self-acceptance—that we are all here, in the Universe, experiencing pain, yes, but also wonder, together. Ofosu Jones-Quartey encourages us to grow, to know our good fortune, to be blessed with hereness. Like the rest of us, he has suffered. His journey 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

"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

"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 self-acceptance, 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

"A powerful fusion of storytelling and song that weaves the transformative impact of mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion 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

"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

Show more quotes

Born I saw this song as an opportunity for him to talk with Thich Nhat Hanh about the Path. That’s how “Om Mani Padme Hum (Tribute)” was born. Later that year, Born I visited Plum Village Monastery in France for the first time and performed “Om Mani Padme Hum” at the end of the monastery’s 40th anniversary celebration. A deeper connection was forged and he decided to release the song as a single and video.

About Born I

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... Read More

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