“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 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
“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