"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

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.