J-Cole and The 10 Paramis
The recent Kendrick Lamar vs. J-Cole and Drake battle has been exciting for Hiphop fans nostalgic for an energy that has driven much of how Hiphop was experienced at its foundation; claiming who’s the best and proving it. Hiphop fans love a good beef but for a couple decades now I've questioned not just the point of beef but the usefulness of it. Battling seemed to have somewhat of a purpose a long time ago. Kool Moe Dee vs. Busy B was necessary to evolve the artform of lyricism and creative writing, Common vs. Ice Cube and Company Flow vs. Sole was necessary to reveal the consequences of self inflation i.e. taking lyrics that weren’t meant for you personally. I could also argue that the Biggie and Tupac beef was necessary in order to show the world that the issue wasn’t between them. The issue was (and is) a world eagerly willing to watch two Black men destroy themselves through materialism and violence (on their own, prior to and during their beef) and the world of those who dehumanize themselves as a seemingly valid response to and extension of capitalism and slavery. The other conflicts surrounding the K-Dot v. Drake beef i.e. Kanye + Rick Ross + The Weekend vs. Drake as well as the budding Quavo vs. Chris Brown beefs, all seem to have little to not use other than to reinforce illusory superiority while ignoring the genuine behavioral and mental health challenges of everyone involved.
Recently, me and a couple Hiphop minded middle aged brothers (Remedy and Scott ZloRock) were texting and one of them asked if the Kendrick Lamar vs. J-Cole and Drake beef matters. This was my response:
I think psychospirtually and culturally it matters in terms of what it says about the levels of identity and moral development of those that people idolize and listen to. J-Cole’s admission of his feelings and retracting his song says a lot about his ability to 1.) not be ruled by emotion, to 2.) allow himself to experience challenging feelings and hold them in his awareness long enough to find a way to respond to them honestly and in a healthy way and 3.) to display the powers of hindsight, insight, forgiveness and reparations.
In short, my point was that the conflict mattered much more because of J-Cole’s apology (and the mind behind it) than anything related to how behaviorally skilled K-Dot or J-Cole (and now Drake with Taylor Made….sheesh) were, or who was the more successful camp i.e. OVO, Dreamchaser or TDE (even though Kendrick is independent now).
Why did it matter more?
Because when we usually talk about conflict (internal or external) surrounding Hiphop artists the tendency is to focus on the the dynamics of what we can see, but when the focus turns to interiority or an internal world the conversation goes away. When our artists suffer and die we don't have extensive conversations about the mind behind the addiction, the overeating, the poor health, the violence, the drug dealing, the out of control emotions, the clearly unreconciled trauma, the narcissism…we appreciate the art, call them legends and move on. We’d rather appreciate the entertainment of an ODB, Shock G or Phife Dawg than openly discuss their internal struggles with caring for their health.
That J-Cole said through his apology, “Hiphop is not just what you see outside, Hiphop has something else going on inside” (which is the same message passed down from the now disgraced and defunct Afrika Bambaataa to KRS-ONE to De La Soul to J-Cole), indicated that he’s aware of values that transcend his ego or even the group ego of battle rap culture. Hiphop practitioners and fans suffer because our culture often wilfully ignores the benefit of exploring and identifying the struggles and richness of its insides, and instead validates the behavior and social presence of Hiphop linked to entertainment. Hiphop is largely about being seen, not seeing oneself. By my approximation, most of the deceased artists who have claimed to practice any of the Four Elements died violently, and very often because of something preventable had they had a better relationship with their emotions, thoughts and awareness.
I like to focus on finding areas of how Hiphop can cause itself and others less suffering. It's been a driving force behind much of what I write and think about and it's because I love not just “the culture” so much, but because I also understand it as another way that humans are attempting to express their desire to be happy, and the pain and suffering of the struggle to not be the ones causing themselves the unhappiness.
Recently I began exploring Hiphop culture through the lens of the Ten Paramis of the Buddhist tradition that I think offers a profound understanding of the ethical and moral dimensions that underpin Hiphop as a vibrant art form, as well as provides a foundation for exploring the application of intentional morality in Hiphop. The Ten Paramis, also known as the Ten Perfections, are essential virtues in Buddhist practice that serve as a foundational framework for ethical and spiritual development. These virtues are particularly significant for those on the path to becoming a Buddha, known as bodhisattvas, but they are also relevant for lay practitioners seeking to cultivate a meaningful and morally grounded life. Although the Paramis are thought to be virtues central to Buddhist practice, they also provide a framework for analyzing how Hiphop artists can cultivate a practice that is not only artistically fulfilling but also morally enriching. Below, we delve into each Parami to understand its relevance to Hiphop culture and how artists might embody these virtues in their craft and daily lives.
Dāna (Generosity)
Generosity within Hiphop manifests as the sharing of knowledge, skills, and resources with the community. Hiphop artists practice Dāna when they mentor emerging talents, organize workshops to hone the skills of fellow artists, and participate in charity events to give back to their communities. This Parami emphasizes the importance of contribution over competition, fostering a culture where artists support one another and uplift their communities.
Sīla (Morality)
The practice of Sīla, or ethical conduct, is crucial in ensuring that Hiphop does not perpetuate harm through its messages. Artists embody Sīla by creating music that promotes positive values and refrains from glorifying violence, substance abuse, or misogyny. This alignment with the 10th Element of Hip Hop, which emphasizes health and wellness, ensures that Hiphop serves as a force for good, guiding listeners towards constructive and ethical lifestyles.
Nekkhamma (Renunciation)
Nekkhamma involves the renunciation of materialistic desires and attachments that do not contribute to personal or communal well-being. For Hiphop practitioners, this might mean prioritizing the art form and its cultural significance over the fame and material gain that can accompany success. By focusing on the essence of Hiphop and its potential to effect change, artists can maintain integrity and authenticity in their work.
Paññā (Wisdom)
Wisdom, or Paññā, in Hiphop is cultivated through continuous learning and reflection. Artists can deepen their understanding of the genre's history, cultural roots, and social implications by engaging with the stories and experiences that have shaped Hiphop. This knowledge informs their creative process, enabling them to produce work that is not only artistically sophisticated but also culturally and socially relevant.
Viriya (Energy)
Viriya represents the energy and effort dedicated to mastering the craft. Whether it's DJing, MCing, breakdancing, or graffiti, Hiphop demands diligence and persistence. Practitioners of Viriya commit to refining their skills and pushing the boundaries of their art, demonstrating that excellence in Hiphop is achieved through passion and perseverance.
Khanti (Patience)
The journey to success in Hiphop, as in any field, is fraught with challenges. Khanti teaches patience and resilience, encouraging artists to withstand setbacks and frustrations with grace. This Parami is especially relevant in the competitive and often critical world of Hiphop, where the path to recognition and respect is long and demanding.
Sacca (Truthfulness)
Sacca is about authenticity and honesty in one’s expression. In Hiphop, this means ensuring that one's music, public persona, and actions reflect true personal beliefs and experiences. Artists practicing Sacca engage with their audience and the broader culture in a way that is genuine and sincere, fostering trust and respect.
Adhiṭṭhāna (Determination)
Adhiṭṭhāna refers to the determination to set and pursue goals, even in the face of adversity. For Hiphop artists, this could mean dedicating themselves to mastering a challenging piece of music, advocating for change through their art, or striving towards personal and professional milestones. This Parami underscores the importance of commitment and resolve in achieving success and making an impact.
Mettā (Loving-kindness)
Mettā involves extending kindness and compassion to others. Hiphop artists can embody this virtue by using their platform to spread messages of love, unity, and social justice. Through their lyrics and actions, they can address issues affecting their communities and advocate for change, demonstrating how Hiphop can be a conduit for empathy and solidarity.
Upekkhā (Equanimity)
Finally, Upekkhā teaches the value of maintaining a balanced and composed mind in all situations. Hiphop artists face both criticism and acclaim, success and failure. Equanimity allows them to navigate these highs and lows with grace, staying true to their art and values regardless of external circumstances.
By embodying these virtues, Hiphop artists not only elevate their craft but also contribute positively to their communities and the broader cultural landscape. Through ethical and moral reflection, the Hiphop community can foster an environment of growth, respect, and social responsibility, ensuring that the culture continues to thrive and inspire.
J-Cole and the Paramis
J. Cole's recent apology to Kendrick Lamar for creating a diss track marks a significant moment in Hiphop culture, embodying the ten Paramis, or virtues, that guide ethical and moral behavior. This gesture not only quells potential discord between two influential artists but also serves as a powerful example of maturity and introspection within the industry. Below, I explore how J. Cole's actions reflect these virtues:
Dāna (Generosity)
By publicly apologizing, J. Cole demonstrated generosity not only towards Kendrick Lamar but also towards the Hiphop community at large. His willingness to share this moment of humility and reconciliation offers a valuable lesson in ego management and the power of amends, enriching the cultural fabric of Hiphop.
Sīla (Morality)
Choosing to apologize and steer clear of perpetuating beef reflects a strong moral compass. J. Cole's action aligns with promoting positive interactions within the industry, steering clear of negativity that often plagues rap battles and diss tracks, which can glorify conflict and detract from the music's artistry and message.
Nekkhamma (Renunciation)
In apologizing, J. Cole renounced the potential personal gain that comes from rap beefs—be it attention, fame, or financial profit. This shows a commitment to higher values over material or ego-driven desires, focusing instead on the well-being of the community and the integrity of his and Kendrick Lamar's work.
Paññā (Wisdom)
This apology reflects wisdom gained through reflection on the consequences of his actions—not just for himself but for all involved. It demonstrates an understanding of the impact words can have and the importance of resolving misunderstandings and conflicts constructively.
Viriya (Energy)
It takes significant effort and dedication to confront one's mistakes and address them publicly. J. Cole's determination to put in the hard work of reconciliation and personal growth, rather than taking the easy route of silence or continued antagonism, embodies the virtue of diligence in self-improvement and community healing.
Khanti (Patience)
Patience is crucial in navigating the fallout of public disputes. J. Cole's approach suggests a willingness to wait for understanding and forgiveness, recognizing that healing and reconciliation are processes that cannot be rushed.
Sacca (Truthfulness)
J. Cole's apology is an act of truthfulness, requiring him to honestly assess his actions and their impact. This candidness fosters trust and authenticity, strengthening his relationships with peers and fans alike.
Adhiṭṭhāna (Determination)
The decision to apologize and seek a peaceful resolution demonstrates J. Cole's determination to uphold his values and commitments, even when doing so involves personal vulnerability and the risk of public scrutiny.
Mettā (Loving-kindness)
Extending an apology is a clear act of loving-kindness, as it seeks to repair harm and restore harmony. J. Cole's gesture towards Kendrick Lamar is an embodiment of compassion, prioritizing peace and mutual respect over conflict.
Upekkhā (Equanimity)
Through his apology, J. Cole exhibits equanimity by maintaining a calm and balanced perspective in the face of potential criticism and controversy. His ability to stay composed and focused on what he believes is right, regardless of the outcome, reflects a mature and stable approach to life's ups and downs.
J. Cole's public apology serves as a compelling illustration of how the 10 Paramis can guide actions and decisions within Hiphop culture, promoting ethical conduct, personal growth, and community solidarity. By embodying these virtues, artists like J. Cole contribute to a more positive and impactful musical landscape, setting a powerful example for others in the industry.
Hiphop Alive
Justin F. Miles — the founder of Hiphop Alive — is a pioneering practitioner, theorist, and educator at the intersection of Hiphop culture, mindfulness, and contemplative studies. He is the leading voice championing the use of Hiphop-infused contemplative modalities to foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and community empowerment.