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Via NPR: “Gomo Tulku, the Rapping Lama”

theworsthorse — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:12:02 +0000

“[T]here’s been a detour in Gomo Tulku’s spiritual journey,” reports NPR. “He’s about to release his first rap recording.”

Now, comments on the piece, so far, don’t seem to be in the Rapping Lama’s favor. But listen for yourself and see what you think.

Of course, there’s nothing new about the Buddhism/hip-hop crossover. And like anything, the results have been all over the map. You’ll find some gems — and otherwise — in the Horse’s archives.

Thanks to Colleen Ann K. for the tip.

Born I Music — rapper, musician, and Buddhist practitioner — interviewed

theworsthorse — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:24:53 +0000

Frequent visitors to The Worst Horse probably know Born I Music, though they may know him more by his previous moniker, Born Infinite — the name he went by went he was half of the rap duo Shambhala.

Happy to say I’ve just done a new Shambhala Sun Audio interview with Born as he celebrates the release of his new solo album, Tomorrow is Today. Hope you’ll check it out; he’s a straight-up and talented and inspiring dude. And he knows his Buddhism, too.

Click here to listen to the interview.

Tibetan hip-hop: “New Generation” by Yudrug (Green Dragon)

theworsthorse — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:34:08 +0000

Tibetan hip-hop? Well, why not? …I mean, sure, it might look at first like they’re trying to be too Western in their approach — the regrettable inclusion of Auto-Tune doesn’t help things — but these ain’t like most Western rap lyrics. And: Dude who comes in at 1:10 kinda has the best voice and delivery EVER.

“New Generation” by Yudrug (Green Dragon) from HPeaks on Vimeo.

Yauch: Cancer free, or no? (Updated)

theworsthorse — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:21:09 +0000

As you may have heard, Adam Yauch (aka MCA) of the Beastie Boys has been battling cancer, in the form of a tumor on his parotid gland. Earlier today news broke that he had been declared cancer free. As the Toronto Sun reports, the hoped-for diagnosis came after Yauch “adopted a strict vegan diet and turned to ancient Chinese medicine upon the advice of Tibetan doctors.”

But Yauch himself writes on the Beastie Boys website:

While I’m grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated.

I’m continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future.

Hang in there, Yauch — we’ll keep the positive energy coming your way.

Video: U2 and Jay-Z celebrate Aung San Suu Kyi

theworsthorse — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:00:58 +0000

Via Rolling Stone: “U2′s ‘Scarlet’ (shown below) was played to celebrate the release of Burmese political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi, and was mashed up with Jay-Z’s ‘History,’ which he wrote after President Obama was elected.”

Video: Born Infinite’s “All I Want Is You (Freestyle)”

theworsthorse — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:47:31 +0000

Born I, he of the late great rap duo Shambhala, continues his reincarnation as a solo artist with this new video. As with Shambhala, there are references to meditation, and both Born’s malas and a a Dalai Lama photo make cameos — along with a typically fly ride. (Born’s Shambhala-mate, Agua, makes an appearance too.)

Meet “Mr. Happiness.” (Even Perez Hilton is posting about this Buddhist rapper…)

theworsthorse — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:01:39 +0000

Yes, even PerezHilton.com posted this video, writing: “LOLs! In an attempt to attract new, younger followers to Buddhism, Buddhist monks in Japan are trying a new approach – rapping! Check out the HIGHlarity of the hip hop monks…” (And comments there have been positive, too, so far.)

What do you think of Mr. Happiness and his drink-pouring extended posse? The more traditional of us may balk, but he’s doubled attendance at his temple. Can you argue with those results? (And really, is this all so “HIGHlarious”?)

Video: Arj Barker’s “The Sickest Buddhist”/ UPDATED

theworsthorse — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:38:10 +0000

Now back online: comedian Arj Barker’s video’d skewering of spiritual materialist Buddhists. It’s not always spot-on, but still…

Thanks to Jesse from Shambhala Sun for the tip!

Ethan Nichtern also posted his thoughts about “The Sickest Buddhist” over on the One City blog, when the video first debuted. Check that out here.

The Heart Sutra Ain’t Nuthin to F Wit: An interview with The RZA

theworsthorse — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:13:52 +0000

When Melvin McLeod (my boss at the Shambhala Sun) recently asked me if I wanted to interview Wu-Tang Clan founder The RZA for the magazine, I jumped at the chance.

Well, I’m happy to say that a new Shambhala Sun Audio clip from the 45-minute interview is now online at Shambhala SunSpace. Hope you’ll check it out and leave a comment.

And for more from the Horse on the Wu and the hip-hop/Buddhist connection, click here.

The Notorious _._._.

theworsthorse — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:26:09 +0000

Who’s achieved Life After Death worthy of the legendary Biggie Smalls in a silly/fun new bit of photoshopping?

Click here to see the whole image — from the Horse’s friends over at One City.