“If at the end of the day you can’t find peace in your own mind then you’ll be doomed to chase it in a world where it doesn’t exist. Go home.”
There exists a certain sub-culture in hip hop that is embodied by the so-called conscious rapper. These are the kinds of guys who are less interested in rapping about the bling around their necks and more enraptured by discussing real social issues. Nas is a prime example. And Lupe Fiasco continues to be one of my favorites as well.
You might remember when I featured him before in a Sunday Snippet from three years ago. At the time, I highlighted the lyrics from one of his most politically-charged singles and albums. You may not agree with the opinions held by Lupe Fiasco, like his clearly anti-establishment leanings, but you have to respect him for speaking his mind so freely and so poetically.
Of course, it is not only through his music that Lupe Fiasco expresses his opinion or offers his insight. Indeed, the quote above is actually something that the Chicago artist said on Twitter. He reminds us that we must start with inner peace, rather than attempt to find it out there in the world. Indeed, the strongest personal relationships are those wherein the two individuals are already whole and complete within themselves, rather than relationships that are established on codependence.
And this lends itself to a greater life philosophy. You will never find true happiness if you yearn for the approval of others. You will never discover who you really are if you bend at the beck and whim of those around you. And you will never find inner peace until you are comfortable in your own skin.
Fun facts: Lupe Fiasco’s real name is Wasalu Muhammad Jaco and, in addition to his work as a solo artist, he is also the lead vocalist for the rock band Japanese Cartoon. How about that?
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