be your Self
I know that hip-hop has the reputation of being music with less than positive lyrics and topics—and the language bothers a lot of people. The reality is yes, there are those songs, but there are also a ton of songs with inspiring lyrics based on the experience of the artist.
I am convinced a contributor to my self-confidence is listening to hip-hop my entire life. I was able to separate out the drugs, gang, violence, and the other topics that the public associates the genre with and focus on the confidence embedded in the lyrics.
This morning I was listening to my “Why Not Me?” playlist on Spotify while hyping my Self up for a 90-minute talk I was going to give to an amazing family, and one of my favorite Russ songs came on, and the lyrics really jumped out to me.
I’m not sure reading the lyrics will inspire you as much as listening to it, but you can see the confidence and the Authentic Life throughout the entire song.
“Rather Be Myself”
Lotta fake s- goin' on (Yeah), I could choose to play along
But I'd rather be myself, yeah
I could try to be like them, probably get further ahead
But I'd rather be myself, yeah
People sellin' out for fame or for dollars and some change
But I'd rather be myself, yeah
Now I'd be lyin' if I said it never crossed my mind, but check, man
I'd rather be myself (For real), yeah, yеah[Verse 1]
I play forever, dawg, I'm focused on longеvity
I try to run my race, and not care about who's ahead of me 'cause
Comparison is the recipe for depression and questionin' your integrity
Hope I don't let it get to me but
Some days are easier than others (True)
Caught up in the numbers, make you greedier than others
So I try to just detach before my ego gets attacked
And starts to plan out its response, and do some shit I can't take back[Verse 2]
Yeah, don't wanna compromise even if it's popularized
Even if nobody knows, I gotta face my mama, I
Don't want the accomplishments if it's via fraudulence
Can't even be proud of that, tell 'em how you got the shit
Yeah, different language, we not speakin' the same (We not)
Couple million for my soul, that's not an even exchange
My soul don't shine when I hear it, you not fly if they steer it
I don't care about the look, it don't align with my spirit[Chorus]
[Outro]
Yeah, don't wanna compromise even if it's popularized
Even if nobody knows, I gotta face my mama, I
Don't want the accomplishments if it's via fraudulence
Can't even be proud of that; tell 'em how you got the s-See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
🦅 Some ways I might be able to help you live your authentic life:
🤝 One-on-Ones Let's hop on Zoom to do a guided meditation, a creative brainstorming session, or an overcoming an obstacle session.
💸 AlignedLife+ A unique relationship offered at Santiago that combines life planning, financial planning and advice, and ongoing coaching to help you discover your authentic life, design a plan to bring that life to your reality, and support to help you evolve with the evolution of your authentic life. Learn more here.
