An enthusiastic crowd streamed into the SGI-USA New York Culture Center for “Hip Hop and Buddhism,” an uplifting evening of music, dialogue and community. The event centered on the deep connections between creative expression and the Buddhist principle that each person possesses a “Buddha nature” and the ability to reveal their best self through inner transformation or human revolution.
The night opened with a high-energy performance from artist Hunter BDM, followed by a dance performance from Butta and Gary, which brought the audience to their feet. “This is how we do. This is how we move,” BDM repeated throughout his performance, linking hip-hop’s message of perseverance with Buddhist courage drawn from life’s challenges.
A screening of a clip of legendary musician Herbie Hancock’s Harvard University lecture series set the tone for the evening’s deeper message—that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can awaken profound creativity. Hancock explained that through Buddhist practice a person can become the captain of their ship and command the adventure of their life.
Artists Share Their Journeys
The highlight of the night was a candid conversation with artists and SGI members Ferg, Hunter and producer Taavi. Ferg shared that he first questioned his cousin Hunter’s consistent joy. “Why is this dude so happy all the time?” Eventually, he learned it came from Hunter’s Buddhist practice.
Ferg went on to explain why he continues to chant and practice today: “I’m still learning more about Buddhism, but what I can say is it makes me feel good. That’s the most important thing.”
Hunter explained that Buddhism not only fuels his artistic purpose but provides personal stability in an unpredictable industry. “When I hit impasses and walls in my life, it was always members and people who practice [Buddhism] who would encourage me to chant and help me see a way through my situation,” he said.
Taavi emphasized spiritual consistency as the source of creative breakthrough: “When you base your life on your practice … everything else becomes more beautiful.”
All three artists agreed that hip-hop and Buddhism share a powerful origin story: transformation from struggle. “Hip-hop started from the most dire circumstances … like the lotus flower rising from the mud,” Hunter said.
Feeling Seen and Empowered
Many attendees—including first-time guests—left inspired by how open the artists were about their inner battles.
Tyler, a young Black New Yorker, said: “Growing up in the city … this moment makes me feel seen.”
Carl, a musician, said the event “reminded me of consistency and discipline. … It helped solidify that I’m on the right path.”
Keiko described the night as “eye opening,” saying it showed how much personal change is possible.
Subu said he learned that chanting “connects you with friends who are good for you.”
Rivera, inspired by seeing Buddhism and art “all tied into your freedom,” added, “I feel like everything I’ve attracted in life makes sense.”
And for Malik, practicing Buddhism helped him overcome homelessness and addiction, made possible by “the life condition it brought me.”
A Shared Path Forward
The event concluded with group chanting, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in a shared vow to transform their lives and contribute to the betterment of their communities.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
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