Viewing: Manhood - View all posts

The Mathematics of the Mind by Nuri Muhammad explores how the thoughts we entertain ultimately shape the lives we experience. Although the title uses the language of mathematics, the book isn’t really about numbers. It’s about mental equations—what we add to our minds, what we need to subtract, what we repeatedly multiply through attention, and the outcomes those calculations eventually produce. Muhammad’s basic argument is that if we want different results in our lives, we must examine the thinking that created our current results.
 

Throughout the book, Muhammad presents the mind as both powerful and sacred, but also vulnerable to outside influence. Every thought, suggestion, image, and opinion competing for our attention should not automatically be accepted as truth. We must place a guard over the mind and consciously decide which ideas deserve to take root. A negative belief about ourselves may appear insignificant at first, but when it is repeatedly reinforced, it can affect our confidence, habits, relationships, finances, health, and sense of purpose.
 

One of the book’s most memorable ideas comes through a quote from the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan: “The more sincere the motive, the more sustained the action.” That statement explains why motivation alone often fades. When our actions are based on appearances, pressure, or temporary emotion, they become difficult to maintain. But when the motive is sincere—when it is connected to purpose, conviction, and a genuine desire to transform—the action has a much stronger foundation. In mathematical terms, the internal cause determines the durability of the external result.
 

Ultimately, The Mathematics of the Mind teaches that changing your life requires more than simply thinking positively. It requires thinking deliberately. We must trace our actions back to their originating thoughts, examine the motives behind them, and calculate where they are likely to lead. Muhammad’s message is that we are not powerless spectators in our own development. By guarding the mind, correcting our internal equations, and aligning sincere motives with disciplined action, we can become active participants in shaping our destiny.

Click the image below to get your copy!,

#ReadingIsDOPE

#MathematicsOfTheMind

In “Sweat The Technique”, the God MC, Rakim, shares his life story and discusses his career’s progression. Hailing from a small town in New York named Wyandanch, Rakim (born William Michael Griffin, Jr.) was a mischievous kid from a musical background, who also enjoyed sports for most of his childhood. He played football for most of his childhood and teen years, but music proved to be his true calling. Coming from a musical family meant that he was always around it and almost destined to adopt the craft for himself.

When he first began rapping, he went by the name Kid Wizard and later changed to Rakim as he delved deeper into the studies of the 5 Percent Nation. He met Eric B. through Eric’s close friend and roommate, Marley Marl. They released four albums as a duo, in which Rakim was the DJ and Eric was the DJ. Rakim felt that he was meant to teach thru his music and put more of the teachings into his rhymes with each successive album. Eric B and Rakim released 4 albums as a duo and was the first hip hop act to secure a $1 Million record deal.

When he and Eric parted ways, Rakim released 3 more solo albums, where he injected even more of his teachings into the rhymes, despite the changing hip-hop landscape. In this book, he breaks down some of his writing techniques that he uses in some of his songs, along with other spiritual concepts and philosophies that he lives by. This a definitely a good read for true fans of the culture as well as aspiring MC’s alike...

#HipHopIsLife

#ReadingIsDOPE

Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and in Life by Baruti K. Kafele is a powerful guide for educators aiming to improve outcomes for Black male students. Drawing from decades of experience as a teacher and principal, Kafele addresses the cultural, social, and psychological factors that impact the academic performance and self-perception of Black males. He argues that their challenges are not just academic but also tied to identity and societal influences, and that educators must approach their work with intention, empathy, and cultural understanding.

The book emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for educators, urging them to examine their own biases and teaching practices. Kafele outlines practical strategies for creating empowering learning environments, including mentorship programs, culturally relevant instruction, and strong student-teacher relationships. He highlights the need for schools to not only educate but also affirm the worth and potential of Black male students, helping them navigate societal pressures and see themselves as capable, valuable, and destined for success.

In this easy to read guide, Kafele offers both a challenge and a blueprint—asking educators to rethink how they engage with Black males, while providing tools to support their academic and personal growth. His message is clear: when Black males are inspired, affirmed, and understood, they can and will achieve greatness both in school and in life.

#ReadingIsDOPE

This book is one from a series of books that looks at a pop culture phenomenon from a philosophical perspective. In “Dexter and Philosophy”, there are multiple contributors who submitted essays that explored Dexter’s character, his actions and other facets of the show based on philosophy and psychological theories.

For example, they question and explore why the idea of a benevolent serial killer became such a hit with society, questioning themselves in the process. They delve deep into the character’s past to better understand how it led to the present. Considering the series lasted for 9 seasons, it shows that our society tends to morally conflicted as a whole, justifying the most grotesque acts when it serves our benefit.

If you’ve ever watched the complete series, this book will help you understand Dexter better than before and maybe even provide clarify into your own personality….

Click the link or the image below to get your copy!!
 

#ReadingIsDOPE

E.A.R.L. is a journey thru DMX’s troubled life, beginning with his childhood until the release of his 4th studio album. In this book, he discusses his relationship with an abusive and neglectful mother, continued troubles with the judicial system, his addiction, his passionate love for Hip Hop and much more!! After reading this book, I have a much deeper understanding of the dark undertones of his music and him as a person. 

This is a MUST READ for anyone who likes his music and/or seeks to gain a better understanding of tumultuous effects of childhood trauma, etc... 

Click the image below to get your copy of the book

#ReadingIsDOPE
#HipHopIsLife
#RestInParadise
#AllDogsGoToHeaven
 

As A Man Thinketh

In this short read, the author outlines different ways in which our thoughts create our realities, leading to either happiness and joy or pain and sorrow. The way in which one thinks is the base of all actions. We think several thoughts a day and may not act on them, but the actions we take always start from an initial thought.

Some may believe that their actions are automatic and are the results of habit. While this may be true, those habits stem from an initial thought. For instance, a basketball player may shoot free throws so much that it seems automatic. However, the thought of being a good free throw shooter led to the act of practicing those shots until it became a habit.

As I stated before, this is a short, but interesting read that you may find invaluable

check out the latest episode of the Reading Is D.O.P.E. podcast right here….

Click the image below to get your copy of the book!
 

#ReadingIsDOPE

#ThoughtsBecomeReality

In this book, the author took a deep dive into the concept of manhood and how it applies to the African American community. He explores issues ranging from biblical/spiritual standpoint to socioeconomic and political aspects. The ideal of manhood has been somewhat distorted in our community over time.

Historically, a boy reached that milestone once he learned to hunt and provide for the tribe as a whole. This instilled a sense of familial responsibility and placed him in a position of power in the group.

Nowadays, we get caught up in conspicuous consumption as a means of proving one’s manhood. While the ability to consume can be misconstrued as being a provider, the ability to multiply those resources for the benefit of the collective fits more into the African concept of manhood.

He discussed how this need to acquire power thru consumption has led to the uptick in violence over the years. This book also explored those dynamics in detail along with possible strategies to rectify the issues.

Overall, this was a very insightful and informative book, which would benefit us all.
 

Click the image below to get yours!!

Check out the Reading Is D.O.P.E. podcast on your favorite podcast app or www.dopedigitalmedia.com

#ReadingIsDOPE