Hip Hop Wisdom Lesson #1: Protect Yourself at All Times

In the fight game, before every match, you’ll always hear ‘protect yourself at all times’. To fighters and hardcore core fans of pugilism, it is probably the most iconic phrase in the hurt business. But why? Because self preservation is the common ground that bonds all life forms in the universe. And to go unprotected means you are more vulnerable to loss.

To give yourself a better chance at survival and moreover a greater chance at winning, you must protect yourself from all external and internal threats. Depending on your background and current circumstances, you can prioritize which protections are most urgent and work your way down from there. For example, if mental illness is prevalent in your family and you are beginning to see signs within yourself, take all precautions to eliminate or neutralize that threat before undertaking any other missions that may be of importance to you.

Utilize this line of thinking in every aspect of your life. Does your livelihood depend on you being on your feet for long periods of time? Protect your feet. Did you grow up poor and you want to break the cycle of poverty? Protect your finances. Don’t currently have the funds for any sudden medical emergencies? Protect your general health. Just like you would purchase expensive equipment or policies to protect your valuables from loss, do the same for yourself first.

In the Hip Hop Wisdom Lessons Vol. 1 (1-20) the theme of self protection will be recurring. It is a concept as old as life on earth. Every time you take a flight, the crew reminds you to preserve your own breath even before providing air to young children in your care. Helping others is not sustainable if you have not ensured consistent protection for yourself.

The famous rapper Jay-Z has a line in one of his raps where he effectively states, “Can’t help the poor if I’m one of them.” That doesn’t mean you should not practice helping others until you reach a certain status because there are levels to social standing. What I get from that bar is to be effective at protecting others, you must utilize all means to protect yourself at all times.

Below is a list of simple things that anyone can do to protect themselves at all times:

• Remain hydrated

• Eat foods that increase the function of your vital organs

• Exercise regularly

• Allow your body to properly rest

• Generate consistent sources of income

• Spend your earnings wisely

• Pay your expenses on time

• Save a portion of your earnings every time you get paid

• Learn and frequently practice a self defense technique

• Get knowledge

• Have a hobby

• Seek mentorship

• Eliminate any bad habits

• Learn conflict resolution

• Always pursue ways to improve who you are

The preceding bullet points is not an all inclusive list to self protection, just an outline to get you started. Moving forward in the Hip Hop Wisdom Lessons, you will begin to recognize the pattern of repetition and understand what an effective tool it is to your growth as a member of the Hip Hop community and as a Hip Hop Culturist.