Rev Run

Self-help on hip-hop? Not exactly. Fresh from his first season of reality MTV, the Rev. Run, aka Run of rap group Run-DMC, publishes his daily inspirational blurbs, which began as BlackBerry messages to friends, radio DJs and colleagues. Words of Wisdom: Daily Affirmations of Faith offers encouraging pearls of insight for those who have “lost their way” or need guidance.

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Run is not ready for the Pulitzer nomination yet, however. WOW is redundant and full of clichés (“Free your mind and the rest will follow.” Wasn’t that an En Vogue cut?). Additionally, some entries appear to be instructions-to-give-more-in-the-collection-plate in hardback clothing.

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Still, advice on anxiety and worry (Run describes them as “two thieves”) and treating yourself the way you want people to treat you (“Be good to you!”) makes this an interesting and enlightening read. Frequent verses of Scripture add a nice touch, too, helping drive home the various points that Run makes and emphasizing that the collar he dons now is not just for show. 3 stars