By: Unstoppable Branding Agency
Luke Kohen’s journey from a traditional musician to a healer illustrates a profound evolution shaped by personal trials, spiritual awakening, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. His transformation, encompassing nearly two decades, reveals a dynamic blend of artistry and healing that speaks to the power of integrating diverse identities to uplift and inspire.
Music and Artistry
Luke Kohen, CEO of Return of the Bard, is a multifaceted artist who embodies roles as a musician, MC, singer-songwriter, and poet. His extensive range spans across genres like classic hip-hop, Neo-soul, future folk, and spoken word, showcasing his versatility. His vocal depth and range have drawn comparisons to legends such as Jim Morrison, Matisyahu, Mac Miller, and Eliot Moss. This eclectic mix underscores his ability to merge different musical influences, creating a unique sound that resonates deeply with diverse audiences.
For nearly two decades, Luke Kohen has been a touring artist whose storytelling prowess and musical talents convey messages of empowerment and human upliftment. His songs touch on the essence of being alive, offering reflections on contemporary life and the human condition. Through his music, Luke aims to inspire and empower, using his platform to address themes of personal growth.
Defining Moments
A pivotal moment in Luke’s spiritual journey occurred during his last year of college when he faced severe depression, addiction, and physical breakdown. This crisis led him to a profound experience of “living stillness” while drinking tea, catalyzing a peak experience where he more intimately met his soul. “I had met my soul before, but this was like my soul RETURNED to me,” he shares. This spontaneous and timeless meditation ignited a burning desire for enlightenment, prompting him to dedicate his life to spirituality and healing.
Upon graduating, Luke traveled to India, embarking on a path of spiritual exploration that has continued for the last 19 years. This unwavering commitment to personal growth and service has shaped his approach to both music and healing.
Drawing from multiple traditions and disciplines, he brings nearly twenty years of experience in initiation, personal healing, community building, and planetary service. As a mentor and business coach, Luke supports individuals in embodying their soul’s expression, achieving self-mastery, and realizing their missions.
Marked by overcoming mental health challenges and addiction, his path from self-destruction to self-liberation has endowed him with deep compassion and insight. This personal journey informs his approach to personal development, enabling him to guide others with authenticity and empathy.
Integration of Identities
Luke’s transition from rapper to healer, and his eventual integration of both roles, reveals a unique narrative of self-discovery and growth. Reflecting on what inspired this change, Luke shares that a healing crisis led him to immerse himself in Yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation. During this period, he distanced himself from the hip-hop scene. As Luke explains, “When I got really into Yoga after my healing crisis, I had felt like the whole hip-hop scene, culture and sound was super destructive & egoic. I was on a mission to heal myself, to soak up ancient wisdom, and go deeper into the mysteries of the Universe.”
After years dedicated to his healing journey, Luke returned to hip-hop and music with a new perspective. His experiences in spirituality, healing addictions, and addressing mental health issues allowed him to blend his journey with his humanity. Recognizing that music could reach thousands in ways that individual healing sessions could not, he saw it as a powerful tool to disseminate his lessons and energy. Luke says, “I can’t do thousands of 1-on-1 sessions; this music wants to come through me, and if it’s imbued with my lessons & energy, maybe I can plant seeds for thousands that I wouldn’t be able to support in a one-on-one setting.”
Hip-hop, with its storytelling capacity, became a vehicle for conveying messages that many need to hear, especially in challenging times. “I know the messages in the music carry a vibration a lot of people need in these times, and I think hip-hop is a powerful modality for storytelling. I think I have an edge because I won’t fall for the temptations of the industry and can stay in integrity to both missions as they inform each other,” shares Luke.
Navigating the balance between his roles, Luke views rap as a medium to translate his personal journey and learning into relatable stories. He perceives the creative process itself as a form of healing, enabling him to integrate both identities without compromise. By embracing his dual path, Luke found that his music and healing work inform and enhance each other, allowing him to serve a broader audience while staying true to his mission.
Message to Listeners
Through his music, Luke hopes to exemplify the possibilities of overcoming addiction, mental and physical crises, and other challenges. He aims to inspire listeners to recognize that thriving is their birthright and that an empowered life beyond mainstream cultural limitations is achievable. His songs are meant to spark authentic inspiration, encouraging others to face their unique challenges and embrace their gifts. By fostering a culture of transformation amidst global change, Luke seeks to create a positive impact, promoting personal growth and spiritual awakening.
His journey from rapper to healer and back embodies a powerful narrative of transformation. His music and healing work are deeply intertwined, offering a holistic approach to personal growth and empowerment. Through his diverse talents and profound insights, Luke continues to inspire and uplift, demonstrating the profound impact of integrating artistry and healing.
Published By: Aize Perez
