We live in an era of consumerism and it's all about desire-based consumerism and it has nothing to do with things we actually need.

I felt I had an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of great soul musicians of the past, who made a lot of social and political commentary through their music.

America's biggest export is media and I think that's a positive thing.

Hip-hop educated me about other forms of music, because it sampled from all different styles.

Industry executives sacrificed art for what sells and mega-stars now saturate the market with the same tired lyrics.

We live in an era of consumerism and it's all about desire - based consumerism and it has nothing to do with things we actually need. What do you actually need? Food, clothing and shelter. Everything else is entertainment. It's just the idea that we're so wasteful. I think a lot of self - identity and inner - personal development is hampered by consumerism and capitalism because we see ourselves as a reflection of the TV, rather than as a reflection of the people who are around us, truly.

Music critics think of lyrics first and don't consider melody but so many songs are lyrically depressing but musically great, and that's why they become classics.