I've never been to China. I only know what the West is telling me about China.

I feel like there is an emphasis against teaching geography in American schools. Americans don't say, "I'm going to Germany." They say, "I'm going to Europe."

I only have a Bachelor's Degree but I've had professors who have instilled this kind of academic rigor in me where I don't make any generalizations or closed statements. There always has to be room for interpretation.

I had a story-telling mother; she's written novels and short stories. So I feel like maybe I'm staying alive by telling tales.

I feel like I got my first real taste of Caribbean and Cuban culture while I was there. I have quite a sizeable Cuban vinyl collection from Miami thrift stores.

I still think you people need to be curious [in order to absorb the culture]. You need to search Uzbekistani pop music.

My music doesn't exist in a vacuum; there's a script and there's an actor and it's about to come together.