I didn't mind working in the clubs, but I resented it being a club where pimps hang out. Because the music that I create is of a higher intellect than that. It not only encompasses pimps, but whores, ballplayers, executives... everybody.

I'm very happy with this new record. It's dealing with different aspects of love-it's me making a statement about people doing something with their lives. It is about caring for others.

Mama tried to save us from the streets, but the streets were too strong.

If you were a young kid, 19, 20 years old who has two children and a third one on the way and refuses to leave them. A kid who was on welfare, because he refused to steal anybody's property or take anybody's money. You found life a lot tougher.

Everyone to me has to pick a subject to talk about in music if you're going to be a writer.

The whole system of society tells you what to do.

I've always loved War's Low Rider and Sly Stone's Thank You, and I just wanted to put my take on them.