Sometimes the truth don't rhyme

I don't really have control over my direct impression on people anymore. I used to be the person putting my CD in people's hands. But I'm kind of a mainstream artist now. Not by choice.

I made the decision that I was going to make rap music in, like, fourth grade, so it's been something I was saying for a long time.

I'm light skinned, and I used to lean on that because that's something a lot of black people pride themselves on, and it's weird.

Kanye took me from a kid who listened to music to a kid who lived music.

Both of my parents graduated from high school, both attended college, both have government jobs now. They've always been very adamant about me finishing high school and finishing college.

I think it's so dope that I'm here in Chicago and contributing to the music scene that's thriving. People are so happy Chicago's shining that everyone is willing to say 'I represent Chicago.' That wasn't always the case.