I spread the message of hope and of unity. That's what gets me up in the morning. I can tell you what is wrong, but I can't tell you how to fix it. I'm a raptivist, not a politician. I deal in hope.

Most of my heroes don't appear on no stamps

There are too many leaders anointed because they have a public voice - television, radio, or record, or whatever. That even includes myself. In the past, I'd say, 'Don't anoint me when you can anoint yourself.'

DJ culture always made us aware that the best records were going to come from the small shops

My mother went to university, my father didn't. But they are very educated, very wise people. My father went to the military, so he's worldly.

As black people we were out to further our equality. I don't pay attention to the controversial connotations put on by media and the undermining labels they place on us. We pay attention to what our community situation is and what we need.

Music should be some kind of nourishment.