It's no doubt that there's a connection (between the blues and hip-hop). Hip-hop is definitely a child of the blues. And I think you gotta know the roots to really grow. It's like knowing your parents, it's like knowing your culture, so you could be proud of that culture and take it to the world.

I appreciate this moment in time...ball players and actors be knowing my rhymes

It's hard to see blessings in a violent culture

My mom has obviously had a powerful influence on my life and her voice can describe certain things that I couldn't see in myself.

To be a storyteller is to be able to speak truth, to be able to use your imagination, to use the creative gifts that the Creator has given you.

I bathe in basslines, rinse in riffs, dry in drums

No matter what walk of life you're from, you can appreciate the music - songs [can] resonate in your soul and your heart.