I’ve met kids who haven’t had the best of parents but because they had something in them, or they had somebody at school help develop them, they turned out fine.

Teachers give so much to the future and to youth. So, when you see somebody make that type of sacrifice towards work - just parents in general, what they got to give to their kids is a lot - I'm inspired, man, to give and help those who didn't or don't have opportunities. And even those that may have some opportunities, [to] help them achieve their dreams.

Black people in America have come from slavery to other forms of being oppressed and there are some things that come with that - some pain and anger that come with that and we as black people have to deal with it to heal that. White people have to understand it and have some compassion toward it.

The way [Barack Obama] danced, it looked like he could dance in a circle with anyone from Chris Brown to ... well, I don't want to say Michael Jackson, because he's like the king.

To have my name said like, "Common and John Legend, Golden Globe nominees," is one of the greatest achievements I've ever had as an artist, as a person.

We as people have a purpose here to contribute to the Earth, to contribute to people's goodness and good life.

DJ Jazzy Jeff is the best DJ you can have at a party. Did you see his playlist? He has good taste.