When you see people that lived their purpose and sacrificed, who are everyday people - teachers, sanitation workers, and just people from all walks of life - that said, "I'm standing up for what I believe in. I'm standing up for my community." That reaffirms what you can do.

When I did the album Electric Circus, not only was it not commercially received. But even the critics and hip-hop community was like "What is this?" At that moment, I could've been written off. But I had to believe because I really love what I do. I'm passionate about it. If 12 million recognize it, that's beautiful. If 12,000 do, that's beautiful. But I'm always going to put my heart and soul in it and I'm going to shoot for the stars and go for the highest levels of recognition and creativity. I definitely doubted myself at the time. But it always come back to believing what I do.

I've always been asked, "What type of character would you love to play?," and I've always said a pastor.

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

One thing I always loved about hip-hop music was the raw, boom-bap element - it felt powerful and manly.

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.