Music is not like sports, where you can go and do a hundred reps in a gym and come out and be all buffed up.

The greatest thing to me about Obama is not the individual, it does not have to do with Obama himself - it's really about the people who have elected Obama. It demonstrates that people are ready for change, and I think Obama knows that, because he really came up from the people, the young generation especially. He motivated a lot of African Americans who never voted before to go and vote.

It's not like I go into the studio and say I'm going to try to make music to prove to somebody that I can make music.

Your body's just a vehicle, transporting the soul. It's what's inside of people, is beauty to behold.

Vexation of spirit is a waste of time Negative thinking, don't you waste your thoughts Verbal conflict is a waste of word Physical conflict is a waste of flesh People will always be who they want And that's what really makes the world go round Unconditional love is scarce.

My father has been a voice of encouragement in times of desperation for so many people. But he died when I was so young that, for me, his music has been a way for me to get to know him better.

Everyone is related to Africa; everyone comes from Africa. We are all distant relatives.