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.

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.

The victory's found in truth, like innocence found in youth Self defeat is your own dispute

Every one of my father's songs is a lesson.

I like singing all songs, really, but I find that writing social commentary comes naturally.

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

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.