When I got into rap I didn't exactly win any popularity contests. I called myself Dee Dee King, after B.B. King, to the total dismay of my fellow Ramones.

I loved rap, especially in the early days. But I wasn't trying to shove it down anybody's throats.

I think the Internet shortens the distance between people, and that can often lead to inappropriateness.

I haven't done rap... I can't do that too well.

Billboard called my solo album, 'Standing In The Spotlight,' a great party album and even said that my raps put the Beastie Boys to shame.

Initially, I was very much concerned with having absolute control. But as time has gone by, I'm not. I mean, the whole first record was really just how I spent my free time: stoned and drinking coffee in my house, spending three hours on a song.

Visuals are as artistic as sounds, so being serious about both isn't a contradiction to me.