The things Nas' Illmatic was saying were sometimes hard realities but it was done on such a high level, I felt I could point to him as a representative. Someone who put my struggle and my worldview into poetry.

Hip hop is still strong. As an art form, music helps people express themselves, find meaning in their own lives and connect with their tribes.

Every piece of music is not for everybody.

Hip hop has evolved, thankfully. Kids are making music that is important to their lives and outlooks.

We need to do stuff we've always done, even though you might not like it.

There are songs and artists now who are trying to do the same thing: be honest to their experiences.

Nas' Illmatic blew my mind when I first heard it. The poetry was done on such a high level that in a way, it validated our existence, our culture. He used the language of the street at the time and made it art. Art tends to be validating.