Hip-hop is getting to the point now where they are going to start sounding like Al Jarreau or Bobby McFerrin or some of the other poets. Some of the better rappers can rap real fast without even melodies. It'll get to that same point.

I was at the Apollo Theater all the time, skipping school, and I worked in a barbershop. That's how I started with doo-wop. Now I've come full circle. I did all kinds of music. I used to work on Broadway and Tin Pan Alley.

I think a lot of people really have religious overtones of having come from somewhere. I mean, even the whole concept of religion is kind of alien.

My ability has always been to walk out on the stage and see the audience and figure out what they wanna hear.

You can rebel against everything adults say. When I want to find out what the new music is, I find out what parents hate.

Just gimme some stage. I'll make my own way once I get there.

Think! It ain't illegal 'yet.'