The Afro-American experience is the only real culture that America has. Basically, every American tries to walk, talk, dress and behave like African Americans.

I grew up with protests, marches, demonstrations, struggle. But I come from a clan of community workers.

I don't think what I do is influenced by suffering. I come from a talented people who are prolific in music and dance.

It's obvious that the rest of the world loves high African culture - African culture, period.

I think that anybody from the 20th century, up to now, has to be aware that if it wasn't for Louis Armstrong, we'd all be wearing powdered wigs. I think that Louis Armstrong loosened the world, helped people to be able to say "Yeah," and to walk with a little dip in their hip. Before Louis Armstrong, the world was definitely square, just like Christopher Columbus thought.

I don't think any musician ever thinks about making a statement. I think everybody goes into music loving it.

When people campaign for positions, they promise people all kinds of things.