Hip-hop has done so much for racial relations, and I don't think it's given the proper credit. It has changed America immensely. I'm going to make a very bold statement: Hip-hop has done more than any leader, politician, or anyone to improve race relations.

I'm not concerned with noise because I'm playing the long game.

Whoever said that artists shouldn't pay attention to their business was probably someone w/their hand in some artist's pocket.

You could name practically any problem in the hood and there'd be a rap song for you.

People who don't know you, you don't know their motives. They smile at you all day, "Oh, that's great. You've done it again! You're the greatest!" And that's not good for an artist.

Growing up, politics never trickled down to the areas we come from. But people from Obama's camp, and Obama himself, reached out to me and asked for my help on the campaign. We've sat and had dinner, and we've spoken on the phone. He's a very sharp guy. Very charming. Very cool.

I get my by any means on, whenever there's a drought get your umbrellas out because that's when I brainstorm.