For me, the challenge is just making great albums, because talent - and writing in general - is not tangible. There's no expiration date on it. At the same time, you might wake up tomorrow and be unable to write music.

I would run into the corner store, the bodega, and just grab a paper bag or buy juice - anything just to get a paper bag. And I'd write the words on the paper bag and stuff these ideas in my pocket until I got back. Then I would transfer them into the notebook.

My brands are an extension of me. They're close to me. It's not like running GM, where there's no emotional attachment.

May the best of your today's be the worst of your tomorrow's

As kids we didn't complain about being poor; we talked about how rich we were going to be and made moves to get the lifestyle we aspired to by any means we could. And as soon as we had a little money, we were eager to show it.

The day Obama got elected, the gangsta became less relevant.

You put the right artist on the right track in the studio and leave the door open to let God in.