There was a time when hip-hop was its own musical principle, aside from sampling. Like the entire Wild Style break is instrumental. Kurtis Blow's earliest stuff was studio musicians playing. Whodini had a real clear sound, things like "five minutes of funk," stuff that you could write really beautiful, lush string and horn arrangements around, stuff that was just music.
Mos DefI've always loved music and I love the language, which is a huge reason why I'm part of theater.
Mos DefI don't care about what brand you are, I'm concerned what type of man you are, what your principles and standards are.
Mos DefHip-hop is a beautiful culture. It's inspirational, because it's a culture of survivors. You can create beauty out of nothingness.
Mos Def