It's possible and available to any artist to be himself or herself on their own terms, to be accepted and embraced by black people. You don't have to be a thug to get love from black people.
Mos DefThe test in life nowadays is just trying to keep yourself charged up with enough good feeling. It's like, "OK what am I going to do to feel really good today?" Not like, some chick or a drink.
Mos DefI don't hate nobody. I hate certain conditions that are inflicted upon the people - and they're helpless with it.
Mos DefFame is like getting across the street. It's like, if there's nothing to be across the street for, it's a pointless destination.
Mos Def