I'd bet a million dollars on DOOM against Lil' Wayne

I'm trying to get low. People's personalities can get in the way of their own work.

I learned [playing Chuck Berry] that there's something to be said for the courage of conviction, that sense of belief, being bold enough to believe in your vision. And there's a quote that really fits his particular energy. It says - they say don't go where the path may lead, but go where there's no path and leave a trail. I think that's exactly what Chuck did, you know. It's an inspiration to a lot of folks, not just musicians, but people everywhere.

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.

With guys I revere, like Marcus Garvey or Malcolm X, their look is less about style than purpose and the expression of beauty. It wasn't just about being noticed, you know?

I've always loved music and I love the language, which is a huge reason why I'm part of theater.

I don't mind being black. I'm black out loud. It's more than the people that they are, it's the condition that they represent.