You're not gonna get through life without being worshipful or devoted to something. You're either devoted to your job, or to your desires. So the best way to spend your life is to try to be devoted to prayer, to Allah.

I began to fear that Mos Def was being treated as a product, not a person, so I've been going by Yasiin since '99. At first it was just for friends and family, but now I'm declaring it openly.

Don't look down, it's an impossible view; Fly like an eagle whatever you do.

The new moon rode high in the crown of the metropolis. Shinin', like "Who on top of this?

To me, it's like happiness is about happiness, but happiness is a fight.

I think hip-hop is actually one of the most challenging things that's happened in music in a long time. The people who are in charge of what people see or hear are afraid. What you hear on top 40 or what you see on BET or MTV is not a fair representation of what is really going on...

Focused. I'm a hustler. And my hustle is trying to figure out the best ways to do what I like without having to do much else.