Regular people don't even realize how much artists mean to them. Artists represent a lot to the average person. People listen to music all day on their iPods, so as artists, we become a real fixture in people's lives. As an artist, you can't take it personal. It's like your big brother teasing you.

I know you want it, boy. I see you tryin. Just keep on pushin, I'm a let you slide in.

Chanel lambskin, vintage Vanson I'm on the bike doing wheelies in a mansion

I look at rap as an opportunity to act. My head is full of different characters - in each song I'm auditioning a character.

I understand that artists and critics make a big deal over the Grammys. But when I go to my shows and I'm selling out arenas in London, and when I'm in Australia and Japan, there aren't any Grammys there. There are human beings who I've touched. There are human beings who are inspired by me, who I love dearly. And that's what my career is based on.

I don't want to hear any drama [about me]. I don't want any negativity. I don't want to hear what's on the blog. I don't care what others say about me.

Before I got signed, I was doing a lot of DVD's, and a lot of freestyles.