A lot of people refuse to do things because they don't want to go naked... . We as black people, we as people, we as the human species have got to get used to the fact we're not going to be right most of the time, not even when our intentions are good. We've got to go naked and see what happens.

History is wonderful. We have so much we can learn if we would quit making ideology out of history, and just deal with what happened.

Writers ... I think ... live on that fine line between insanity and genius.

I like what they're doing. I think they're doing a good job, and I know that a lot of people are upset by them. These are great young men and women, and they're bold, and they are saying to America, "Something's going to change." I'm very proud of them.

Black love is black wealth

You're only as good as your last book.

Hip-hop is a cultural expression - it's embracing.