The abstract music is just more interesting because it doesn't really have anything to say, but if it is good, it creates thoughts and feelings, and I enjoy that. For me, once the music creates those thoughts and feelings, I begin to write a song about it.

I stepped outside to smoke a J and when I came back to the room, everybody just seemed to move.

We got on American Bandstand, where kids would dance to a record and then rate it. We called ourselves Tom and Jerry. I was Jerry.

Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.

Somewhere in a burst of glory / Sound becomes a song.

When I began making my own albums, the songs became funkier. They were more about the streets.

I have my books And my poetry to protect me; I am shielded in my armor, Hiding in my room, safe within my womb. I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock, I am an island.