I've often written about places that are totally different from anything I know. Sometimes they turn out better.

In England, in France, in no other country would a black man have a chance to get elected. There's no two ways about it. Our country [USA] has been better about dealing with immigration and people who are different from each other than any other country in the world, that I know of.

I like Public Enemy a great deal.

To get nominated by the Republican Party you've got to be pretty reactionary, really.

I started recording because I was always complaining about the records that I was getting of my songs. At least if I did them and messed them up, I wouldn't have anyone else to blame.

He got drunk last night, kicked Mama down the stairs. But I'm alright, so I don't care.

It's very hard to get rich and famous at a young age and handle it well.