Being simple and complicated at the same is what makes Jay-Z so great.

When I was young what made me really want to be a rapper was when I saw MC Lyte.

I wanted to touch on how we look on each other. Good hair, light skin, you must be smart; if you're black, you're dark-skinned, you're ugly. That really happens. This is something that started with slavery, when they divided the house, and it's still a part of today's society and things that we battle with.

Most people think its sex, money, and drugs but Hip-Hop is about lyrics, storytelling, and everybody having a different style. That's just another idea of beautiful, being yourself and creating music that represents you and what you like.

I think the most important thing is to leave people inspired to do something, to realize their purpose in life. I want people to show love to each other. What I love about performing live, and especially in smaller intimate venues, is the real connection you have with the fans that you can't get in a studio or a big arena. It allows me to have real moments with my fans. I just want the night to be filled with good energy, love, and for people to leave the show happy.

I was the darkest skinned person in my family. I remember how I used to feel - like I wasn't pretty enough, or I wasn't good enough.

Some days you're depressed, some days you're happy, some days you're broken hearted. People need music for therapy, to heal them or speak for them when they can't describe how they're feeling.