Affluence separates people. Poverty knits 'em together. You got some sugar and I don't; I borrow some of yours. Next month you might not have any flour; well, I'll give you some of mine.

I'd like to think that when I sing a song, I can let you know all about the heartbreak, struggle, lies and kicks in the ass I've gotten over the years for being black and everything else, without actually saying a word about it.

You never can overwhelm an instrument. You will never get out all that's in an instrument. An instrument will bring you to your limits.

I really feel that if you're gonna be good, you gotta practice... Practice whatever the hell you do.

I never said I was a genius. I never said I was a cornerstone. I've never said I'm a legend in my own time. You never heard me say nothing like that.

I was born with music inside me. That's the only explanation I know of

Dreams, if they're any good, are always a little bit crazy.