I was angry about the fact that my father would beat my mother on a daily basis, that my mother would like take it in turn and beat on me. I was an abused child. I was mad about all those things, very bitter and very angry.

Now is my time. Everything I've done up to this point is just a warm up. This is where it all begins.

My teacher said I would either be a hoodlum, or a great entertainer.

I'm trying to change the root of funk, trying to make it more progressive, more melodic and more lyrically structured.

Whether you're rich or poor, life's still cold-blooded.

When I'm about Rick James, it's all about get out there and kill 'em.

My music is pretty honest. I can't rap on science fiction. Punk is from the street.