I think people instinctively know that their job is to give service and that they are part of a community. It had a great impact on me when my father walked the picket lines and I walked with him during the civil rights movement.

Never change for the mainstream—stay in your lane, and if you’re talented and resilient enough the mainstream will come to you.

Decide that no matter what is happening around you, the sun will always be shining in your world.

People build themselves up before you even have to deal with them.

It is only through opening your hearts will you be able to see that by promoting freedom for all, you are unchaining yourself. I guess I'm an optimist. I have faith in people and our government ultimately to do the right thing. And to my brothers and sisters in California, I'm there with you every step of the way until that day comes...

Being materialistic is part of the hip-hop community's nature, because jazz and blues and rock 'n' roll, when they started out in the urban communities, were about the American Dream, and the lack of opportunity in that structure. So they talked about everything - uplifting and getting what is perceived as success in America.

I don't miss a day of yoga. I don't miss my meditation... They're way more important.