I used to have weird practices in crowded used-book stores in New York where I'd go in and just stomp my foot and see what fell from the shelf. And of course, because it's an unexpected encounter, there's always some magic that comes from it.

I think it's a mistake where rap music is these days. It doesn't seem to be able to look out of the ghetto and that's ultimately unfortunate, because it defines our limitations.

I was always making up rhymes. But I never thought that poetry would become my life.

What I'm aiming to do within hip-hop is to point out that the music itself is powerful; it reaches so many people.

I think it's misleading to think that art is only there for escapism, only there for our dreams of being rich and f - king whoever we wanna f - k.

Jay Z and President Bush have a lot in common, that same brash confidence

Sometimes our thoughts and feelings are our most prized possessions... and then there are times to let go of your possessions and wander.