Violence is a part of America. I don't want to single out rap music. Let's be honest. America's the most violent country in the history of the world, that's just the way it is. We're all affected by it.

Racism in America absolutely exists - it is an issue. We need to fix it. We're a great country - probably the greatest country but we could be a hell of a lot greater.

It comes down to this: black people were stripped of our identities when we were brought here, and it's been a quest since then to define who we are.

I collect names for characters. Names are valuable; they can be your first source of insight into a character.

I am a hybrid. I do independent films and also do Hollywood films - I love them both.

Since the days of slavery, if you were a good singer or dancer, it was your job to perform for the master after dinner.

I knew I was never going to play professional sport, but I loved playing and I went to all the games I could afford to.