As we move toward the millennium, the year 2000, the most powerful nations are not those that have nuclear bombs, but those that control the media. That's where the battle is being fought; that is how you control people's minds.

What's the difference between Hollywood characters and my characters? Mine are real.

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

My cousin Malcolm Lee is also a filmmaker.

If you can't take a hit, you're not going to last long, that's for sure.

I don't think I'm a total pessimist, so I think you can find hope in all my films.

I'm just trying to tell a good story and make thought-provoking, entertaining films. I just try and draw upon the great culture we have as a people, from music, novels, the streets.