Honestly, you have to take care of yourself. That's probably something I have learned on the road.

I think hip hop is a dance music that's rebellious by nature.

I think once you're in the public eye, whether you're a boss, a teacher or whatever you do, that you're automatically in the position of role model. You have people looking up to you, so whether you choose to accept it or not is a different question.

We're in an illusion about what our role is in world politics and foreign affairs, and our policies are killing and destroying and doing a lot of things that we are not aware of.

I have a luxury of people coming to see me whether I play for the crowd or not. I don't take that lightly.

I'm not looking to set a standard... but, I believe I have offered a challenge to others with my work.

I met Mos Def around that time but I didn't hook up with him until I was about 17 or 18.