Common

“The impact of a conscious artist is necessary, and it ripples through the world.”

“I can only speak for myself - there were times when I just wasn't inspired by creating music.”

“One thing I always loved about hip-hop music was the raw, boom-bap element - it felt powerful and manly.”

“I loved plays, I loved films, but I had no desire to act until I had just put out my album 'Like Water for Chocolate.' Creatively, I felt like I'd hit a ceiling, and I needed something else to express myself, and I just decided to take acting classes.”

“I learned a long time ago to be honest when I'm talking to other artists. Up-and-coming artists used to come and say something, they would have a demo reel, and I would try to tell them the truth. I don't go up and say something unless I really feel it.”

“It was incredible to have J Dilla in your dining room making beats - it was one of the greatest experiences I've had.”

“I think you really have to remember what you loved about making music in the first place. Ultimately, people can be like, 'We've seen this dude in many movies,' but if they hear a song and they're feeling it, they can look past all the personal things and not hold it against you that you're also an actor.”

“Hip-hop is supposed to help you elevate, or go higher.”

“Me as an artist, I've ventured off into doing all types of music. I'll do a jazz album, you know what I mean.”

“I came from the South Side of Chicago wanting to be a rap artist and make videos.”

“When I started thinking about it, I was like, 'OK, if throughout time I get labeled as a conscious artist, I'll be very much celebrated, in a way, and honored.'”

“My mom has obviously had a powerful influence on my life, and her voice can describe certain things that I couldn't see in myself.”

“One thing I have throughout my career, it felt like I did my best to align myself with quality artists, quality work, and it is a situation of steel sharpening steel.”

“After you make good, quality music, then it's your job to go out there and promote it and to market it and to get it out there to the people.”

“People that I care about, that I consider being friends of mine, most of the things I discuss with them I wouldn't discuss in public because it's a real relationship. It's not a relationship for the public, you know?”

“Obviously God knew I wasn't going to make it to the NBA as much as I probably believed. This was divine order.”

“Movies and media really can influence us. A few years ago, my daughter wanted to be a dancer; since Obama came into office, she now wants to be a lawyer and get into politics and maybe even be president.”

“People always want to feel better and be inspired. Sometimes we need it. I think the conscious rapper will always be able to live and exist.”

“Man, if I get a chance to speak on the microphone, I've got to say something somewhere in there. You know, I'm going to laugh and have fun, too, but something has to be said that has some substance, because this is a platform, and the power that we have with words and with this microphone is phenomenal.”

“I believe that music is about making quality things, making quality art, and no matter who you decide to work with, you and that person have to come up with something special, come up with something that is excellent material, so whoever hears it and reviews it will like it.”