I always keep my head down, working, doing things, moving forward. That’s what I’ve done all my life. Then you stop and realize what you’ve done.
I influence people – hopefully on the positive side.
If you enjoy the fragrance of a rose, you must accept the thorns which it bears.
At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own lives. If anything happens to us, don’t blame somebody else. Backtrack and look at what you did to contribute to that. You also contribute to your successes. Once you learn that, you’re on your way.
Have you ever wondered why young people take to music like fish to water? Maybe it’s because music is fun. Plan and simple. It opens up their minds to dream great dreams about where they can go and what they can do when they get older.
I don’t sit back and count up what I’ve done. There’s just always something else to do. There’s always a challenge ahead.
Religious beliefs are sacred to people, and at all times should be respected and honoured.
Don’t slip into the traps, and don’t forget about your ’hood, the kids in the ’hood. Remember, you’re disposable, so take advantage while you can.
Know the business, learn the business, own something.
When my agent told me he had a voice-over job I thought it was a Disney thing.
I love soul. But I love a tune that has some meat in it. Something I could hang my hat on. Because music is universal.
I think the kids today need to hear more about morals and values.
The rappers have gone in and created a lot of hit music based upon my influence. And theyll tell you if you ask.
Self-expression is always a right, but its still not there to be abused.
As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices.
I was going through some emotional turmoil. You can tell by the tunes on the album that I was going through a break-up of my marriage. It was the only way I could express myself.
A certain administration which I won’t call by name took the arts out of the schools, and that left the brothers out on the street with nothing, so they went to the turntables and started rhyming. Then they had a way to express themselves, and that’s the birth of hip-hop.