I really like world music. I used to think it was simple but it's far from that.

I throw down a lot on paper and on tape. Sometimes while I'm practicing on the guitar, I'll think of a song.

At a certain point, I got used to writing on demand. I developed a habit of writing like I hired myself! I also like to write about things that affect me emotionally.

Many of the African musicians are well-schooled and well-versed...what they do takes a high level of musicianship.

Everybody can perform, there are so many outlets. Musicians are no longer limited. In the past, the record companies made most of the money. I for one am not sorry to see them fade away.

Most true musicians don't do it for the money, they do it because they love it. When I did slam poetry, it was a great way for me to express myself, I loved it.

Don't expect to make a living on it. Be able to hammer a nail or do retail, doing your music on the side!

Those who are brave, are the greatest cowards of all. For they fear failure.

I've always had a strong feeling for the Statue of Liberty, because it became the statue of my personal liberty.

My advice is to treat [credit cards] like what they are: little plastic grenades that must be handled very carefully.

Happiness does not exclude sadness - if a person responds to life, he's sometimes happy and sometimes sad. What matters is he responds.

The whole film business was built on immigrants: Billy Wilder and Michael Curtiz and all these hefty lads.

Moderate aspirations lead to a contended life. I don't have to buy the airplane and I can't drive the tank!!

Don't let anyone take care of you. Can you maybe leave that for me to do? I mean, take care of you? Feel free to take care of me in return... because I think I'll need you to do that.

All black Americans have slave names. They have white names; names that the slave master has given to them.

Not taking a risk is a risk. That's how I see it.

What I'm advocating is an intellectual revolution - it's a different mindset concerning the ethical benchmarks by which we live.