There's certainly a lot of noise in the hip-hop world now [that] I don't pay active attention to, but to the extent that I represent some flavor of what's happening in hip-hop - it's subconscious.

Remember something about attention. Yes, it’s possible to buy, grab, or even steal it. But it’s far better to earn it.

I care about the diversity of the mindset of the people creating our future, and the windows through which we see it, and the tools we use to build it.

There are so many ways to be and to be black at the same time, but we're finally seeing that full range expressed much more widely than before.

Knowing that "me" is inextricably linked to blackness, [I try to enjoy] the process of expanding beyond the expected boundaries set by existing culture, norms and media.

New York has been the best gift, in that the city pushes me to so many next levels.

Mostly I try to be the best example of me that I can be.

I don't know that I'm post-anything. I'd like to think maybe I'm post-bullshit.

Okay, well, if motion is the constant, how can I remain in motion?

As far as hip-hop is concerned, I'm no expert and rarely think consciously about how I "represent" hip-hop.

You can call me namastunde or surfatunde. Either works.

So little is actually worthy of belief or disbelief. Better to strive to coexist than seek to disapprove . . .

Without dignity, identity is erased.

A weak man in a corner is more dangerous than a strong man.

The land is like poetry: it is inexplicably coherent, it is transcendent in its meaning, and it has the power to elevate a consideration of human life.

When the man who knows all about the fruit fly chromosomes finds himself sitting next to an authority on Beowulf, there may be an uneasy silence.

The Irish do not want anyone to wish them well; they want everyone to wish their enemies ill.

If people had good albums, they'd be buying albums. But people are buying singles because they only have good songs.

Respectability is joining chastity in the museum of dead issues.

When you are thwarted, it is your own attitude that is out of order

Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.