I could never say Rza's trash. But he didn't come with the right formula on '8 Diagrams.' I think 'Cuban Linx 2' will have the Clan back where they need to be, but then it's up for the Clan to be back where they need to be, too. 'Cos it ain't just the album, you know what I mean? It's everything.
There was a lot of negative that was put on rappers for using the word, and I feel like we're just misunderstood. Most of us are; some of us is just plain wack.
I've always believed that getting respect as an artiste is of utmost importance.
My fans will tell you all day that I can rap. That's all I need.
A singer is someone who puts out an album. That's a very generous description.
I can't help what people write or think. If somebody thinks I'm a serious archivist, they're wrong. That's been a problem. It's a shame people take that attitude, because it affects how they listen to the music. It's a big mistake to treat any pop music that way.
I drop free music because I want people to know I'm still working. I want people to know I'm working and making my money independently. I don't want to charge for a mixtape; I'd rather charge for an album and really give something to my fans.
I think it's shameful when you sell out. It depends what kind of artist you wanna be, but I don't want my name anywhere near another brand.
I'm associated with gospel music in the minds of millions of people.
So how does Liz Phair feel about Lana Del Rey? Well, as a recording artist, I've been hated, I've been ridiculed, and conversely, hailed as the second coming. All that matters in the end is that I've been heard.
James Blake is a real good friend of mine. He's real different than what you thinks. He's super turned up.
When I go into rehearsal rooms and meet with bands, they're genuinely excited to be with me because of what I've done as an artist, not because of anything else. There's that whole celebrity rock star thing, and artists are into artists who have been able to achieve success their way.
I don't mind being criticised, but hearing yourself described as the next James Blunt - that hurts.
Madonna is a pro. I don't like her and have no respect for her but- I don't think she should be called a musician or a dancer or whatever you know, but I do have, well I do have respect for her ability to completely manipulate the media and have them work for her.
As long as my pictures go into theaters and we ask people to pay to see what I do on the screen, I should not object if customers want to know what kind of man I am.
When I leave I always come right back here. The young spitter that everybody in rap fear.
I respect women, and I have not and will never sing anything that will upset my fans.
Being called a new artist doesn't bother me at all.
A stage show's popularity depends on its organisers and the public, but primarily on the performer.
Offset's the animal out the group. But he ain't no bad guy.
When people see that we're signed to Def Jam, the perception has changed.
It's hard to be taken seriously if you're a young, female artist making pop music; you never know how people are going to react.
I'm looking for personal credibility as an entertainer.
It took time to really build myself a reputation as a good live performer, a musician and an artist.
I really enjoy doing remixes, but I don't want to be known as just a 'remix artist' for the rest of my career.
