When we say a rapper, a rapper can say a rhyme. But an MC can rock a party.
I enjoy the more floaty, exposed, elegant singing.
Rapping is a vocal delivery, so you can do it without being part of hip-hop and not knowing what hip-hop is about.
I work hard at it [delivery of lyrics], just like I worked hard at getting my masters degree. It's not just something I sit down and do. You have to learn and keep learning.
I take my spoken-word stuff extremely seriously because I feel like that's true writing, true lyricism.
If you're venturing into territory that is slightly operatic, it all has to be done so carefully.
My go-go dancing was not your typical go-go dancing: I really was doing performance art. I would do dramatic, elaborate lyricals across the bar. I learned a lot, actually, as an artist during that time.
It's a lot different being a hip-hop artist. You just show up with a piece of paper with your words on it, say it in the mic, then you leave and some other guy does all the music.
