Fantastic Negrito

Usually when tragedy is present, a great art movement is right behind it.

I don't mind being the voice of the New Oakland to maintain the integrity and edge of it. Old Oakland and New Oakland is one and the same. It's connected. I aspire to be the bridge between both.

Nothing unifies people more than music, more than that universal riff. The one thing that unifies us and the hope that we can have, especially being an artist, is that we can create music that can build bridges and smash down very bad ideas.

I like being photographed without glasses. I don't want to be pretentious.

I really loved the hardcore alternative vibe Prince had on 'Dirty Mind.'

If I can't be honest with music, forget it.

Just keep being yourself. Keep being yourself, and people recognize it.

There's certain artists that are meant to have certain paths and go the way of the corporate world. And then there are artists who are artists.

So-called leaders aren't doing anything, so it's become the job of artists like me. We have to get on the front lines and fight for the people who have love and tolerance in their hearts and want to live in a unified world.

In the Pines' is a very old song dating back to slavery. Lead Belly made it popular.

I'm not interested in re-creating the same blues I love so much. I'm interested in pushing boundaries.

I love the power of music and artistry and feel a responsibility having a platform to preach good things.