Sometimes I think albums are so ambitious, they don't stand as bodies of work because you try to achieve so much, and sometimes we need to do less. Say less.
The effect that 'Illmatic' had on us at that moment was serious.
The truth needs to explain why you are the way you are, why you did what you did.
I'm not interested in anything besides making some good music, helping some artists, being an executive. I'm pretty happy with that.
I come from an era where you just build something. Me and Common built what we built from Chicago from scratch.
I don't speak out of place, but if you ask me, I will definitely speak the truth. Also, my opinion is my opinion. I don't feel the need to force anybody to agree or disagree with me. But if you ask me, I do feel it's important to speak with confidence about my feelings about whatever the questions are.
I am the guy that, if you catch me saying something, I don't do the, 'Don't tell anybody I said it.' If I said it, I said it. I'm gonna stand right here and say it again to whoever - the end. What's the trouble? Where's the problem?
When you do your art, and you may think people don't recognize it or appreciate it, you actually go and try to get better.
I really like G-Herbo.
I think that sometimes, as producers, we just service the artists who's really just the main front or person. You know, our roles are really just to help them get where they're supposed to go.
Part of my growth as a producer was not just about making beats but also helping in the process of inspiring the song and making the song the center.
Most of the greatest albums in the history of music are one producer. It's just a fact. Or one collective.
After 'Resurrection,' I was getting calls for people to do work with me, and I was turning it down.
