Quotes by Mos Def

I can’t control what people think. I’m not trying to manipulate people’s thoughts or sentiments. I write all the time. You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. It’s machine-like how things are run now in hip-hop, and my ambitions are different.

I know what it feels like to have the door slammed firmly in my face, so I’m cool with that.

Focused. I’m a hustler. And my hustle is trying to figure out the best ways to do what I like without having to do much else.

With guys I revere, like Marcus Garvey or Malcolm X, their look is less about style than purpose and the expression of beauty. It wasn’t just about being noticed, you know?

Good art provides people with a vocabulary about things they can’t articulate.