I cant control what people think. Im not trying to manipulate peoples thoughts or sentiments. I write all the time. You have to experience life, make observations, and ask questions. Its machine-like how things are run now in hip-hop, and my ambitions are different. – Mos Def
I have no confidence issues with the impact or the quality of the music. No one in hip-hop, before this point and to this point, with all due respect, has done this. – Mos Def
I dont want to waste anyones time or money. I want to give people some truth and positive heart lift. – Mos Def
Bob Marley performed the One Love Peace concert in Jamaica with the two different warring political sides. Theres always been that in black music and culture in general. Its no surprise because black music is such a reflection of whats going on in black life. Its not unusual for hip-hop. – Mos Def
A boy who hears a lesson in history ended by the beauty of peace, and how Napoleon brought ruin upon the world and that he should be forever cursed, will not long have much confidence in his teacher. He wants to hear more about the fighting and less about the peace negotiations. – William Lee Howard, Peace, Dolls and Pugnacity