I was really fortunate growing up to have a broad musical education. My parents listened to all kinds of music, rock, soul, Motown, jazz, Frank Sinatra, everything. – Mayer Hawthorne
I really love rap music. I grew up in the 80s and 90s with Public Enemy, N.W.A., LL Cool J – Im a hip-hop encyclopedia. But I got kind of frustrated with the chauvinistic side of rap music, the one that makes it hard to write songs about love and relationships. – Mayer Hawthorne