Does hip-hop have a responsibility to be politically active?
We have the right to not give a fuck. Hip-hop was invented because politicians didn't give a fuck about the streets. So why should the streets give a fuck back? They did us a favor by wanting us eliminated, because what came out of that was some crazy-ass music that's helped out tons of people. You've got people chilling on yachts in Hawaii instead of in a jail cell because of hip-hop. I like the way hip-hop is now. It's grown up enough so that it can get involved with politics if it feels like it. But a responsibility? Hell, no.
Speaking of rappers on boats, what do you think about Jay-Z leaving Def Jam?
It was disappointing, because the industry didn't seem to be able to accommodate him with whatever he needed to grow. The industry is in a real strange place, and homey did what he had to do.
Jay is pursuing interests outside of hip-hop, while you've stayed more or less dedicated to music.
To me, creatively challenging myself is my version of owning the Nets.
You did film a reality show for MTV with Kelis, though. How come that never aired?
We watched two episodes and hated it. It was boring. We were too guarded. We weren't ready. I'm comfortable keeping all the reality in my music.
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