“At a earlier age, I was kind of into a pretty large scope or range of ...” — Mahershala Ali Quote

“At a earlier age, I was kind of into a pretty large scope or range of music from Hieroglyphics and the Hobo Junction guys and all that to like a lot of stuff that was in New York like Diamond D, Nas, Brand Nubian, of course Biggie, OC, Organized Confusion, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Digable Planets, who I just saw recently, and they killed it.”

“I found myself sort of becoming a character actor, though I don't know if that would be my natural makeup.”

“Oakland, by far, is really gorgeous; it still has these pockets that are really dangerous. Certain things are kind of normal. I think kids out there can be tested in a way where his right of passage ties into a bit of violence and how that has become these markers in masculinity and you being kind of validated after having to pass through things.”

“The first album I remember putting on and really enjoying was Paolo Nutini's 'These Streets.' Then, growing up, I listened to a lot of Eminem and Biggie and old school rap; and then eventually a lot of David Bowie, Prince. So my inspirations are quite different.”

“I like Biggie. Like 'Pac, he was one of the best rappers in the business. Why would I try to do something to him?”

“Jay Z wasn't great when 2pac and Biggie was alive.”