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I don't feel that rap has been respected as an art form. Because people have seen rappers rap off the top of their heads, they don't think it is difficult.

I think songs and visuals are so evocative of each other.

The visuals are equally as important as the music. It's all a complete experience.

If it wasn't for 2 Live Crew videos wouldn't look like they do and rappers wouldn't sound like they do.

Rappers should just be able to perform what they create and satisfy the people that like and love them.

Hip-hop is getting to the point now where they are going to start sounding like Al Jarreau or Bobby McFerrin or some of the other poets. Some of the better rappers can rap real fast without even melodies. It'll get to that same point.

Until now, I've not done a project where the produce, rapper and singer has never worked together like this before, and I had a chance to try a variety of styles.

I think rap definitely has its place in the art world. I think it is an art form. But, just like any art form, you can misuse it.

The problem is that rap is so often a caricature of its own image. Nobody comes to the table with the seriousness of the effect that it can have; nobody is prepared for that.

I actually think some of the rappers can help our image, because the thing I'm concerned about is the NBA's image. I always want our image to be on the rise, and if the rappers can help young players get business-minded, then I'm all for it.