Nas' Illmatic blew my mind when I first heard it. The poetry was done on such a high level that in a way, it validated our existence, our culture. He…

- Erik Parker

Hip hop has evolved, thankfully. Kids are making music that is important to their lives and outlooks.

- Erik Parker

Hip hop is still strong. As an art form, music helps people express themselves, find meaning in their own lives and connect with their tribes.

- Erik Parker

If you see yourself reflected in art, you feel validated.

- Erik Parker

Older generations can sometimes look down on today's hip hop but I refuse that mindset. I remember how hurt I was when older people told me that Run-…

- Erik Parker

There are songs and artists now who are trying to do the same thing: be honest to their experiences.

- Erik Parker

We need to do stuff we've always done, even though you might not like it.

- Erik Parker

Every piece of music is not for everybody.

- Erik Parker

All the songs are pieces to the puzzle. They each represent something different. So it's really difficult to say one song represents the album.

- Erik Parker