14 Quotes by Erik Parker

He didn't come across as a thug or as someone looking for trouble. He was a nice, articulate and charming guy. ... Local scenes in rap can be really fragmented but this may cause people to band together.

A lot of hip-hop fans resented them for being the token hip-hop group that was representing hip-hop culture to the mainstream. It wasn't their fault; they're just an accessible, easy-going group that started making really good pop music and was celebrated by everybody after they added Fergie. But there was a lot of resentment and hate.

I don't see the tributes stopping. It's like with Marvin Gaye. People keep bringing him back, to keep him alive.

He's made a habit of rapping on his artists' records in the hopes that this will jump-start their careers - and it does draw immediate attention - but that's just a shortcut. He'll need to do real artist development to ensure these guys have actual long-lasting careers.

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-D.M.C. was jungle music or that it was not music at all. Or that LL Cool J was not art.

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

Every piece of music is not for everybody.

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

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.