"You know, it goes without saying that things are different for people of color. I work to pay the bills, not to listen to the hype. I've been the next big thing in this business for a few years. It's funny to me when I hear it now, because I know the way it works. I'm not confused." "I'm damn near 37 years old, and I'm jumping up and down on the bed like my 10-year-old. I was a wild man" [31 January 2006 upon learning of his Oscar nomination for Hustle & Flow]. I did 19 years of supporting [roles] before I tried to take a lead. "I love trees. Too much concrete in New York. Too many big people. I don't do well with big, important people...Besides until I start making money I'm strictly McDonald's." [on why he still lives in Philadelphia].