Why shouldn't rap be esoteric, able to take in current events, history and criticism? I guess it's this old idea of containment - that rappers, because they're black, can't and shouldn't aspire to look outside the ghetto for influence.

He attended Newburgh Free Academy where he wrote his song "Black Stacey". The Chicago stage allowed Williams to attract a wider audience. After releasing a string of EPs in 2001 he released the LP Amethyst Rock Star with producer Rick Rubin and in September 2004 his self-titled album to much acclaim.

He is known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop and for his lead role in the 1998 film Slam.