U-God (Wu-Tang Clan) au Zénith de Paris (Photo credit: Coupdoreille)

Who’s U-God? He’s probably the least well-known member of ’90s hip-hop group the Wu-Tang Clan, but Lamont Jody Hawkins has just released a new solo album, The Keynote Speaker, and the Daily Beast has a curious, entertaining interview with the MC from its CIA/military correspondent.

He may not be rolling in it Method Man-style, but U-God came from humble beginnings and is doing fine. Here, excerpted from the interview, are what we take to be his keys to thriving in the face of adversity:

Just keep going: “I keep getting better. I learned from my mistakes, I learned my weaknesses and strengths.”

Watch out for: “big-titty bitches with long hair.”

Don’t let yourself be your own worst enemy: “Self-destructiveness… we’ve all got that in us… I call it a self-destruct button… You gotta chill and put that away.”

Don’t underestimate your talent: “This is my Illmatic,”

Connect to your common man: “I am trying to identify with a person who does not have a job, you want to put them in the raps, not just to the rich people who care about being a millionaire.”

Don’t admit your true age if it’s not helpful: “You don’t know how old I am. I am 35.”

via U God Wu Tang – 6 Secrets to Success from Wu Tang’s Scrub – Esquire.