do you
1) feel you HAVE to play this card to get anywhere (grammy, gold and platinum plaques, successful tours, job offers with some of the greatest in the business)
2) derive some sick pleasure out of "playing" a role (or let me turn this around: playing UP something about the real ahmir thompson) and raking in the dough/success (you think) that accomplishes (and/or enjoy "getting over" on people by not being the so-called "real you")
3) not know any other way to be in the entertainment business as a young(ish) black male

not like you'll answer but in case you read this, i mean well by it but someone has to ask these "artists" (you added the quotes, so will i) tough questions.