Jay-Z

For me, the challenge is just making great albums, because talent – and writing in general – is not tangible. There’s no expiration date on it. At the same time, you might wake up tomorrow and be unable to write music.

Jay-Z

Hip-hop is a perfect mix between poetry and boxing.

Jay-Z

Hip-hop is more about attaining wealth. People respect success. They respect big. They don’t even have to like your music. If you’re big enough, people are drawn to you.

Jay-Z

Housing projects can seem like labyrinths to outsiders, as complicated and intimidating as a Moroccan bazaar. But we knew our way around.

Jay-Z

I am against discrimination of any kind, but if I make snap judgments, no matter who it’s towards, aren’t I committing the same sin as someone who profiles?

Jay-Z

I came into this music business at 26 years old. I was a fully developed man at that point. At that age, I didn’t have anything to prove.

Jay-Z

I came, I saw, I conquered. From record sales to sold out concerts.

Jay-Z

I couldn’t even think about wanting to be something else; I wouldn’t let myself visualize another life. But I wrote because I couldn’t stop. It was a release, a mental exercise, a way of keeping sane.

Jay-Z

I don’t sit around with my friends and talk about money, ever. On a record, that’s different.

Jay-Z

I don’t think any rapper can go back. You can be a car salesman, a bank teller – I mean, really good jobs, and people are still gonna look at you and be like, ‘You used to rap; what happened?’

Jay-Z