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 attainbigdraw Change image and share on social
I was forced to be an artist and a CEO from the beginning, so I was forced to be like a businessman because when I was trying to get a record deal, it was so hard to get a record deal on my own that it was either give up or create my own company. Jay-Z artistbeginbusinessman share on social
The burden of poverty isn't just that you don't always have the things you need, it's the feeling of being embarrassed every day of your life, and you'd do anything to lift that burden. Jay-Z burdendayembarrass Change image and share on social
The average rap life is two or three albums. You're lucky to get to your second album in rap! Jay-Z albumaveragelife Change image and share on social
Hip-hop has done so much for racial relations, and I don't think it's given the proper credit. It has changed America immensely. I'm going to make a very bold statement: Hip-hop has done more than any leader, politician, or anyone to improve race relations. Jay-Z americaboldchange share on social
They say a midget standing on a giant's shoulders can see much further than the giant. So I got the whole rap world on my shoulders, they trying to see further than I am. Jay-Z giantmidgetrap Change image and share on social
I think relationships are broken up because of the media. Jay-Z breakmediumrelationship Change image and share on social
You make your first album, you make some money, and you feel like you still have to show face, like 'I still go to the projects.' I'm like, why? Your job is to inspire people from your neighborhood to get out. You grew up there. What makes you think it's so cool? Jay-Z albumcoolface share on social
By the time I got to record my first album, I was 26, I didn't need pen or paper - my memory had been trained just to listen to a song, think of the words, and lay them to tape. Jay-Z albumlielisten Change image and share on social