Jay-Z Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jay-Z.

Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York, in a humble family and began his musical journey in the late 1980s as a rapper and co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records. Jay-Z's career took off with the release of his debut album "Reasonable Doubt" in 1996, which is now regarded as a hip-hop classic.

Throughout his legendary career, Jay-Z has achieved tremendous success both artistically and commercially. With numerous albums to his name, including "The Blueprint," "The Black Album," and "4:44," he has become one of the most influential figures in the music industry. Jay-Z's unique flow, storytelling ability, and powerful lyrics have not only inspired a generation of artists but also earned him numerous accolades, including 22 Grammy Awards.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Jay-Z has ventured into various business ventures, solidifying himself as an astute entrepreneur. He co-founded the clothing brand Rocawear, which later sold for a significant profit, and is the former president of Def Jam Recordings. Additionally, he co-owns the 40/40 Club sports bar, has a stake in the Brooklyn Nets, and runs entertainment company Roc Nation, representing some of the biggest names in the industry.

Jay-Z's impact extends far beyond the music world. He uses his platform to advocate for social justice issues, philanthropy, and political activism. His influence and contributions outside of music have made him a cultural icon, as he continues to shape the industry and inspire generations of artists to come.

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I'm a mirror. If you're cool with me, I'm cool with you, and

I'm a mirror. If you're cool with me, I'm cool with you, and the exchange starts. What you see is what you reflect. If you don't like what you see, then you've done something. If I'm standoffish, that's because you are.

The burden of poverty isn't just that you don't always have

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.

I collect art, and I drink wine... things that I like that I

I collect art, and I drink wine... things that I like that I had never been exposed to. But I never said, 'I'm going to buy art to impress this crowd.' That's just ridiculous to me. I don't live my life like that, because how could you be happy with yourself?

I'm hungry for knowledge. The whole thing is to learn every

I'm hungry for knowledge. The whole thing is to learn every day, to get brighter and brighter. That's what this world is about. You look at someone like Gandhi, and he glowed. Martin Luther King glowed. Muhammad Ali glows. I think that's from being bright all the time, and trying to be brighter.

Hip-hop is more about attaining wealth. People respect succe

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.

I'm far from being god, but I work god damn hard.

I'm far from being god, but I work god damn hard.

You make your first album, you make some money, and you feel

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?

As kids we didn't complain about being poor we talked about

As kids we didn't complain about being poor we talked about how rich we were going to be and made moves to get the lifestyle we aspired to by any means we could. And as soon as we had a little money, we were eager to show it.

Racism is taught in the home. We agree on that? Well, it's v

Racism is taught in the home. We agree on that? Well, it's very hard to teach racism to a teenager who's listening to rap music and who idolizes, say, Snoop Dogg. It's hard to say, 'That guy is less than you.' The kid is like, 'I like that guy, he's cool. How is he less than me?

Growing up, politics never trickled down to the areas we com

Growing up, politics never trickled down to the areas we come from. But people from Obama's camp, and Obama himself, reached out to me and asked for my help on the campaign. We've sat and had dinner, and we've spoken on the phone. He's a very sharp guy. Very charming. Very cool.

I grew up in Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, and my mom and pop

I grew up in Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, and my mom and pop had an extensive record collection, so Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder and all of those sounds and souls of Motown filled the house.

That's why this generation is the least racist generation ev

That's why this generation is the least racist generation ever. You see it all the time. Go to any club. People are intermingling, hanging out, having fun, enjoying the same music. Hip-hop is not just in the Bronx anymore. It's worldwide. Everywhere you go, people are listening to hip-hop and partying together. Hip-hop has done that.