I have received 16 Grammy nominations and I have no trophies, because I chose to write the harsh realities. I stayed true to myself and I've taken a little beating behind it.

I feel a huge gratification out of being right. To see my projects connect in a way in which the audience is passionate is a huge compliment. For me it's like, if a person is ambitious enough, they run in a tunnel that doesn't end...And I learn things about myself all the time.

I was competitive in the ring and hip-hop is competitive too... I think rappers condition themselves like boxers, so they all kind of feel like they're the champ.

If you are ambitious, you are running in a tunnel that never ends. You will always find something new to go after. [...] I got high for the first time with Get Rich or Die Tryin' and I have been trying to achieve that feeling again since then, all the time.

You grimy as birds shittin' on the top of ya Fords.

Without music I wouldn't have the ability to be in business. The opportunity to be in business came with the finances from music and the notoriety that comes with being successful as an artist. So I see myself as an artist first, but I'm absolutely conscious of business.

The public is never wrong. When people don’t respond to what you do, they’re telling you something loud and clear. You’re just not listening.