I've been in crime for a long time and I know that the actual move isn't the actual crime: the crime continues [afterwards].

Half the rhymes you write, you're saying that you're better than the other MC. That's how we keep the craft sharp.

When you start to really travel and you get to these abstract like places in the world, you would see certain people's names. It seemed like we could go anywhere. Like when we went to Afghanistan, you'd see in the dressing room Run DMC's name. Certain rappers are like journey men.

I didn't really realize how big I was 'til I started to tour, because being in your own neighborhood, people don't actually give you full props.

I wouldn't write about sh*t I don't know. You won't hear me write about politics in Africa and stuff, because I don't know enough about it. And I would never rap about something I can't back up.

Jay-Z is like a rap-savant, he doesn't have to write the rhymes down, he can create complex raps in his head. I mean he does memorize it, he just doesn't write it down on paper. He doesn't freestyle onto the track, it's all thought out.

Who can protect themselves from betrayal? The day your brother wakes up and plans to do you dirty, there's no defense against that.