Never blame a man for misfortune, do it yourself.

Don't be flirting with your gift, you better marry it

I think people in the hip hop culture really just care about who has the bars. I'm sure there are people, who see it differently outside of the culture, but most people are concerned with who's a better rapper and that's that.

It's hard as a person to just put your life out there for the world to judge. That's what music is and what you're supposed to do with the art, live and release it to the world.

When I was young what made me really want to be a rapper was when I saw MC Lyte.

I think the most important thing is to leave people inspired to do something, to realize their purpose in life. I want people to show love to each other. What I love about performing live, and especially in smaller intimate venues, is the real connection you have with the fans that you can't get in a studio or a big arena. It allows me to have real moments with my fans. I just want the night to be filled with good energy, love, and for people to leave the show happy.

Being simple and complicated at the same is what makes Jay-Z so great.