Quotes from Jay-Z

Primarily I see myself as so much more than a rapper. I really believe I am the voice for a lot of people who don't have that microphone or who can't rap.

Excellence is being able to perform at a high level over and over again. You can hit a half-court shot once. That's just the luck of the draw. If you consistently do it... that's excellence.

Some people are attracted to vulnerability. From my very first album, I've been vulnerable. I've always given parts of me, parts of my life - good, bad, ugly. I've never put up this image as a super-thug. Also, some people just like the music.

People wanted to make products based on our child's name, and you don't want anybody trying to benefit off your baby's name.

I never wanted to just glamorize the playa lifestyle and not touch on the down side. I wanted everyone who's in a desperate situation to know that, if they wanna choose that kinda lifestyle, they gotta be aware of everything that comes with it! It's not just about the cars, the ladies and the money.

I think in London - and I don't wanna offend anybody in America, but this is a real statement - they still have the right approach to making music. In the U.S., people see it as a way to make money; they see it as a means to get out. It's a hustle, which is great - any way you can provide for your family that's legal is fantastic.

Religion is like a personal computer. You let people in if you want to... We're all gods.

I am not a businessman. I am a business, man.

Can I hit it in the morning with out giving you have of my dough?

I never ask for nothin' I don't demand of myself. Honesty, loyalty, friends and then wealth.

I believe you can speak things into existence.

Only God can judge me so I'm gone, either love me or leave me alone.