10 Essential Jay-Z Quotes .
In honor of Shawn Corey Carter's
51st birthday, here are some of
his most memorable lines.
I was born to dictate,
never follow orders. , Jay-Z, via "U Don't Know," 'The Blueprint' .
Nobody built like you,
you design yourself, Jay-Z, via "A Dream,"
'The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse' .
A loss ain't a loss,
it's a lesson. , Jay-Z, via "Smile," '4:44' .
'Til you own your own,
you can't be free. , Jay-Z, via "I Got the Keys," DJ Khaled's 'Major Key'.
One day you're up, next day you're down / Long as you stay the same, it'll come back around. , Jay-Z, via "Sweet," 'American Gangster'.
Excellence is being able to
perform at a high level for
a long period of time. , Jay-Z, via 'Oprah's Masters Class'.
When you succeed,
prepare to be crucified, Jay-Z, via "Most Kingz," 'Roc Nation 2011'.
In order to survive, gotta learn to live with regrets. , Jay-Z, via "Regrets," 'Reasonable Doubt'.
Sure books can guide you/
But your heart defines you, Jay-Z, via "Beach Chair," 'Kingdom Come'.
Fear not when, or fear not why / Fear not much while we're alive / Life is for living, not living uptight. , Jay-Z, via "Young Forever" 'Blueprint 3'