Close Ad

Musicians

People smiling in unison united
Everyday Heroes

30 Powerful Racism Quotes to Combat Prejudice and Injustice

Racism is considered the marginalization and/or oppression of people of color based on a socially constructed racial hierarchy that privileges another race. The term is applied in many areas of a society that perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race or strengthen racial inequalities in education, health care, income, and civil rights.Ever since the 20th century, the concept of biological race is considered a cultural invention that has no scientific basis. The progress over the past half-century has been impressive, but the nation still has a long way to go to reach true racial equality.The following racism quotes contain inspiring perspectives to help you reflect and do whatever you can to make the world a better place for you and generations yet to come. Showing that you care about other people’s well-being, that you are an ally in promoting inclusion and equity, are some great actions you can take to help overcome the consequences of racism.It all starts withawareness. Just because racism doesn’t happen among the people you know, itdoesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Passive racism is probably the most insidiousfactor that contributes to the ongoing problem.Here are 30 quotes on racismquotes to help fight prejudice and injustice:There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race -- scientifically, anthropologically. TONI MORRISON (more Toni Morrison quotes)Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.JAMES BALDWINPeople who insist on dividing the world into 'Us' and 'Them' never contemplate that they may be someone else's 'Them.' RAY A. DAVISHating people because of their color is wrong. And it doesn't matter which color does the hating. It's just plain wrong. MUHAMMAD ALIIf you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you recognize that your liberation and mine are bound up together, we can walk together. LILA WATSON In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist. ANGELA DAVIS (more Angela Davis quotes)None of us is responsible for the complexion of his skin. This fact of nature offers no clue to the character or quality of the person underneath. MARIAN ANDERSON Accomplishments have no color. LEONTYNE PRICEIf you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.DESMOND TUTUAs long as there is racial privilege, racism will never end.WAYNE GERARD TROTMANEvery great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. HARRIET TUBMAN (more Harriet Tubman quotes)It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences. AUDRE LORDEI refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final wordMARTIN LUTHER KINGThe very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.TONI MORRISON It belongs to the very substance of nonviolence never to destroy or damage another person's feeling of self worth, even an opponent's. BERNARD HARING Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected. KOFI ANNAN One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings. FRANKLIN THOMAS Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible. MAYA ANGELOUThose who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (more Abraham Lincoln quotes)Racism is man’s gravest threat to man -- the maximum of hatred for a minimum of reason. ABRAHAM HESCHEL Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. MARK TWAIN When will our conscience grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it? ELEANOR ROOSEVELT We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same. ANNE FRANK I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (more Martin Luther King Jr. quotes)Whoever debases others is debasing himself. JAMES BALDWINNo matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger than its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise. MARIAN ANDERSON Race and racism is a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can't just be on people of color to deal with it. It's up to all of us -- Black, white, everyone -- no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. MICHELLE OBAMA No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. NELSON MANDELA (more Nelson Mandela quotes)The beauty of anti-racism is that you don't have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it's the only way forward. IJEOMA OLUO The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed. STEPHEN BIKO

Dr Dre points up at text that says 25 rapper quotes to motivate you
Musicians

25 Rapper Quotes About Life That Will Hype You Up

The genres of rap and hip hop have been demonized by their association with gang violence and have often been represented by questionable characters. But we can’t overlook the fact that there are a lot of rappers out there who inspire and motivate us every day with their powerful lyrics and hypnotizing beats. Just like any other form of art, rap is a representation of the artist’s personal experiences and emotions. A representation of what living in a rough environment really means and an expression of the grit that a tough life demands. They speak from life experience. Maybe not all rappers make for excellent role models, but a lot of them deliver valuable life lessons through their songs. Besides, the confidence and boldness of these artists is infectious. Whether you are a fan of this music genre or not, you’ll definitely find a lot of wisdom and inspiration behind the following rapper quotes. Here are 25 rapper quotes about life to motivate you to keep grinding: Goalcast Even though you’re fed up, you got to keep ya head up. TUPAC SHAKUR (more Tupac Shakur quotes) Trust your own judgement, live with it and love it. NAS Forget yesterday, live for today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. RICK ROSS You’ve got enemies? Good, that means you actually stood up for something. EMINEM (more Eminem quotes) They’re gonna try to tell you no, shatter all your dreams. But you gotta get up and go and think of better things. MAC MILLER Next time you see a brother down, stop and pick him up, Cause you might be the next one stuck. GRAND PUBA Never become so involved with something that it blinds you. Never forget where you from; someone will remind you. DMX Living well eliminates the need for revenge. KANYE WEST People will love you and support you when it’s beneficial. NICKI MINAJ (more Nicki Minaj quotes) Pay attention to whom your energy increases and decreases around. That’s the universe giving you a hint of who you should embrace and who you should keep away from. P. DIDDY Behind me is infinite power. Before me is endless possibility, around me is boundless opportunity. My strength is mental, physical and spiritual. 50 CENT Take the first chance that you get, because you may never get another one. LIL WAYNE If people take anything from my music, it should be motivation to know that anything is possible as long as you keep working at it and don’t back down. EMINEM Goalcast Remind yourself, nobody’s built like you. You design yourself. JAY-Z (more Jay-Z quotes) Something I try to instill in others is to just be a good person. It’s a decision you make a million times a day. But if you just keep trying, good stuff comes to you in an ordained way. CHANCE THE RAPPER (more Chance the Rapper quotes) My making it is a combination of grinding, grinding, grinding, and being lucky enough to finally get a shot. BUSTA RHYMES You might not have a car or big gold chain, stay true to yourself and things will change. SNOOP DOGG We ain’t picture perfect but we worth the picture still. J. COLE I’m too loyal and too focused to be losing and be hopeless. TYGA Nothing can stop me, I’m all the way up. FAT JOE I’m my own competition, I’m competing with myself. CARDI B. When the ideas are coming, I don’t stop until the ideas stop because that train doesn’t come along all the time. DR. DRE Damn right I like the life I live because I went from negative to positive. BIGGIE SMALLS Speak the truth even if your voice shakes. IGGY AZALEA Learn life, before life learn you. JADAKISS What are some positive quotes from music artists?Looking for more? To keep the good vibes flowing, check out these music quotes that celebrate the magic of sound and rhythm. Then get inspired with 27 Beethoven quotes about music, art, and life itself. Then have a look at the words of wisdom from Billie Eilish on embracing your authentic self.

38 Best Tupac Quotes to Help You Face Lifes Challenges
Musicians

38 Best Tupac Quotes to Help You Face Lifes Challenges

Rap legend Tupac Amaru Shakur is considered one of the most influential rappers and greatest artists of all time, having sold over 75 million records.Shakur was born to Alice Faye Williams, a member of the Black Panther Party. He attended the elite Baltimore School of the Arts where his creative side flourished, but his family moved before he could graduate.The new neighborhood was riven by crime so he became involved in the gang culture. Tupac’s mother had succumbed to crack addiction and bought her supply from the same street her son was selling drugs.In his pursue of a hip hop career, Tupac managed to stay away from a life of crime for a while and joined Digital Underground. He began his career as a backup dancer and MC. He evolved into a spokesperson for his generation through lyrics that told powerful stories around racism, violence and other social issues. Tupac’s presence was not just about being a great rapper, but a complete artist – he could act, he wrote poetry and he had serious dance moves.The rapper’s acting career was short, but he definitely made an impression there too, with his breakthrough role as a troubled high school teen who fashions himself into a cold-hearted killer, in action movie Juice (1992).Redefining the word "thug", Tupac was involved in many conflicts, but also showed responsibility, wisdom and a soft side at the same time. As the East Coast–West Coast hip-hop rivalry and tension started to grow, the rapper participated in the rivalry in a very vocal way. Things escalated, and he was murdered at the age of 25 in a drive-by shooting.Some conspiracy theorists believe he is still alive. Either way, his music will surely never die.Here are 38 Tupac quotes to motivate you to face life's challenges:Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside while still alive. Never surrender.Long live the rose that grew from concrete when no one else even cared.They have money for war but can't feed the poor.During your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams.Whatever you see you gotta keep a sense of humor; you gotta be able to smile through all the bullshit.A coward dies a thousand times, a soldier dies but once.For every dark night, there's a brighter day.I think I'm a natural-born leader. I know how to bow down to authority if it's authority that I respect.You gotta make a change. You see the old way wasn't working so it’s on us, to do what we gotta do to survive.Don't believe everything you hear: Real eyes, Realize, Real lies.Watch for phonies, keep your enemies close, watch your homies.Tomorrow I wake with second wind and strong because of pride. I know I fought with all my heart to keep the dream alive.We probably in hell already, our dumb asses not knowin’, everybody kissin’ ass to go to heaven ain’t goin’.If they take half the buildings that they use to praise God and give it to the motherfuckers who need God we'd be 'aight.I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.Pay no mind to those who talk behind your back, it simply means that you are two steps ahead.The seed must grow regardless of the fact that it’s planted in stone.Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real.All I’m trying to do is survive and make good out of the dirty, nasty, unbelievable lifestyle that they gave me.Our future is our confidence and self-esteem.Everybody’s at war with different things. I’m at war with my own heart sometimes.So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep ya head up…. and handle it.Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can see and feel.Just cause you live in the ghetto doesn’t mean you can’t grow.Should I just stop trying and give up? But then, that’s exactly what they’re waiting for me to do.I would rather be stricken blind, than to live without expression of mind.The world moves fast and it would rather pass by than to stop and see what makes you cry.I mean why have 52 rooms and you know there’s somebody with no room? It just don’t make sense to me.Always do your best, don’t let the pressure make you panic.Life is a wheel of fortune and it’s my turn to spin it.I don’t see why everybody feel as though that they gotta tell me how to live my life.I set goals, take control, drink out my own bottle. I make mistakes but learn from every one.Everytime I speak, I want the truth to come out. Everytime I speak I want a shiver.Ain’t a woman alive that could take my mama’s place.Don’t change on me. Don’t extort me unless you intend to do it forever.My mama always used to tell me: ‘If you can’t find somethin’ to live for, you best find somethin’ to die for.’I don’t have no fear of death. My only fear is coming back reincarnated.People die but legends live forever.

Juice WRLD's Most Inspirational Quotes on Love, Life and Success
Musicians

Juice WRLD's Most Inspirational Quotes on Love, Life and Success

Jared Anthony Higgins was abandoned by his father at the age of three, leaving he and his older brother to be raised alone by their mother. Being more on the stricter side, Higgins' mother did not allow her boys to listen to hip hop, but he did learn a skill that gave him a unique heads-up. Jared started learning how to play the piano at just 4-years-old! RELATED: 40 Funny and Inspirational Quotes from Kanye WestHis mother paid for his piano lessons, which would eventually lead to him taking up guitar, drums, and even the trumpet. He began making music and posting songs to SoundCloud using his smartphone, rudimentary production skills that would later help him become a successful rapper, singer and songwriter on his own steam.But how did this talented, self-motivated young man become what many observers have called a contemporary icon in the industry?Who Is Juice WRLD: The Rise & Fall of a New Hip Hop IconCredit: Andy FordIn 2015, Higgins took the stage name Juice WRLD and by 2017, he released his first full-length EP titled 9, 9, 9 which included the single "Lucid Dreams," a song that would become his first Billboard chart entry and one that remains his most streamed release. Shortly after releasing this EP, Juice WRLD began to garner a huge fan following, while also being noticed by his peers like Waka Flocka Flame and Lil Bibby. Fellow rappers and fans were drawn to his unique hardcore rap grunge sound, as well as his relatable, yet poetic lyrics. This momentum led him to signing with Lil' Bibby's record label, Grade A Productions, under which, he released an EP titled Nothings Different, in which his track "All Girls Are the Same" became a hit, leading to him signing with Interscope Records on a multi-million dollar deal. RELATED: 30 Rapper Quotes to Motivate You to Keep GrindingFrom this success came a string of major hits and collaborations with artists like Young Thug, Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, Halsey, The Weeknd, Benny Blanco, and many others. He was nominated for many awards and even won Top New Artist at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards. Along with Juice WRLD's fame, however, came a dark side. He openly talked about how he started using drugs and drinking alcohol from a very young age. His mother later revealed that he also dealt with anxiety and depression. Mental health is an issue that Juice WRLD's mother still continues to advocate for through his social media account to this day. The Death of Juice WRLDCredit: XXL MagazineSadly, in 2019, while Juice WRLD was on a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, he succumbed to his demons and suffered a devastating overdose. He was taken to the hospital upon landing, but was pronounced dead shortly after. His album Legends Never Die was released after his death and is one of the most successful posthumous debuts of all time. It also had the most U.S. top-10 entries from one album. On December 2nd, 2020, which would have been Juice WRLD's 22nd birthday, Benny Blanco released a single titled "Real Sh*t," which was in collaboration with the late artist. Just six days later, on the anniversary of Juice WRLD's death, "Reminds Me of You" featuring Kid Laroi was released, and in 2020, Juice WRLD became Spotify's fourth most streamed artist in the world. To say that Juicy WRLD impacted many lives is an understatement. It is more than evident that he continues to live on as his songs, lyrics, interviews, and words have continued to inspire and touch the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. He is truly a legend and lucky for his fans, and has left behind a wealth of knowledge and depth that people can always look upon for motivation.Juice WRLD Quotes About Life Credit: XXL Magazine"Don't let the scale define you. Be active. Eat healthy. Be happy.""I wanna be more than a millionaire. I wanna change the world.""If anybody’s going through anything. I hope and I pray that you get through it.""The goal in life is not to live forever but to create something that will." “Ain’t nothing like the feeling of uncertainty, the eeriness of silence.”“Our heads are so imperfect, we drown ourselves in this imperfection. We don’t know what imperfection is. We only know how to spell it — we don’t know how it feels.”"I’ve always been different."“I numb and conceal them kinda like my feelings, but I still feel them.”“Toss my pain with my wishes in a wishing well.”"Break away from everybody break away from everything if you can’t stand the way this place is take yourself to higher places.""Growing up means realizing a lot of your friends are not really your friends.""Hate it when they play both sides. Too low in my life. Gotta stay high, gotta stay high."“A mistake is a mistake. Some are more severe than others, but we’re no one to judge the severity of someone’s mistake."Credit: ASAP Nast“Everybody has their mistakes. A mistake is a mistake. Some are more severe than others, but we’re no one to judge the severity of someone’s mistake. As long as we doin’ wrong, as long as we sinnin’, you can’t judge nobody else’s mistakes.”"A minor setback paves the way for a major comeback."“Made mistakes, but that’s what life is about. My mistakes lead me to a better route.”“People love to talk about the money that they make. Nobody wanna talk about the money that they save.”"The devil is so beautiful and strong. but don’t be fooled.. you are much stronger."When it gets dark outside, in you I confide. You help me face my demons I won’t hide.”RELATED: 38 Tupac Quotes to Help You Face Life’s Challenges“Never been afraid to die but I always been afraid to die before I get where I’m going.”“Exhale depression as the wind blows. These are the laws of living in vogue.”"It’s good to put money back into communities.""Drugs can ruin your whole life."“A lot of men make fun of you for expressing your feelings because they don’t get it. They can’t wrap their heads around the concept of being completely honest and forthright.”“Tell me that it is all okay. I have been waiting on this all damn day.”“Everybody, stay positive no matter how negative life gets.”"People will do you wrong over and over, but the one time you call them out you're suddenly the bad guy."RELATED: Kendrick Lamar’s Most Powerful Quotes and Lyrics That Will Inspire Your Life"I feel like I inspire more people than I think I do. I just need to remember that.""Even if I’m talking about something that’s negative, I look at it as putting my mistakes out there for people to learn from it.""Thank you, God, for waking me up when u ain’t have to. This life is a blessing I won’t take for granted.""My music is straightforward because I want to give people me and let them know they’re not alone in going through the things that they go through."“I never thought about college, but my mom thought about it for me. I knew 100% it wasn’t for me.”"By default I’m kind-hearted and it’s a gift, not a curse, you just gotta know who to show your kind heart to."The Most Famous Juice WRLD QuotesCredit: Grade A Productions/Interscope“We’re perfectly imperfect children. Rose from the dust, all of us are on a mission.” - Empty"I really just like making music. People call that ‘work.’ Like, ‘Oh, you’re going to the studio to work?’ No, that’s even what I do in my off day. I love recording.""I feel as though, if you’re able to control your dreams, you have more power and control over your mind, like you could reach more areas of your mind. Therefore, I feel like it creates the ability for you to achieve more things in reality."“If you ain’t payin’ a hundred thousand, get them features out my face.”"You found another one, but I am the better one. I won't let you forget me." - Lucid Dreams"I think it’s important to add a personal aspect to your music – that’s what makes it authentic at the end of the day."“Music is the best way that I can communicate with other people” Billboard interview"It is hard to separate the art from the artist."“Some people don’t get the credit that they deserve strictly based on the color of their skin."Credit: XXL Magazine"Nobody on this earth is perfect. Everybody has their flaws; everybody has their dark secrets and vices."“I talk about a lot of issues I go through and some of my fans go through and try to create a fellowship where people can relate to each other.”"I just walked in the building. Look like a million, but I’m worth more than a million.""I had phases of listening to rap and trap, and then I had phases where I’d listen to post-hardcore, rap, grunge, metal… all that. I had different time periods of listening to different music. And now it all clashes together."“But now I got a bigger job, the world screaming my songs.”“My school had a radio show, and when I first decided to become a rapper, I was on there, and I would like, freestyle.”“Trust me—it’s cool to invest.”“Some people don’t get the credit that they deserve strictly based on the color of their skin. And technically speaking, my people made up those same genres. They created that sound in the first place.” -GQ Magazine"I feel like that’s what’s going to be most respected at the end of the day, that I’m able to do so many different things and become less of a rapper and just more as a musician.""I got family members that’s police officers. I don’t got no problem if you a cop, as long as y’all doing y’all job, and y’all not harassing.""Some people don’t get the credit that they deserve strictly based on the color of their skin. And technically speaking, my people made up those same genres. They created that sound in the first place."RELATED: 30 Music Quotes That Celebrate The Magic of Sound And Rhythm"Never been afraid to die but I always been afraid to die before I get where I’m going.""Words have a lot of power."“I freestyle everything.”“Words can be as sweet as candy or as sharp as a blade. That’s the beauty of it.”"My goal is to get overly famous, shine for a couple years then fake my death.”“I try my best to make time with music that doesn’t have an expiration date.”Credit: Getty Images“Honestly, the way I make music, you know it is like I don’t want to sound cocky or anything, but I try my best to make time with music that doesn’t have an expiration date.”"All I ever wanted was real love. Got a pint of the lean, I done lucked up."“I chase thrills, you still crashin’ Hot Wheels.”"I like to call myself an artist who can tap into a lot of different sounds. I can make a rap song, and then turn around and make music with a live band if I wanted to." -Elevator Magazine“It’s funny how the blessed ones had the most curses.”“I have these Lucid Dreams where I can’t move a thing.”“What’s the 27 club? We ain’t making it past 21.”"Nobody on this earth is perfect. Everybody has their flaws; everybody has their dark secrets and vices."“Roses are red, violets are blue, my heart is dead, I am such a fool.”“Either I grow with you or outgrow you, I am not standing still for nobody.”“I talk about a lot of issues I go through and some of my fans go through and try to create a fellowship where people can relate to each other.”Juice WRLD Quotes About RelationshipsGetty Images"You brought meaning to my life, all because of you I do right; because of you, I have a purpose; Fight for the world because you’re worth it.""It’s to the point where I love and I hate you."“You gave me a heart that was full of mistakes, I gave you my heart, and you made heartbreak.”“You found another one, but I am the better one. I won’t let you forget me.” -Lucid Dreams"We are trying to hide our feelings, but we forgot that our eyes speak.""I’m sad inside, but I know it’s for the best, right? You had to realize when you drew the line. I would cross the line a thousand times; you’ve got what I need, bae, I need your spotlight.""Can’t take back the love that I gave you.""She told me to put my heart in the bag and nobody gets hurt. Now I am running from her love I am not fast so I am making it worse." “You done woke me up from my eternal slumber, “I’m the lightning you’re the thunder.” -Flaws and Sins"If you ever get jealous, just remember I chose you out of everyone else." "You just gotta learn to live and love on."“All girls are the same. They are rotting my brain, love. Think I need a change before I go insane, love. All girls are the same. They are potting my brain. love. Think I need a change before I go.”"Once you fall in love you fall, there’s a reason why we use that word."“Don’t know when I met you, but I met you. Don’t know why I love you, but I love you.”Credit: FilmMagic, Steve Jennings“Don’t know when I met you, but I met you. Don’t know why I love you, but I love you. It is something bound by that dress, the way it fits you. I don’t even wanna tell you to take it off, but baby take it off.”“One thing my dad told me was, ‘Never let your woman know when you’re insecure."“Tell me you love me, tell me everything gon’ be okay. Tell me you love me, tell me you love me, and you gon’ stay.”“You said, ‘I love you,’ and I said it too. The only difference is, I didn’t lie to you.”“I still see your shadows in my room. Can’t take back the love that I gave you. It’s to the point where I love and I hate you.”“And I cannot change you, so I must replace you. Oh easier said than done.”“Who knew evil girls had the prettiest faces?”“Now I’m running from her love, I’m not fast. So I’m making it worse. Now I’m digging up a grave from my past.”“I don’t know if it’s because my heart hurts or if I am insecure.”"Why did I fall for you? I gave it all for you.""I bet if you someone you never even thought about giving a chance to you’ll be the happiest with.""They all always notice when you acting different but they never see what they did to make you start acting that way.""Even in high school, I went through a lot of relationship issues, and that’s at the center of my music.""You were my everything. Thoughts of a wedding ring. Now I’m just better off dead.""This type of love don’t always come and go.""Thank God, I finally found you. You put the light in my eyes when I’m around you."“Life is not the same with your pictures in my frame. Now that you’re here, I want nothing to change. You pick me up when I’m down; I need you around.”“Date me, break me, easily replace me. Hopefully you see it clear. Hopefully, it’s HD.”“The best feeling in the world is lying with my beautiful wife.”“I’ve been through the wringer, tryna put a diamond ring on her finger.”“Now I am insane, demons in my brain. Love, peace, I can’t obtain ‘cause all these girls the same, love.”KEEP READING:Bob Marley’s Deepest Thoughts – And How They Will Help You Reach a Higher Level

20 Inspirational Jay-Z Quotes about Life and Success
Musicians

20 Inspirational Jay-Z Quotes about Life and Success

Born Shawn Corey Carter, Jay-Z made it through a rough adolescence while growing up in Brooklyn. Luckily, rapping served as an escape from the terrible life he could’ve had.Jay-Z appeared for the first time on Yo! MTV Raps in 1989. Along with Jaz-O, his mentor at the time, the performer started making history in the rap industry. It was then that Shawn became Jay-Z, choosing this nickname part out of consideration for Jaz-O and part as a reference to the J/Z subway station near the place he used to live in.In order to fund his own independent label Roc-A-Fella Records, Jay-Z sold albums out of his car. Arguably one of the smartest investors, he achieved his goal, created his own clothing line, invested in other businesses, and since behind every successful man there is a strong woman, he wedded singer Beyoncé.Jay-Z has always openly talked about his life in many of his songs and in 2010, he published his autobiography, Decoded, a collection of lyrics and their meanings and a story anyone can relate to.Here are 20 Jay-Z quotes to inspire and motivate you on your way to success.I'm not afraid of dying, I'm afraid of not trying.We change people through conversation, not through censorship.I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man!Life is all there is. And if that's true, then we have to really live it -- we have to take it for everything it has and "die enormous" instead of "living dormant."I will not lose, for even in defeat, there’s a valuable lesson learned, so it evens up for me.All I got is dreams. Nobody else believes. Nobody else can see. Nobody else but me.I believe you can speak things into existence.May the best of your todays be the worst of your tomorrows.Everyone needs a chance to evolve.Identity is a prison you can never escape, but the way to redeem your past is not to run from it, but to try to understand it, and use it as a foundation to grow.Only God can judge me so I'm gone, either love me or leave me alone.Truth is you don't need some external demon to take control of you to turn you into a raging, money-obsessed sociopath, you only need to let loose the demons you already have inside of you.They talk. We live. Who cares what they say?A wise man told me don't argue with fools. Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who.If the beat is time, flow is what we do with that time, how we live through it. The beat is everywhere, but every life has to find its own flow.The more society treats drug addiction as a crime, the more money drug dealers will make "relieving" the suffering of the addicts.I believe everyone in the world is born with genius-level talent. Apply yourself to whatever you’re genius at, and you can do anything in the world.Money and power don't change you, they just further expose your true self.People look at you strange, say you changed. Like you worked that hard to stay the same.You can want success all you want, but to get it, you can’t falter. You can’t slip, you can’t sleep. One eye open, for real, and forever.

Ed Sheeran's Most Inspiring Quotes and Lyrics to Live a Happier Life
Musicians

Ed Sheeran's Most Inspiring Quotes and Lyrics to Live a Happier Life

Ed Sheeran loved playing guitar since he was a young boy. At the age of 11, he met singer-songwriter Damien Rice who encouraged him to write his own music. So the next day he started to do just that.It wasn’t long before the young musician began selling his music, as in 2004 he put together his first official EP, The Orange Room. With that accomplishment and an incredible drive to succeed, Sheeran went to London to find some gigs. Leaving home with nothing but a guitar and a backpack full of clothes, Ed began his journey to stardom.RELATED: Inspirational Winnie the Pooh Quotes About Life & FriendshipSince the release of his debut single The A Team (2011) - a beautiful, yet dark song about a woman he met after singing at a homeless shelter - Sheeran has been highly successful. Thinking Out Loud, Shape of You, Perfect and Photograph are just a few of Ed Sheeran’s songs that brought him international attention.In 2017, the singer has become a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to music and charity. Here are 10 of Ed Sheeran’s most inspiring quotes and lyrics:“I chased the picture perfect life, I think they painted it wrong.” - From Eraser(Getty)Eraser is a song from Ed Sheeran’s third album, Divided. The record reveals details about the singer’s personal life and it is basically a way for him to vent about all the problems he encountered since he became famous. The envy his family and friends felt once he became successful really affected him as Ed did his best to remain the same, regardless of the amount of money he was making.However, this specific lyric has a very deep meaning to it that we can all relate to. We all chase the picture perfect life that the society “painted” for us. And that life usually revolves around money, fame and beauty standards. But the majority of people who managed to achieve all these goals are not necessarily happy because a happy life consists of so much more. So make sure you’re the one painting your picture perfect life because at the end of the day, you’re the only one who knows what makes you happy. “You want to make sure that someone is there for you when you really need them, and not just there for you for the good times.”Sadly, we all know people who are there for us only for the good times and once the going gets tough it’s like they don’t even exist. They don’t even bother to send us a text message to ask us how we’re doing, but they miraculously reappear when things are back on track.RELATED: The Best Dr Seuss Quotes About Life, Love, Reading and Education for Children & AdultsThe ugly truth is that not many people are willing to burden themselves with somebody else’s problems. So if you have a few friends that don’t bail out on you when you really need them, keep them close.“Do what you love, work as hard as you can, and make people happy.”(Getty)This quote from Ed Sheeran sounds somewhat like a recipe for a happier life. Doing the things you love help you recharge and if you can do what you love for a living, even better! Maybe some won’t agree that hard work can make one happy, but it kinda does. Keeping yourself busy means that you won’t have too much time left to dwell on the negative things in your life. Besides, nothing compares to that feeling of accomplishment you get once your hard work pays off.And if we’re to refer to the last thing mentioned in this quote, making people happy will make you a better person. Helping someone in need, offering a gift or a pep talk - all these things will also make you a happier person.“I'm all for people following their dreams/ Just remember life is more than fittin’ in your jeans./ It’s love and understanding, positivity.” - From What Do I KnowWhat Do I Know was written by Ed Sheeran on the spot and it’s part of his third album. The main idea behind this song is that love can change the world.In these lyrics, the singer makes it clear that he supports anyone who wants to follow their dreams. But at the same time he wants us to understand that life is about so much more than the silly things we are sometimes too preoccupied with - like fitting in our jeans. RELATED: Why the British Royal Family Gets So Much Hate – And How It Might Change ForeverTo sum it up, make sure you don’t invest too much time and energy in things that don’t count as much as love, understanding and positivity.“I think to be successful at anything you have to put in a hell of a lot of effort. Pick your battles. I picked music, put in a lot of effort, and it’s worked.”(Getty)Sometimes it may seem like for some people success simply happens over night. But if you look closer, you’ll realize that a lot of those people have worked really hard and made a lot of compromises to get where they are today - And they still do.Like Sheeran says, pick your battles. Discover what you like or what you’re good at, then put in some effort to become really good at it. Your hard work will eventually pay off. “Even if you have quirks and weirdness you should not be worried about that. Just be yourself because there is no one in the world that can be a better you than you. And if you try to be the cool kid from class, you end up being very boring,”In 2015, Ed Sheeran offered an inspiring speech at the AIS Gala while opening up about overcoming his stutter and other things that made others see him as a weird kid.He went through tough speech therapy and homeopathy, but what really helped him overcome his stutter was trying to rap very fast and melodically, like Eminem. The bottom line here is that Sheeran sought treatment, but he didn’t see his condition as an obstacle to fulfill his dreams or live the life he wanted. He pushed forward, embraced his weirdness, didn’t care about what people had to say and now he encourages everyone to do the same.“The worst things in life come free to us.” - From A Team(Getty)Obviously no one asks or pays for the horrible things they have to go through in this life. They come for free, they sometimes leave terrible marks and there is nothing we can do about it. Except for, of course, trying to overcome them.But on a more positive note, the best things in life are also free of charge. Whenever something bad happens to you, don’t forget about your blessings. Life’s often not fair and kicks us in unexpected ways, but it also gives us wonderful memories and great things to look forward to.“Try to find someone with a sense of humor. That's an important thing to have because when you get into an argument, one of the best ways to diffuse it is to be funny.”I remember reading a funny meme a long time ago. It said that whenever your significant other is mad at you, put a cape on them and say “Now you’re Super Mad.”RELATED: 13 Self Worth Quotes to Help Build Your Confidence & Self EsteemHaving a sense of humor and knowing when and how to use it will help you diffuse a lot of unnecessary arguments. Of course, for this to happen, your significant other also needs to have a sense of humor. So try to find someone that’s your kind of crazy and whenever you have a disagreement, throw in a joke or two. But be sure to pick your moments because there will be times when you’ll have to be serious about what’s happening. “Be nice to everyone, always smile, and appreciate things because it could all be gone tomorrow.”(Getty)Why be rude and grumpy when you can be nice and smile to everyone? Don’t you hate it when you go to a restaurant and the waitress is rude to you because she’s having a bad day? If yes, don’t act the same way. Most people that we interact with are not responsible for our problems. Also, don’t forget to be grateful for everything you have, especially for the people that care about you. Material things can be replaced, but not people. So make sure they know how much you appreciate them before it’s too late.“Loving can heal, loving can mend your soul… “ - From PhotographNow, truth to be told, the development of the song Photograph began while Ed Sheeran was humming “loving can hurt”.But love doesn’t hurt. It can lead to suffering when the ones that we love betray or reject us, but that’s something else. Maybe it’s a matter of perspective, but love is the only thing in this world that can mend a soul and make it feel wonderful again. Love means happiness, so if your heart has been broken, don’t run away from love and allow yourself to be happy again.KEEP READING:The Most Motivational Star Wars Quotes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Bob Dylan’s Best Lyrics about Life, Love and Creativity
Musicians

Bob Dylan’s Best Lyrics about Life, Love and Creativity

Iconic folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan is known for his clever, catchy, beautiful and inspirational lyrics. Dylan has won numerous prestigious awards for his work, including an Oscar, Golden Globe, Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Prize and multiple Grammys. RELATED: The 10 Deepest Thoughts John Lennon Shared about Love, Life and HappinessWith a net worth in the hundreds of millions, he certainly doesn’t need to keep working, and yet, he's been continually touring for decades, an effort many refer to as the “Never Ending Tour.” His songs are often imbued with political, spiritual and social messages that resonate on a personal level, but what are his most powerful lyrics, quotes and sayings?"The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”Dylan is a master of poetic, emotive language. This famous lyric is a perfect example of the power of his words. Consider that the answers to your problems, your dreams, your wishes, and your questions may already be right there... blowing in the wind around you. Yes, they may be hard to pin down, hard to access and hard to hear, but they are there nonetheless. They may be slippery or drift away. They may circle back or whisper to you as they whip on by on their journey. But if you're aware and looking and listening, you’ll find them."May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift...”Full Quote: "May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift, may you have a strong foundation, when the winds of change shift.”Life is an ever-changing wonder. Change and challenges are always on the horizon, but so are possibility, growth, creativity, love and opportunity. Being ready for what comes, opening yourself to new experiences, and embracing the always malleable world around you can help you keep going. RELATED: Nina Simone’s Most Inspirational Quotes about Life and LoveKeeping going, working hard and staying grounded are also key. So, keep yourself busy, keep yourself nimble and quick, and stay attuned to what matters most. That way you will be ready to face whatever it is that life throws at you, with an open heart, a clever mind and a tenacious spirit."Well, I try my best, to be just like I am.”Full Quote: "Well, I try my best, to be just like I am, but everybody wants you, to be just like them.”This quote reminds us not to blindly bow to peer pressure or the will of the group. Others may encourage you to sacrifice what is important or become just like them. Be true to yourself and your creative spirit instead. Listen to your heart. Know that you don’t have to acclimate, especially if it means giving up on what matters to you. It’s just fine to be different and to explore what makes you... you. So, honor who you are inside and trust that it's okay “to be just like I am.” The people around you may not always understand; they may try to mold you in their image. But you, and only you, get to decide who it is that you really are. Live your truth to set yourself free."The man in me will hide sometimes to keep from bein’ seen.”Full Quote: "The man in me will hide sometimes to keep from bein’ seen, but that’s just because he doesn’t want to turn into some machine.”In this lyric, Dylan taps into the urge to hide and protect. Honor that feeling in yourself and listen to what it's telling you. Consider if you need to be hiding or if you can find other solutions. Seek other ways to confront whatever it is that you are facing while also remaining true to yourself. RELATED: Kendrick Lamar’s Most Powerful Quotes and Lyrics That Will Inspire Your LifeNot wanting to “turn into some machine” evokes the idea of losing your purpose, your individuality, spirit, and passion… and becoming just like everyone else. So, hide if you must, but better yet, rail against it, so that you can be both visible and free."When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose."This quote reminds us that trying is what counts. Taking chances and engaging with your creativity, even when we feel we have no skin in the game, can be powerful. If you don’t start, you can’t finish. So, go for your dreams. If you want to write a book, run a mile (or a marathon), learn aikido, have a family, master Spanish, start a business, or find true love, stick your neck out and take the risk to begin. Often it is fear of failure that keeps us complacent and stuck. But it is not starting or going for it that is the true failure; this approach offers the guarantee of nothing happening. When you try while you’ve got something to lose, you also give yourself the chance of success."Sign in the window says lonely, sign on the door said no company allowed.”Often, we send mixed messages, both to others and ourselves. If you’re looking for love, work, creative pursuits, or work opportunities, you need to put yourself out there with an open heart and mind. If you hide behind a “no” when you want to say “yes,” you’ll never get the outcome you desire. Yes, it’s hard to take risks. But only by letting ourselves become vulnerable can we find what we’re truly after, whether it’s love, a creative endeavor, a personal goal, or a professional aspiration.KEEP READING:Bob Marley’s Deepest Thoughts – And How They Will Help You Reach a Higher Level

Kendrick Lamar’s New Song 'The Heart Part 5' Is a Heart Wrenching Tribute to the Power of Forgiveness
Musicians

Kendrick Lamar’s New Song 'The Heart Part 5' Is a Heart Wrenching Tribute to the Power of Forgiveness

Kendrick Lamar is back with new single “The Heart Part 5”, the newest installation in his recurring The Heart series. The release marks the announcement of his forthcoming album ‘Mr Morale & The Big Steppers’ and his return to music since the critically acclaimed DAMN! was released in 2018. The anticipation has been high and the 34 year old Los Angeles based artist gifted his fans a 5:32 record accompanied with a powerful video. With production duo Beach Noise providing instrumentation, Kendrick raps over a chopped sample of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You,” a song originally released in 1976 that served as a romantic tribute to Janis Hunter, Gaye’s wife. The video, both starring and directed by Lamar with longtime collaborator Dave Free, is minimal and performance based. Lamar stands afront a red screen, wearing a white shirt and blue bandana around his neck, passionately rapping along with the record. The twist is, as the lyrics progress, Lamar, using deep fake special effects, morphs into a cast of black male cultural figures such as OJ Simpson, Kanye West, Jussie Smollett, Will Smith, Kobe Bryant, and Nipsey Hussle. Lamar, known for lyrical depth and symbolism, matches the lyrics with the history of each respective celebrity that appears on screen, making a larger statement about the current climate of North American culture. With this in mind, one could assume that the intention for the record came hand in hand with the visual concept.Kendrick Lamar’s PerspectiveLamar begins with the statement, “as I get a little older, I realize life is perspective and my perspective may differ from yours.” In The Heart Part 5, this perspective extends beyond himself and onto the men who appear via deep fake, all of whom have made a cultural impact in recent history. Lamar both pays homage to leaders, such as Nipsey Hussle, and questions the integrity of egoists, such as Will Smith, all while empathizing with the pressures of celebrity. There is much to unpack in Lamar’s new record, a social commentary that could be analyzed from a variety of different angles. This article will focus specifically on verse three, when Lamar and the late Nipsey Hussle exchange moments; riffing on fate, community, forgiveness, and hope. Nipsey Hussle, a famous hip-hop artist and community activist was fatally shot in front of his own store in South Central Los Angeles in 2019. Lamar reflects on finding out Nipsey had passed, “I’m in Argentina wiping my tears, full of confusion, water in between us another peer has been executed” he pauses and further professes, “but that’s the culture, hard to deal with the pain when you’re sober, by tomorrow we forget the remains and start over.” This is an extremely vulnerable moment as Kendrick brings forth the idea of a cultural cycle within his own community, one that is desensitized to gun violence, turning to drugs to mourn loss. Nipsey Hussle: The Immortal EmpathSimilar to Lamar, Hussle grew up in South Central, and like Lamar, is known for fighting injustice and addressing socio economic issues within his music. Both artists were community leaders in their respective Los Angeles neighborhoods, donating money back to the streets they grew up on, providing young men with opportunities to break out of a poverty cycle that has negatively impacted people of color in the United States. Later In the video, after reflecting on his passing, Kendrick deep fakes as Hussle; speaking from his perspective; "To my brother, to my kids, I'm in Heaven, to my mother, to my sis, I'm in Heaven, to my father, to my wife, I am serious, this is Heaven.” Kendrick, as Hussle, is speaking directly to his family and letting them know that, not only is he in heaven, in fact, heaven does exist, professing that beyond death, there is peace. Kendrick has chosen to paint the picture of a utopian afterlife, one that juxtaposes the violence of South Central Los Angeles. Kendrick views Hussle as a man of empathy and righteousness, one that, even in his own death, would forgive his murderer, “and to the killer that sped up my demise, I forgive you, just know your soul's In question, I seen the pain In your pupil, when that trigger had squeezed, and though you did me gruesome, I was surely relieved.” Kendrick recognizes that the senseless violence, which has taken so many people he’s known, as well as Hussle, is rooted in anger, connecting to a larger issue of institutionalized racism in America, a systemic pattern that has made it difficult for people of color to afford higher education, access healthcare and seek job opportunities. Hussle forgives his killer, seeing the pain in his eyes, attempting to understand the struggle he’s gone through, blaming a system instead of an individual. Hussle’s murderer was in the same gang as him, Rollin’ 90s, and was also a rapper, although his music never caught on in the same way Hussle’s did. Some speculate that the reasoning for the killing was out of jealousy for Hussle’s success. This brings us back to the sample featured on the record, Marvin Gaye, who, similarly, faced his demise at age forty-four, when his own father shot him in 1984, echoing the situation that Hussle faced, as Gaye’s father was fueled with jealousy and resentment. Hussle goes on to say, “I completed my mission, wasn't ready to leave, but fulfilled my days, my creator was pleased,” expressing that he lived a good life, one where his “mission” was giving back to the community he grew up in, positioning his priorities as giving back to his family and community. Last ThoughtsKendrick as Hussle, ends the track with this powerful sentiment, “and to my neighborhood, let the good prevail, make sure them babies and them lead us outta jail, look for salvation when troubles get real, 'cause you can't help the world until you help yourself,'' explaining that change must come from within and begin locally. Show love to your community and to your family first, work on yourself, and the rest of the world will follow. Kendrick paints an incredible picture of Hussle, one of forgiveness and empathy, one that individuals should follow as a model for themselves.

How Frank Ocean Outsmarted His Record Label And What That Teaches Us About Self-Belief
Musicians

How Frank Ocean Outsmarted His Record Label And What That Teaches Us About Self-Belief

Frank Ocean’s career has been a string of perfectly executed game plans and unique offerings to the music world. His art is timeless, perfectly blended genres with storytelling that is poignant, simple and utterly flawless. He first emerged onto the scene as a songwriter for artists like Beyonce, John Legend, Justin Bieber and Brandy. After signing to Def Jam as an artist, Frank wasn’t able to carve out the space he needed to gain the label's attention and loyalty. That’s when he dropped nostalgia, ultra without their permission and burst onto the scene. The mixtape made Frank an immediate legend and drew buzz from all over the internet. Def Jam simply couldn’t ignore him then. One year later, Frank returns with Channel Orange, the Grammy award winning masterpiece that certified Frank’s ability as a songwriter and outright visionary. His work was effortless, loved by everyone and distinguished as a rare offering by a young artist. He’d cemented himself as a great artist, respected by his peers. Endless and Def Jam RecordingsThen he disappeared for four years. No one heard from him, fans waited anxiously for new music until in August of 2016 a mysterious stream appeared on his website. Fans slowly watched as Frank built a staircase. Towards the end of the stream, his latest album, Endless appeared as the soundtrack.(Frank Ocean's Endless visual album)A beautiful, intricate and yet sometimes disjointed offering. Endless is simply beautiful. However, the project signifies much more than Frank Ocean’s return to music. Frank cleverly used the album as a decoy to get himself out of his deal with Def Jam, and then signed an exclusive contract with Apple Music for a second album (released that same weekend). Though unconfirmed, there’s rumors Frank used a private benefactor to pay back the initial $2 million advance he received before dropping the album, thus retaining the ownership of his releases with Def Jam. After dropping Endless to get himself out of the Def Jam deal, he dropped his real album, Blonde with Apple Music for an earth-shattering $20 million. It is considered by critics to be one of the greatest albums of the 21st century, and was a stunning hit with fans.Blonde's Defining Success“I feel at peace with all that,” Frank explains in an interview with GAYLETTER, “I feel like the best outcome for myself was that outcome, and I feel proud of what I was able to get done with it. I love the music and the art that came out of that period, as well as the visual work. It’s definitely a period I look back on fondly.”“Well, fucking with major music companies, you’re going to be…deflowered. Anytime you get into the business side of the arts, there has to be some degree of objectification or commodification that you’re comfortable with, of yourself and of your work.”The reality is that the music business is just that, a business. Just as labels have found ways to move around artists, Frank found a way to move around them. The plan is legendary, and a huge win for artists around the world in terms of ownership over your art, career and livelihood. (Getty)Frank did something few artists ever get the chance to do, and he came out with a huge financial payoff in the end. He notes however, that purpose and intention are big parts of the journey. It’s important to reflect on where you want to go, specifically and what success really looks like to you. It’s easy to get disillusioned with a career in the arts. “I don’t know about purity. It depends on what you want. A lot of people I talk to about careers in the music industry, their ideas of success have to do with nostalgia. They have to do with tropes of success, things they’ve been shown over the years that represent what a successful career is. I think that helps you become prey, because somebody can manipulate you with those things. Then you may get to a point in your experience where you become disillusioned with those things. So anybody having a clear idea — even if it’s as crass as “how much money do I want to make, specifically?” — I think that’s much clearer than some of these other things that represent success, whether that’s X amount of spins or streams or plaques. Even sold-out venues. If those things don’t help you reach your defined priorities, then what are those things there for?”“That’s how I try to make decisions in my life and career, and, if asked, I share that philosophy with anybody who asks. For me, it’s about Why am I doing this? What exactly do I want from this? And how do I get those specific things I want out of this? And what does success look like on those terms? And what does failure look like on those terms? That’s how I think about it now.”Aftermath of Frank Ocean's Finesse(Getty)Frank’s deal is immortalized in the industry forever. He forced Def Jam to quickly cancel all Apple exclusive deals as payback for the move and proved there’s ways for artists to build their own leverage in this industry. By paying attention, and deeply understanding the game you're moving in, you can create a foundation to build wealth off your art while retaining ownership. The industry was created to confuse people without the resources to understand. Frank is another artist in a long list of great who’ve created blueprints for the next generation to profit off of their work. One of the most important aspects of Frank's success is that he understands his value. He wasn’t willing to settle for less. He’s built a career off of betting on himself. With nostalgia, ultra and the self-released success of his first mixtape, to the unforgettable masterpiece Blonde, Frank has always found a way to stay one step ahead of the competition and industry as a whole. He’s consistently defined success on his own terms and that’s given him the ability to create life as he imagines. Self-belief is at the root of all achievement.

Kendrick Lamar's Most Powerful Quotes and Lyrics That Will Inspire Your Life
Musicians

Kendrick Lamar's Most Powerful Quotes and Lyrics That Will Inspire Your Life

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, professionally known as Kendrick Lamar, is an American rapper, songwriter, and producer, widely known for his incredibly inspirational and motivational rap music.RELATED: Tupac Quotes to Help You Face Life’s ChallengesKendrick Lamar has received much praise for his great music talent and skills – 12 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Music (to name a few). Besides, in 2016, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Lamar is a true role model and his wisdom and philosophy extends beyond the mic. If you’re not yet convinced, check out the following list of his most powerful quotes and lyrics to inspire you to be the best you can be."The message I’m sending to myself..."Full Quote: "The message I’m sending to myself -- I can’t change the world until I change myself first."This is a message that we should all send to ourselves. If you want the world to change for the better, you should try to become better yourself. Nobody’s perfect, so there will always be aspects that you can improve, whether it’s toward yourself or others.Do small acts of kindness as often as possible -- whatever is in your reach or power. Any gesture will count, whether you help an old lady cross the street or pay for someone’s meal. It all starts with you!"If I speak the good into existence..."Full Quote: "If I speak the good into existence, that instant my dreams will unlock, money flow like water, I’ll just wait at the dock." "Cut You Off"In this lyric from Cut You Off, Kendrick refers to positive thinking and its benefits.Many people will have probably read The Secret or watched the documentary. Its main idea is that positive thinking and energy attract good things in life. Positive energy will govern your thoughts and actions so you can achieve anything you want.RELATED: Nina Simone’s Most Inspirational Quotes about Life and LoveOf course just thinking about something won’t make it suddenly appear. But at first you have to have a dream, firmly believe in it, then take action. If you always say “I will never have that”, you’re probably right."Take advantage, do your best..."Full Quote: "Take advantage, do your best. Don't stress, you was granted everything inside this planet. Anything you imagine, you possess." – "Blessed"Just because you’re not where you thought you’d be 10 years ago doesn’t mean you’ll never get there. For some of us, the things we want come later in life. Some of us just have to work harder than others.So keep on believing, be grateful and work with what you have. Don’t stress about the fact that you’re not moving at the same pace as others. Progress is still progress, no matter how small. Stay on the right track and one day, you may have everything your heart desires."I live this life at a pace that anyone can go..."Full Quote: "I live this life at a pace that anyone can go. Know your place, and dedicate your role." – "See No Evil"In this lyric, Kendrick is basically telling us that if he could do it, we can too. He is no superhuman, he is moving at a pace that anyone can.Just as stated before, speed is not the most important thing in achieving your goals. What matters most is to always know your best interest and keep your eyes on the prize. You have to know exactly what you’re going for, dedicate yourself entirely to your dream and make sure you don’t miss any opportunity that comes along."Life will put many red lights in front of you..."Full Quote: "Life will put many red lights in front of you, but sometimes we must push on the gas and trust God."Life can challenge us at any given second and we’ll have to face all kinds of obstacles. Sometimes you will be lucky enough to immediately find a solution for your problem, but other times you’ll just have to take a leap of faith and believe that everything will be ok.RELATED: 20 Most Inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. QuotesSome things will simply be beyond your control -- they will slow you down, but they don’t necessarily have to stop you from moving forward. So hit the gas and speed away! "We all get distracted, the question is..."Full Quote: "We all get distracted, the question is, would you bounce back or bounce backwards?" - "Growing Apart (To Get Closer)"No one can be 100% focused at all times. You’re going to get distracted every now and then. Even the hardest working people can falter and lose their way. We’re human, and sometimes we’re going to waste some time on stuff that doesn’t really matter.Getting distracted, in this case, can also mean experiencing failure and noone is immune to that. Whatever the case, what really matters at the end of the day, is whether you choose to get back on track and move forward or just wander off."The hardest thing..." Full Quote: "The hardest thing for – not only an artist but for anybody to do is look themselves in the mirror and acknowledge, you know, their own flaws and fears and imperfections and put them out there in the open for people to relate to it." It’s not unusual for people to see themselves differently from who they really are. It is indeed very hard to accept our fears and flaws. And once we do, it seems even harder to present ourselves “naked” in front of others because we’re afraid of being judged.The truth is, everyone you know already has an opinion about you and they already judge. So you might as well be yourself and own up to it. It’s the ones who have the courage to admit and accept who they are that inspire, not the ones who hide behind a mask."We hurt people that love us, love people that hurt us."It’s ironic how often we cling to toxicity and reject the ones who actually care for us. We take for granted the people who love us and end up hurting them in the process. And we ruin ourselves while chasing the ones who hurt us.Once in a while we have to take a step back to realize who is really worthy of our affection and sacrifices. We need to start appreciating the ones who love us before it’s too late."Consequences from evil will make your past haunt you."This quote can have two meanings. One can refer to the consequences of the evil that has been levied onto us. We never truly forget the ones who have harmed us, do we? We can find ways to maybe forgive and move on, but we never really forget.RELATED: Motivational Quotes to Help You Rise AboveOn the other hand, this quote can make reference to our own past mistakes and wrongdoings. We all have to pay our dues sooner or later, one way or another. Karma has a way of settling scores and there’s really no escaping it."The sky can fall down, the wind can cry now."Full Quote: "The sky can fall down, the wind can cry now. The strong in me, I still smile. – "i "It’s easier to be said than done, but you mustn’t let anything take your smile away.Smiling in the face of adversity is your superpower. Whenever you’re going through hardship, take a few seconds to look in the mirror and smile even if it’s through tears. You might look like a crazy person for a moment, but it'll help you stay strong. Your sadness or rage will fade away a lot faster.Nothing can take you down as long as you keep your ability to smile. Besides, it’s what makes you beautiful. Never let it go!We hope that you enjoyed these quotes and lyrics from Kendrick Lamar and that they will inspire you to change your mindset and become stronger and wiser.KEEP READING: 5 Powerful Batman Quotes to Inspire Light in Your Dark Nights