Being called a conscious rapper is quite a compliment. It's a great thing to be. But as an artist, my nature is to not be in a box.
Talib KweliRead
If lyrics sold then truth be told/I'd probably be just as rich and famous as Jay-Z.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that genuine talent and truthfulness could lead to the same level of success as fame and wealth.
In this quote, Talib Kweli reflects on the relationship between authenticity in art and commercial success. He implies that if truth and valuable lyrics were valued as much as mainstream popularity, he would achieve similar recognition and wealth as a highly successful artist like Jay-Z. This highlights the tension between artistic integrity and the commercialization of music.
In practice
In a discussion about the music industry during a lecture on artistic integrity.
Being called a conscious rapper is quite a compliment. It's a great thing to be. But as an artist, my nature is to not be in a box.
You know, I've learned a lot from every person I've collaborated with, from Madlib to Jean Grae and Hi-Tek, to Mos to DJ Quik, to even somebody like Jermaine Dupri. I've taken something important away from every experience.
I think hip-hop is no more misogynistic than America is as a society. I just think hip-hop is a lot more brash, a lot more bold, a lot more loquacious. There are a lot more words that go into a hip-hop song than go into a regular song.
Life without knowledge is death in disguise.
My kids are the most inspiring thing that pushes me. It used to be because they were born, and I had to take care of them. Now it's because my son raps, and he's better than me. So now I gotta keep up with him, you know what I'm saying?
I think the line is where you're in the studio, you're creating. That belongs to you as an artist. Nothing should taint that. I shouldn't be thinking about what the fans want, I shouldn't be thinking about what the radio wants, what the label wants, what your manager wants, a song for the chicks, a song for the street.
Count the cost first. Donβt pay too big a price for pursuing minor values.
If you succeed not, cast not away the quills yet, nor scratch the wainscot, beat not the poor desk, but bring all to the forge and file again; turn it new.
Don't be misled into believing that somehow the world owes you a living. The boy who believes that his parents, or the government, or any one else owes him his livelihood and that he can collect it without labor will wake up one day and find himself working for another boy who did not have that belief and, therefore, earned the right to have others work for him.
Fame itself... doesn't really afford you anything more than a good seat in a restaurant.
Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.
Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.
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