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
These niggaz ain't thugs, the real thugs is the government._x000D_ _x000D_ Don't matter if you Independent, Democrat or Republican,_x000D_ _x000D_ Niggaz politickin' the street, get into beef,_x000D_ _x000D_ Start blastin'...now a new cat is executive chief.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the corruption within government systems compared to street violence.
In this quote, Talib Kweli emphasizes that the true thugs aren't the individuals commonly perceived as criminals but rather the government entities that manipulate power and violence. He suggests that political affiliations are irrelevant when individuals engage in violent conflicts, leading to a cyclical pattern where those in power gain authority, despite their morally reprehensible actions, thus commenting on the intersection of street life and political corruption.
Themes
GovernmentThugsPoliticsViolencePower
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting, you might use this quote to highlight the need for accountability in local governance.
More from Talib Kweli
All quotes βYou 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.
Talib KweliRead
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.
Talib KweliRead
If lyrics sold then truth be told/I'd probably be just as rich and famous as Jay-Z.
Talib KweliRead
Life without knowledge is death in disguise.
Talib KweliRead
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?
Talib KweliRead
Similar quotes
It is hard to feel individually responsible with respect to the invisible processes of a huge and distant government.
John W. GardnerRead
Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men's views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.
Woodrow WilsonRead
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.
P. J. O'RourkeRead
Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Experience has taught us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession, and when the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
George WashingtonRead
What is interesting is that, although it is framed as a war between the elites and Main Street, the Tea Party is actually really good for the elites.
Chrystia FreelandRead
If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
Samuel AdamsRead