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 →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.
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
America must be the teacher of democracy, not the advertiser of the consumer society. It is unrealistic for the rest of the world to reach the American living standard.
Mikhail GorbachevRead
Government ... can't be trusted to control its own bureaucrats or collect taxes equitably or fill a pothole, much less decide which of its citizens to kill.
Helen PrejeanRead
The Prime Minister has an absolute genius for putting flamboyant labels on empty luggage.
Aneurin BevanRead
When counterterrorist policies are used to suppress peaceful protests and legitimate opposition movements, shut down debate, target human rights defenders, or stigmatize minorities, they fail, and we all lose. Indeed, such responses may cause further resentment and instability and contribute to radicalization.
Antonio GuterresRead
Inverted totalitarianism, unlike classical totalitarianism, does not revolve around a demagogue or charismatic leader. It finds expression in the anonymity of the Corporate State. It purports to cherish democracy, patriotism, and the Constitution while manipulating internal levers.
Chris HedgesRead
A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of the user.
Theodore RooseveltRead