It's foul what this money could do, cash corrupts the loyal.
NasRead
I see N.Y. hip-hop like I see N.Y. streets. N.Y. streets are grimy; it's a grind. N.Y. rappers are hustlers - whatever sound is in, we can adapt to that; there's nothing wrong with that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the adaptability and resilience of New York hip-hop in a tough environment.
Nas compares New York hip-hop to the gritty streets of New York City, highlighting how both are characterized by their rawness and relentless effort. He acknowledges that just like the streets, which are a mix of challenges and opportunities, New York rappers are hustlers who can change and evolve their sound to stay relevant, showcasing a spirit of survival and creativity within the hip-hop scene.
Themes
New YorkHip-HopAdaptabilityGrimyHustle
In practice
Example use cases
During a panel discussion on the evolution of hip-hop culture.
More from Nas
All quotes →It's a thin line between paper and hate,_x000D_ _x000D_ Friends and snakes, nine millis and thirty-eights,_x000D_ _x000D_ Hell or the pearly gates...I was destined to come,_x000D_ _x000D_ Predicted, blame God, He blew breath in my lungs.
NasRead
I pledge allegiance to the fair and balanced truth._x000D_ _x000D_ Not the biased truth,_x000D_ _x000D_ Not the liest truth,_x000D_ _x000D_ But the highest truth.
NasRead
Every time I get in the studio, I feel like I wanna have some fun. My fun is not doing the easy work. My fun is doing what's me.
NasRead
If you scared to take chances, you'll never have the answers...
NasRead
I don't respect killers, I respect O.G. knowledge,_x000D_ _x000D_ Codes of the streets got new rules, but no guidance._x000D_ _x000D_ Lessons, detrimental to a young disciple;_x000D_ _x000D_ Folks, take care of your brothers, niggas do as I do._x000D_ _x000D_ Keep your enemies close, where they can see you._x000D_ _x000D_ It's not your enemy who get you, it's always your own people.
NasRead
Similar quotes
I'm not a star. I'll never be a Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley or a Ray Charles. I'm just an imitator, man. I'm doing a very bad imitation on the bass of Jerry Jemmott, Bernard Odum, Jimmy Fielder, Jimmy Blanton, Igor Stravinsky, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, James Brown, Charlie Parker... the cats, man. I'm just backing up the cats.
Jaco PastoriusRead
Let's face it. Rock and Roll is bigger than all of us
Alan FreedRead
The '60s was one of the first times the power of music was used by a generation to bind them together.
Neil YoungRead
Blues is like the roux in a gumbo. People ask me if jazz always has the blues in it. I say, if it sounds good it does.
Wynton MarsalisRead
I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks.
John Lee HookerRead
No one has any respect for someone who can play a million notes per minute but can't put together a decent tune that someone can sing to or feel some sort of emotion from.
Johnny MarrRead