“No shade to the other artists in Chicago, but if you got confidence in yourself and you know you’re Number One, say it.”

I already won but it came with biggest loses I ever had.

Death can happen anywhere, but kids in Chicago, like 4 years old, can get shot. You don’t really hear that in too many places.

I would say I grew without a doubt. My whole energy in life – as an artist and as a person – has definitely got me smarter and wiser.

The trenches don’t love me but I love the trenches I know it’s weird.

Everybody always going to sound like somebody. You got to separate yourself.

My message is just showing people how I came from nothing.

Put your own twist to it. That’s how you say relevant. Or things get old and boring.

I’m happy with the person I become.

Nobody got your back like you do remember that.

I have three kids, and that’s a big part of staying focused.

I’m really living my dream so if I were to change anything up, I probably wouldn’t be where I am.

I listen to different artists. I open my mind to different artists.

I’m just trying to show people that I ain’t gotta ride off no movement. I can ride off myself.

Niggas want to kill me and y’all still wit em and y’all chill wit em and y’all wonder why we not friends.

I use the studio as my drug. That’s where I relieve everything at – the studio.

I just wanted to speak to the streets and give them motivation on making it out. Whatever situation they’re in, know that they can make do and have a better life.

Why do people think artists are special? It’s just another job.

The problem of making the inner meet the outer of today is, of course, the function of the artist.

When I’m picking songs for an album I always want a song that I can relate to and that I have experienced. There’s nothing worse than watching an artist try and sell a song that isn’t believable coming from them.

Silence the artist and you have silenced the most articulate voice the people have.

Prince a true artist in every sense of the world. Gone way too soon.

If you come from art, you’ll always be art.

Fear doesn’t go away. The warrior and the artist live by the same code of necessity, which dictates that the battle must be fought anew every day.

The relationship with a producer and an artist is really special. It’s got to be love and respect, amazing mutual respect for each other, because that’s what makes a good record.