See, it really ain’t about if you eatin’ or not eatin’.
It’s freedom or not freedom. Breathin’ or not breathin’.
Another day, another way, another dollar spent;
Gotta make a revolution out of fifteen cent.

Dead Prez, “The Grind,” from Erykah Badu’s Worldwide Underground, 2008. Read more Dead Prez quotes…

You can take back all the things you give,
But you can’t take back the days you live.
Life is to some people who’ve been on earth
Livin’ every single day for what it’s worth.
I live life just how I please,
Satisfy one person I know: that’s me.

Too $hort, “Life Is.. Too $hort,” Life Is… Too $hort, 1988

If I upset you, don’t stress. Never forget
That God isn’t finished with me yet.
I feel His hand on my brain…
When I write rhymes, I go blind and let the Lord do His thang.

2Pac, “Ghetto Gospel,” Loyal to the Game, 2004. More 2Pac quotes…

Now I don’t want to be a dopeman, listen:
I didn’t have a dime, a nickel, penny, a pot to piss in.
See, all my clothes had holes and they fit tight,
Pray to God cause it’s hard trying to live right.
Waiting on the train, can’t hang with the street gangs,
Making me insane, putting rain on my whole brain.
But the train means change to better thangs;
Can’t live with the negative and ghetto pains.
Can’t be late, can’t wait to get to where we’re going,
Almost ten to four and I’m sure that the train is showing.
But I ain’t sure where it goes, I don’t really know it,
But I got faith, that’s all it takes to get to where we’re going.

2Pac, “The D-Flo Shuttle,” from Digital Underground’s Sons of the P, 1991. More 2Pac Quotes.

I write raps, and when niggas bite, I clap.
Cause their shit sounds better now.

Casual, “That’s How It Is,” Fear Itself, 1994

Alright I might…
Have had a little glare when I stared at ya ho.
But I didn’t know she was like that,
She stared right back!

Casual, “I Didn’t Mean To,” Fear Itself, 1994

Crews talk shit, but in my face they kiss my ass.

A-Plus, “93 Til Infinity,” from Souls of Mischief’s 93 Til Infinity, 1993

Flip the flyer attire females desire,
Baby you can step to this if you admire
The extraordinary dapper rapper…
Keep tabs on your main squeeze before I tap her.

Opio, “93 Til Infinity,” from Souls of Mischief’s 93 Til Infinity, 1993

To all the seeds that follow me,
Protect your essence.
Born with less, but you still precious,
Just smile for me now.

2Pac, “Smile,” from Scarface’s The Untouchable, 1997

I been in the game for 10 years making rap tunes…
Ever since honeys was wearing Sassoons.

Dr. Dre, “California Love,” from 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me, 1996

Ooh! Jesus Christ had dreads, so shake ‘em.
I ain’t got none, but I’m planning on growing some.
Imagine all the Hebrews going dumb…
Dancing on top of chariots and turning tight ones.

E-40, “Tell Me When to Go,” My Ghetto Report Card, 2006

I’m down for you, so ride with me.
My enemies your enemies,
Cause you ain’t ever had a friend like me.

2Pac, “Never Had a Friend Like Me,” from Gridlock’d Soundtrack, 1997

All right, stop whatcha doin, cause I’m about to ruin
The image and the style that you’re used to.

Shock G. aka Humpty Hump, “The Humpty Dance,” from Digital Underground’s Sex Packets, 1990

Dear Mama, don’t cry, your baby boy’s doin’ good,
Tell the homies I’m in heaven, and they ain’t got hoods.
Seen a show with Marvin Gaye last night, it had me shook,
Drippin’ peppermint Schnapps, with Jackie Wilson, and Sam Cooke…

2Pac, “Thugz Mansion,” Better Dayz, 2002

Alright, it’s getting really close to the election day.
I’m voting; please don’t cut off my Section 8.
As soon as pastor pass the collection plate,
I’m like, ‘Shit, I’m trying to stack for a Escalade!’

Casual, “It’s Like That,” from Handsome Boy Modeling School’s White People, 2004

Now we feel the good vibrations…
So many females, so much inspiration.

Opio, “‘93 Til Infinity,” from Souls of Mischief’s ’93 Til Infinity, 1993

I cannot stand no wack MC.
So step back if you please,
And don’t test me, you’re history.

Del the Funky Homosapien, “Wack M.C.’s,” No Need for Alarm, 1993

God damn! Drug dealers dealin’ to the kiddies,
Livin’ in the city ain’t no pity on the itty-bitty.
We try to cry, but still they all die,
I try to speak to the youth, and the truth is: they all high.

2Pac, “Wassup Wit The Luv?,” from Digital Underground’s The Body-Hat Syndrome, 1993

I never had real friends ‘til now…
I never had to steal ends cause that’s foul.
I walk the streets with the baseball bat feelin’ secure,
But I try not to incite fights–that’s immature.

Del the Funky Homosapien, “Eye Examination,” from the Dr. Bombay 12″, 1992. More from D-E-L…