I’d rather die enormous than live dormant.

- Jay-Z, “Can I Live,” Reasonable Doubt, 1996

Your whole vocabulary’s played out, admit it.
Still wack if it came out my mouth and I spit it.

- Redman, “Pick It Up,” Muddy Waters, 1996

When I need bread, I grab the toaster and stick niggas for they crumbs.

- Akinyele, “The Robbery Song,” Put It in Your Mouth EP, 1996

It don’t make sense: either you a soldier from the start,
Or a actor with a record deal tryin’ to play the part.

- Xzibit, “Paparazzi,” At the Speed of Life, 1996

If I should fall asleep and death takes me away,
Don’t be surprised son, I wasn’t put here to stay.

- Lauryn Hill, “Family Business,” from The Fugees’ The Score, 1996

Doin forever shit: like pissin out the window on turnpikes,
Robbin niggaz for leathers, high swipin on dirt bikes.

- Ghostface Killah, “Daytona 500,” Ironman, 1996. (via ninetynow)

Ayo, shout out to Mobb Deep, the Extra P
Busta Rhymes, De La, the J Beez, so don’t sleep

- Q-Tip, “Mind Power, ” A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymes and Life, 1996

Life’s a bitch, but God forbid the bitch divorce me…

- Nas, “Affirmative Action,” It Was Written, 1996

Fuck you, losers. While you fake jacks, I makes maneuvers.

- Method Man, “Got My Mind Made Up,” from 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me, 1996 (via ninetynow)

We runnin around in thousand-dollar clown suits,
Better get some boots when Lucifer turn your city to Beirut.

- Ras Kass, “Soul On Ice (Remix),” 1996

I’m sautéing emcees with fried rice up in the wok without the MSG and chopped celery.

- Redman, “Da Ill Out,” Muddy Waters, 1996

The most beautifullest thing in the world is a .44 Desert Eagle.
Nigga, THAT SHIT IS DIESEL!!

- Billy Danze, “Stick To Ya Gunz,” Firing Squad, 1996

I show more blind rage than Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles wrestling in a steel cage.

- Chino XL, “Freestyle Rhymes,” Here to Save You All, 1996

Always exhale the facts, cause I don’t inhale lies.

- Dove, “The Bizness,” from De La Soul’s Stakes is High, 1996

Can you cook darlin? At the stove you’re revolvin’…
Bake macaroni, turkey wings, a nigga starvin
Here take my number, let me pull the chair from under
I had fun, plus your backyard speak with thunder!

- Ghostface Killah, “Camay,” Ironman, 1996