The pride connected with knowing and sensing lies like a blinding fog over the eyes and senses of men, thus deceiving them concerning the value of existence.

I've never been able to understand the seriousness of it all, the seriousness of pride. People talk, act, live as if they're never going to die. And what do they leave behind? Nothing. Nothing but a mask.

To me, power is making things happen without asking for permission. It's affecting the way people perceive themselves and the world around them. It's making people stand up with pride.

I never took a grant or borrowed a penny from anybody. It was partially because I didn't really know how to do that, but secondly, my pride never would have allowed me to. In the beginning it was about doing it the right way, on the merits of the music.

Black and brown pride have been taught in my household for a long time.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm doing it out of pride. It's something to be proud of: that I'm actually in with all the 'Biggies' - all the biggest stars - and that I can do something worthwhile. Yes, I'm proud more than anything.