America Quote by Russell Simmons

Critics are always complaining about the materialism of hip-hop and accusing the artists of living way above their means. But this ostentatious sort of…

— Simon de Pury

Hip-hop had become overly aspirational and shiny, full of vivid technicolors. Cosmetic fronting was not part of the ethos of our get down. Our…

— Lyor Cohen

Another thing rappers, I admire your rebellious spirit, but materialism is a form of mental slavery. Slow down on the jewelry, pick up a…

— Dov Davidoff

You want to buy cars and houses and castles, all of that's on you and how America has systematized your mind to be into…

— Afrika Bambaataa

So from Jazz, Blues, R&B, Soul, Classical and Country music, Hip Hop has introduced us to a little bit of everything.

— B.J. The Chicago Kid

I've been accused of not being up on hip-hop or not being a fan of hip-hop, which was never true. If you had a…

— Don Cornelius

I noticed that difference early on, like if you were successful in rock 'n' roll, that was a really bad thing, you almost had…

— Jay-Z

The philosophy of jazz represents tolerance, teamwork and inclusion. That's what America is about. The music reflects that.

— Anonymous

It's just that when you heard hip-hop, no matter where you were, it was a culture that kind of made you want to try…

— Ice T

There's just something about being a young, working class, working poor, person of color in New York City in the 80's that needs to…

— Sofia Quintero

“Hip-hop is a reflection of your surroundings and an instrument of change.”

— Laura Goode

Hip-hop is a beautiful culture. It's inspirational, because it's a culture of survivors. You can create beauty out of nothingness.

— Mos Def