10 Essential Jay-Z Quotes .<br />In honor of Shawn Corey Carter's <br />51st birthday, here are some of <br />his most memorable lines.<br />I was born to dictate, <br />never follow orders. , Jay-Z, via "U Don't Know," 'The Blueprint' .<br />Nobody built like you, <br />you design yourself, Jay-Z, via "A Dream," <br />'The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse' .<br />A loss ain't a loss, <br />it's a lesson. , Jay-Z, via "Smile," '4:44' .<br />'Til you own your own, <br />you can't be free. , Jay-Z, via "I Got the Keys," DJ Khaled's 'Major Key'.<br />One day you're up, next day you're down / Long as you stay the same, it'll come back around. , Jay-Z, via "Sweet," 'American Gangster'.<br />Excellence is being able to <br />perform at a high level for <br />a long period of time. , Jay-Z, via 'Oprah's Masters Class'.<br />When you succeed, <br />prepare to be crucified, Jay-Z, via "Most Kingz," 'Roc Nation 2011'.<br />In order to survive, gotta learn to live with regrets. , Jay-Z, via "Regrets," 'Reasonable Doubt'.<br />Sure books can guide you/<br />But your heart defines you, Jay-Z, via "Beach Chair," 'Kingdom Come'.<br />Fear not when, or fear not why / Fear not much while we're alive / Life is for living, not living uptight. , Jay-Z, via "Young Forever" 'Blueprint 3'
