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 youbr 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.