Pusha T Quotes

Powerful Pusha T for Daily Growth

About Pusha T

Pusha T, born as Terrence Thornton on May 13, 1977, in the Bronx, New York, is an influential rapper, songwriter, and record executive, best known for his work as part of the hip-hop group Clipse and as a solo artist. Raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Pusha T began his music career in the mid-1990s with his brother Gene "Malice" Thornton, forming the duo Clipse. Known for their distinctive flow, drug-themed lyrics, and production style, they rose to prominence under Pharrell Williams' Star Trak imprint. In 2006, Pusha T released his debut solo album, "Lord Willin'." The record, which includes hits like "Grindin'" and "Mr. Me Too," was critically acclaimed and cemented Pusha T's position as a formidable force in hip-hop. In 2010, he co-founded the record label G.O.O.D. Music with Kanye West. As a solo artist under G.O.O.D., he released two critically acclaimed albums: "My Name Is My Name" in 2013 and "Darkness Before Dawn" in 2015. Pusha T's music is known for its introspective lyricism, sharp wit, and intricate wordplay. He has been influenced by artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas. His work often reflects on his upbringing in the Bronx, his experiences in the Virginia drug scene, and his rise to success. In addition to his music career, Pusha T has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as "Believer" and "Milton's Secret." He is also known for his work as a mentor and A&R executive, helping to cultivate the careers of artists like Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Pusha T continues to be a significant figure in hip-hop, consistently pushing boundaries with his music and contributions to the genre. Some of his notable quotes include: "Every time I'm on a song, it goes platinum," and "I was born in the Bronx, raised in Virginia, I'm everywhere."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'd rather be a black rose in a world full of white doves."

The quote by Pusha T, "I'd rather be a black rose in a world full of white doves," suggests a strong individuality and uniqueness amidst conformity. Just as a black rose stands out amongst white doves, the speaker is expressing a desire to stand apart from the norm, to maintain their individual identity and character even when surrounded by those who may seem more conventional or widely accepted. The imagery conveys resilience, originality, and a refusal to blend in, symbolizing self-expression and personal growth.


"Success is a journey not a destination."

This quote by Pusha T emphasizes that success isn't about reaching an ultimate goal or final destination, but rather it's about the ongoing process and the experiences gained along the way. It suggests that the pursuit of success, with its challenges, growth, and learning opportunities, is as important as the achievement itself. The journey towards success often shapes individuals more than the destination, instilling resilience, determination, and valuable life skills.


"The more hate you get, the more successful you become."

This quote by Pusha T suggests that negative reactions or hatred towards an individual may serve as a sign of their success. In other words, when someone achieves significant milestones or stands out in their field, they may encounter resistance, envy, or disapproval from others who feel threatened or intimidated. Rather than deter them, this adversity fuels their determination to continue pushing boundaries and achieving greater heights. The quote implies that success often elicits negative reactions because it challenges societal norms, breaks barriers, or disrupts established power dynamics. In essence, the quote highlights the paradoxical relationship between success and perceived threats from others.


"You can either be a product of your environment or a product of your dreams."

This quote emphasizes that an individual has the power to choose their destiny, regardless of their upbringing or circumstances (their environment). Rather than being shaped solely by external factors, one can strive towards their aspirations and ambitions (their dreams), thus transcending limitations imposed by their surroundings. Essentially, it highlights the importance of personal agency in shaping one's life trajectory.


"Every setback is just a setup for a comeback."

The quote by Pusha T, "Every setback is just a setup for a comeback," suggests that difficult or challenging experiences are not only opportunities for growth but also stepping stones towards future success. In other words, adversity can serve as the catalyst for an eventual resurgence and triumph. This inspiring statement encourages resilience in the face of obstacles and reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always the potential for a brighter tomorrow.


A good villain exudes charisma and power. He has principles, though; that just gives him a level of dimension. It makes him seem to be a bit unpredictable, because he's usually deemed as some type of evil, ruthless person, and then he shows you his principles, and you don't know what to think of it.

- Pusha T

Villain, Some, Bit, Though

Virginia Beach is just such a melting pot for so many different things, and they just have so many influences. I would always say that the area definitely influences Play Cloths. The area itself just has so many influences, whether it be fashion, music, everything.

- Pusha T

Music, Play, Melting, Pot

More than anything, Play Cloths has taken risks in regards to the pieces of clothing that we're even creating. We started out as straight T-shirts. It was just T-shirts and a couple cool things. Now, it's leisure pants, it's all types of clothing. We're evolving even with fashion trends on a super high level.

- Pusha T

Play, Pants, Couple, Clothing

Pharrell has definitely influenced my style in regards to streetwear. Simply because we're from that era that Nigo and A Bathing Ape started. That's where it all started at for us.

- Pusha T

Influenced, Started, Regards, Ape

I never understood why movies don't have to be as responsible, or the responsibility stops with Rated R. I feel like music, you gotta - you put the sticker on it, you make the clean version, then you're explaining yourself, and then you have to do charities to offset what you just said. No one else has to do this!

- Pusha T

Why, Feel, Charities, Sticker

My hip-hop fans are a little spoiled - they want a particular level of lyricism and energy that I'm known for. When they don't get that, it takes a little time for them to open up to it. But electronic fans are as free as the music. On social media, they were so excited and loud; they're in awe.

- Pusha T

Music, Media, Known, Little Time

Allen Iverson is, like, my all-time hero.

- Pusha T

Hero, Like, Allen, All-Time

My music is airy; it's spacious. It requires you to be able to rap and articulate your message over it. That's what the beat demands of you. Not a lot of people try to rap over my beats because it's a bit of a task.

- Pusha T

Over, Over It, Rap, Articulate

My mood board says that there should be a G.O.O.D. Music festival. Why not? Like, we haven't - I don't think - and I think all of the G.O.O.D. Music artists and affiliates are doing so many different things that we never get to Voltron up. So that would be a thing of mine.

- Pusha T

Doing, Mood, I Think, Why Not

I think adidas really understands that it's cool to be in business with the right people. It really feels like a bunch of creative minds rather than some rap guys stamping their names on a sneaker. We're arguing over shoes, ideas, and everything - it's like a tug of war.

- Pusha T

Some, I Think, Feels, Tug

I caught the U.S. Open a couple of times, but, man, I would love to catch Wimbledon and watch Nadal - he is the king of all kings.

- Pusha T

Love, Caught, Couple, U.S. Open

I've always had some level of having to be independent outside of music because the music wasn't a smooth ride. We lost a lot in the mix: Everybody that I came in the music game with - friends I brought in with me - are all doing 10-34 years in jail. That's why if you want to get the real, you gotta get it from me.

- Pusha T

Game, Some, Everybody, Mix

I feel like my lyrics are just dark and scathing. I feel like the lyrics on 'Darkest Before Dawn' are uncompromised hip-hop and really speaking to my core fan base. Basically what's been known in my discography the entire time.

- Pusha T

Feel, Been, Before, Base

Some of the greatest hip-hop artists have incorporated elements from electronic shows into their setup. People are taking notice. It's going to be a new wave.

- Pusha T

New, Some, Going, Electronic

'Darkest Before Dawn,' the short film, is basically the film of a man who faces the darkness when his back is against the wall and just about how miracles come in all forms, and even in your darkest times, it comes.

- Pusha T

Against, Before, About, Forms

The crafting of lyrics is really a task, and when it comes to street culture, I don't feel like anyone else articulates it better than me.

- Pusha T

Feel, Like, Really, Lyrics

People don't understand how long it really takes to find beats. Sometimes they're not all the way there, but it's elements in them I love. Then I get to take them to get chopped up. Ye got to cook over a few of them.

- Pusha T

Love, Sometimes, Got, Chopped

I had a really successful 2013, '14, '15. Touring, just doing my thing. Super - I mean, can't complain about nothing. And my road manager got killed. And it ruined everything. Now, I tell people - I don't know if this is a word. But I tell people that that re-sensitized me.

- Pusha T

Doing, Tell, About, Ruined

I've been going to Europe for some time on the festival circuit, and once you get in that element and see others reacting to it, it's easier to understand. You get trapped in the wave. The beats are driving and super-aggressive - like, so hard. I was curious.

- Pusha T

Some, Been, Circuit, Reacting

I've got my travelling, my packing, my after-show activities all down to a science. I used to not work out on tour; now I take a trainer with me. I do things to make sure that I can give the crowd my all, because that's what I'm all about.

- Pusha T

Crowd, Used, About, Packing

I felt like when I got with Kanye, and we discussed me being on G.O.O.D. Music, he just really took me to a place in regards to music that I love and music that I had made previously. We had a clear understanding of what I wanted to make, and he just seemed like he was an advocate for hardcore, uncompromising hip-hop.

- Pusha T

Love, Had, Uncompromising, Hip-Hop

My vision for G.O.O.D. Music is just carrying on with the tradition of putting out high-quality music, high-quality art. G.O.O.D. Music is entrenched in the culture of hip-hop. It's entrenched in the culture, period.

- Pusha T

Art, Period, High-Quality, Hip-Hop

I just look at capitalizing on everything that I feel like G.O.O.D. Music brings to the music industry, our following, and the culture. First of all, we have incredible artists. It's definitely about getting those albums out in a very manicured fashion.

- Pusha T

Very, About, Albums, First Of All

When you make albums like I do, and it's based off fanfare and based off touring - I make these albums, and I get on the road. It's not really a radio-driven thing. I get on the road, and I see my fans, and I touch each and every last one of them.

- Pusha T

See, I See, Albums, Fanfare

I make a timeless music. I think I've made my mark as a lyricist and as an innovator and as a tastemaker.

- Pusha T

Think, I Think, Lyricist, Innovator

My fans like a certain quality and a certain level of music. Once I give it to them, they seem pretty happy.

- Pusha T

Give, Pretty, Like, Certain Level

Biggie is my favorite rapper, for sure. No other artist has impacted me that much.

- Pusha T

Other, Biggie, Impacted, Rapper

By now, you should know what you're getting with Pusha T. I've been in this game since 2002, and my name says it all. You know I'm only moved by a certain style of rap. Not that many other styles move me. You have to really be a rapper's rapper for me to like it.

- Pusha T

Game, Other, Been, Rapper

When we were growing up, I got kicked out of Timbaland's house every day. He was the DJ for my brother's rap group in junior high school. So I was 7, and while Tim's DJ'ing and my brother's rapping, I'd be upstairs dancing.

- Pusha T

Dancing, Every Day, DJ, Rapping

I see people doing things in their Blackberrys, and I need paper. Lines. Alphabets. I need to see it. It's so elementary, man.

- Pusha T

Doing, Need, I See, Lines

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