When Jay-Z told the world that he wasn’t “a business man, I’m a business, man,” the world seemed to take notice. After humble beginnings with a once independent Roc-A-Fella Records, Mr. Carter rode his success to the top of the charts and the top of the boardroom.

In a new interview with Best Life, Jay-Z dropped some gems on business, personal tastes, and the secrets to his success.

On his personal tastes: “I’ve always wanted to stay true to myself, and I’ve managed to do that. People have to accept that. I collect art, and I drink wine…things that I like that I had never been exposed to. But I never said, ‘I’m going to buy art to impress this crowd.’ That’s just ridiculous to me. I don’t live my life like that, because how could you be happy with yourself?”

On business: “My brands are an extension of me. They’re close to me. It’s not like running GM, where there’s no emotional attachment.”

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“The clothes are an extension of me. The music is an extension of me. All my businesses are part of the culture, so I have to stay true to whatever I’m feeling at the time, whatever direction I’m heading in. And hopefully, everyone follows.”

To read the full interview, click here.