I wish the music business was a much easier thing, but you know what? Nothing easy is worth anything. So it is what it is. There comes a time when things can work out and everybody can be happy. And that's what it's all about in the end - everybody being happy and working it out.
This quote encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of struggle and reward. It acknowledges the challenges inherent in the music business—a microcosm of life’s wider struggles—while highlighting that the value of any endeavor is often proportional to the effort it demands. Nas’s words suggest an acceptance of reality: despite difficulties, the rewards of perseverance and resilience are meaningful and worthwhile. The notion that "nothing easy is worth anything" is a powerful reminder that the journey toward success is rarely smooth, but the struggle imbues achievements with greater significance.
Moreover, the quote brings an element of hope and resolution. The phrase "there comes a time when things can work out and everybody can be happy" embodies the ideal that conflicts and challenges can eventually be resolved for the benefit of all involved. This optimism serves as encouragement to keep striving and to believe that harmony and mutual happiness are achievable goals, even in competitive and complex industries such as music.
Finally, the closing sentiment—"everybody being happy and working it out"—moves beyond individual success, focusing on collective well-being and collaboration. It highlights that the ultimate goal transcends personal gain and touches upon shared satisfaction and unity. Overall, this quote offers a realistic yet hopeful perspective on life and work: difficulties are part and parcel of meaningful pursuits, and persistence, coupled with a spirit of reconciliation, leads to true fulfillment.