"Nigger hasn't always meant a man with melanin
It used to be a piece of wood that sat on the cotton gin
Masta put it there and it wouldn't move, smooth
So what does it mean to be a Nigga With an Attitude?
...
Cause it's all about a mind-tamed mind-frame
The system is a chess game where pawns are the same
...
Identifying Self is a part of being concious
If I call myself a gangsta then I'll rob you with a gat
If I call myself a brotha then you know I got your back
If I call myself oppressed then I'm clear on where I'm at
But if I call myself a nigga what the fuck is that?"

--Boots from The Coup

Or, if you prefer E-Roc:

"If I took the 'T' out would I still mean bitch?"