I dont think being black has held me back at all. Being black makes you strong.

Historically, in my generation, all of my heroes and heroines have had issues and problems. We all do.

Time has nothing to do with the gifts that the gods give you; it's what you do.

I think there's no sacrifice too great for family, whether it's career, singing, whatever.

I don't let people use me. That's why I like a small number of people in my life. The more people in my life, the more complex it becomes, so I just try to keep it at a minimum.

You leave home to seek your fortune and, when you get it, you go home and share it with your family.

I would make far more money if every song were my own, but I don't write to fill up the album with my songs.