I have as many pictures of my vocal cords as I do of my children. I have a great ear, nose and throat doctor, and we look at them - if there's some redness, maybe I'll take a little time off.

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

I used to sing at funeral homes for families that didn't have a vocalist. I didn't get paid. I needed to sing.

Completeness? Happiness? These words don't come close to describing my emotions. There truly is nothing I can say to capture what motherhood means to me, particularly given my medical history.

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

I'm in love, sweet love. Feel me calling out your name, I feel no shame.

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.