I was just like a 21st century person waiting to be born, and this is the medium that I thrive in. And I feel stronger now than I did any time since I've been a teenager - I mean, musically, creatively.

I think Philadelphia has been underrated over the years as a musical region.

Americans think that if you're popular, there must be something wrong with you.

I have to say I have never been comfortable with somebody else telling me what to do - in any way.

I wanted to show the world, and myself too, what I can do. I came up in the world of Philadelphia soul, but I'm fluent in a lot of languages musically and I like working with different people from different generations.

I never felt entitled to anything. I'm the hardest worker I know.

If you work hard and you're good, you can build something for yourself.