I remember when I signed with Kedar Entertainment through Universal Records. It was my first record deal and it's the one I still have now. At that time, there had been a couple of opportunities I was almost given, but at the last minute the giver came back and told me it couldn't happen.

Now my record deal helps me to do things for free or give more time to my community than I could otherwise.

I have a master plan as an artist. I've always said I'm not going to be punching nobody's clock. I will work as an artist to survive in this world.

I grew up with all mothers, all women. I come from a long line of matriarchs, very strong women.

I'm just being who I am and expressing myself as everyone else does.

I solidify his [ Riccardo Tisci] vision and what he is trying to manifest, make it a crystal or solid thing because of the relationship I have with my culture and what my music means to him.

I can be Erykah the human being more than the celebrity.