When I realized I was having trouble reading, I was too embarrassed to ask for help. Some teachers believed in me, but I just wasn't focused on school - I was into the music and trying to please my dad.

I always say you've only got one life to live, and you're not promised a tomorrow. So, you might as well just have a good time with it.

I wanted people to see me, to change their minds about me.

I think my purpose was just to get out and sing. I love to sing. I wasn't even in it for the - you know, the prize. I was, like, 'Hey, man, I'm going to sing.

I seemed so different from other kids; I grew up in church and felt a connection with God, and a lot of kids my age really didn't understand that.

Cause when I had my child, people tried to make me feel like life was over for me, and I started to believe that.

I caught a lot of flak for being a young mama.