Your real job in this world is to be you.

I managed because of my mother. I managed because I'm strong. I managed the same way every other abuse survivor survives, you just do. So many people have been abused, it's not rare, it's a very common human experience, and we survive. Also, my music plays a big role in my thriving. Having an outlet, it really makes a difference.

I like when a teenager comes and talks to me on the street. I've been through a lot and I have a lot to share.

When I perform, I'm just very much just being myself.

No matter what anybody says, what matters most is what you think of yourself.

In the music industry it's just you're either Black or white, and this is the box you get put in.

Anyway, in my performance style, I'm a singer-songwriter. People can call it neo-soul or R&B or whatever. But at the core, when you see me live, I'm a singer-songwriter.