When you get a jean for a larger girl, you have to have them tailored for you. Tailoring is indeed everything.

As slavery died for the greater good of America, and the movement for equality sputtered to life, the white woman was on the cover of every American magazine. She was the dazzling jewel on every movie screen, the glory of every commercial and television show.

In order to grow emotionally and mentally, sometimes you have to grow physically as well. I'm just trying to grow, man, and always I just want to be the best and most confident me I can be.

Africa doesn't leap on you immediately; it seeps slowly, and it's incredibly important to be respectful and humble there.

Soul music is about longevity and reaching and touching people on a human level - and that's never going to get lost.

When Jett puts my face in his hands and tells me, 'Mommy you're so pretty' or smells me, it's so wonderful.

Balancing is hard. I've lost roles that I really wanted because I had set up a tour. I cancelled tours to do roles before. But I have to find the time to make that up to my audience. I made a commitment to them.