The first songs I wrote were catchy, but the subject matter was God.

I have a lot of ambition.

Everyone related to me in my circle was from church: church friends, church school, church activities. All my friends weren't allowed to watch MTV or go to PG-13 movies or listen to the radio, so I didn't really know anything different. That's how I was raised.

I'm not ashamed, or embarrassed. I'm happy that I grew up listening to gospel music and came from where I came from. I feel like I have a history and a story. That's what I am and that's what I'll always be from. I was never running away from it.

I went from zero to my own hero

You have to spend a lot to make a lot. It's not like I'm sitting on top of a pile of money.

I grew up not really having anything, so the idea that I can take care of my family and my friends now is a really cool bonus.