It's like a dream to come to Spain and stay for a couple of years and get somebody to teach me Spanish music.

You've got your entourage and people that help you make whatever happen around you. Everything's crazy and you're not paying attention to your inner feelings because you're so busy. I couldn't take it.

I never sit down to write or say, "Today, I have to record something." I wait to hear it and then I go for it.

God said, Here. Have it. Enjoy it. I'm gonna be miserable?

When you see a close person you know pass in front of your eyes, it's hard core. After all that, I just wanted to enjoy every day. That was my goal. And to give thanks and to live fully.

Me being in my grandmother's yard in Brooklyn. I must have been about 3. I had this red balloon. I let go of it, and it went up into the sky and just kept going and going. I completely flipped out, because I didn't understand why.

If I were white, I'd get less criticism.