If we didn't have understanding of our journey, we wouldn't be able to go on. We'd be stuck, like, 'Why me?'

In the inner city, there's a mentality that the government owes you something. My breakthrough came when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took responsibility for every part of my life. No more pity parties. I've gotta love me more than anybody else loves me.

When someone comes up to me and says, 'Mary, you helped save my marriage', or, 'Mary, you helped me get out of this abusive relationship', I'm in it, really in their lives. And I'm so passionate about my feelings, but also about showing people the way through theirs.

I like French fries; I like mashed. I love potatoes.

The streets respect me because I kept it real with me. You gotta be real with yourself, and the streets recognize game.

I wish I had an extra day with my mom sometimes. Or another hour in the day with my family, husband and children.

We are all spirits. We get depressed. But music makes you want to live. I know my music has saved my life.