The younger Mary J. Blige, I would call her, she was very unaware, ignorant.

When I was five years old I was molested and just, you know. I remember feeling, literally right before it happened, I just could not believe that this person was going to do this to me. That thing followed me all my life. The shame of thinking my molestation was my fault - it led me to believe I wasn't worth anything.

When you're going to do whatever you're going to do, you have to get your, put your mind into it.

Really, every woman is an example to me, because as women we go through so much pain. We have to live this perfect life when we are messed up inside. We all go through trials and tribulations.

The music business is really, really small. The real music is becoming almost extinct, if you don't stay true to who you are.

It's that first step-getting out the door-that's the toughest. If you can do that, you've already won.

I do consider myself part of black history.