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

I decided to start my own label because so many people with talent come to me wanting to know how they can get in the music business.

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

I think everyone should understand history of segregation the same way we had to go to school and read about George Washington. I believe this generation should know their history and they should know that the struggle's not over yet. For instance, you can't get the cover of a magazine if your skin is too dark.

When you come from so many damaged places you don't ever want to spiral back there, so you gotta continue to check yourself.

I've just been growing right along. It's painful, but it's a great pain, and I like suffering for great results. It's like going to the gym. It hurts really bad at first, but after a couple of months and after that diet, you're looking so hot.

Believe in yourself when nobody else does.