People in my neighborhood inspired me to sing. Believe in your ability no matter what, but be realistic with yourself and your ability.

I used to think I was ugly. I thought I looked like a camel. A person who doesn't love themselves, they will see anything that pops up on their face. I've seen squirrels, I've seen a bird, and I've seen all kinds of animals on my face. But that is the result of self-hate. I've learned to say: 'You know what? I am a beautiful black woman'.

My God is a God who wants me to have things. He wants me to bling. He wants me to be the hottest thing on the block.

God comes first - if I don't love him, I can't love anybody, and if I can't love me I can't love nobody.

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.

It's sad that a lot of identities are lost and a lot of careers are lost because there's sort of a clone thing going on.

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