From being a little girl in the projects, going through all of the mess that I was going through, to ending up at the Inauguration for the first African-American president, I'm speechless right now because I never thought I'd - I never ever - I couldn't even see that far. Even when I ended up in the music business I couldn't see that.

I'm from the element of the streets that says that once you've made it, it's yours. But keep it to yourself.

There are people out there who want to provoke me and bring back the old Mary but I'm not giving them the satisfaction.

I've been praying to God to show me how to forgive myself. Because... maybe... that's the thing I've been searching for.

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

It's not just songs and glamour. It's sweat, blood, broken toes, and mistakes... It's life.

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.