I can't just make a song people can dance in a club to... it still has to be real.

If you're here right now in your life, your journey continues and you've lived to tell the story.

It was only for two years, and I jumped from family to family. It's very scary.

I can tell you I didn't feel good when I could not articulate properly. Getting my GED was important and I want other women to feel that.

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

I believe there should be no more drama, but it's everywhere you go. It's just about how you get out. You've gotta bob and weave because it's everywhere. How do I keep the drama low? It's about using your head.

I cannot save the world, that's not what I'm trying to do. I guess I'm just trying to walk the walk and be an example to those that want it. Not everybody does, but if Mary J Blige can come out of that same hole you were in, then you can do it too - that's my goal: to do that without saying it, but actually live it.