In life, you have people that love to party. That's me. People that love God. That's me. People that love sex. That's me. People that love people. That's me. And people that make mistakes.That's me also.

I was the highest-paid street performer, probably, in the history of Chicago. I was making like $800 a day.

If I'm going to be a leader then I have to go places that other people are afraid to go to. That's what makes a leader. To be not afraid to step out and go over the frontline. To stare darkness right in the face.

It's amazing to know that 5 years ago I was writing songs in a basement in the ghetto and now I'm writing for Michael Jackson. I'd be a fool not to say it's a dream come true.

My music has shaken hands with the world somehow - it's a beautiful disease, and I'm glad I got it.

When you hear romantic music It makes you want to take your girl out to dinner or buy her something or take her out In the moonlight or take her on a walk.

The depth of your struggle determines the height of your success.