Well, I believe that the depth of your struggle can determine the height of your success. I was inspired to come out of everything I've been through and end up in a place where I never thought that I would be.

I am very conscious of who I am as an artist and as an inspirational person.

Within all of us there is a storm. Some believe it will never end: but he who has faith in the heavens above will weather any storm.

When I think of musical geniuses, I think of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and Prince. That's who comes to mind.

People can say whatever they want about you without knowing the facts. They can criticize you without even knowing you, and hate you when they don't even know you. All of a sudden, you're, like, the bin Laden of America. Osama bin Laden is the only one who knows exactly what I'm going through.

If we don't love ourselves, tell me, how can we love somebody else?

When I was performing on streets, there was no pressure. People accepted me. They loved me without knowing me.