I think that most great artists who are extremely known, as I am, would intimidate a lot of people. I don't want to do that to people, but I know I do.

Do it right or don't do it at all. That comes from my mom. If there's something I want to do, I'm one of those people that won't be satisfied until I get it done. If I'm trying to sing something and I can't get it, I'm going to keep at it until I get where I want it.

I'd like to think that when I sing a song, I can let you know all about the heartbreak, struggle, lies and kicks in the ass I've gotten over the years for being black and everything else, without actually saying a word about it.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder and tears are only rain to make love grow.

My music had roots which I'd dug up from my own childhood, musical roots buried in the darkest soil.

Dreams, if they're any good, are always a little bit crazy.

I had to pawn my clothes just to pay my rent.