I just see the opportunities and I go for them. I don't want to play my career safe. I've had my successes and I've had a few failures, too. But you just keep going and do the best that you can. That's what I've learned.

I consider myself a feminist. My whole life has been about standing up for women, for anybody really, who's been abused.

But think about how evil that is for one man to think that he's actually more valuable than a woman, because as a human being your worth is immeasurable.

I have the greatest appreciation for [producers] Matt Alvarez and Ice Cube. They put me in Friday after Next, and now this, which I hope is just the start of a long, wonderful relationship. I love the urban comedies, because they keep you famous, keep you having fun, and keep you in love with the business. Those are my roots. I'll always love doing those.

Never let anyone define you. You are the only person who defines you. No one can speak for you. Only you speak for you. You are your only voice.

If you look at the parts I've played and the movies I've done... I mean you have to work with the stereotype. The stereotype gets you paid, it gets you in the business. If they're looking for a white housewife, they're going to go for Joan Cusack.

Do you really miss anything that was worth watching at the MTV Awards?