I believe I am happy. I don't think I have achieved happiness in all areas of my life yet. As far as success is concerned, my family is being taken care of. But I think the last level of happiness would be becoming a father.

As blacks, all we got is sports and entertainment. That's the only way out the hood sometimes.

I don't think music can be held. I don't think artists can be put into boxes or places. It's all about creating and making the best music you can.

I take pride in working very hard. You need to understand that hard work doesn't instantly pay off. My career grew gradually and taught me a lesson every step of the way.

A lot of people are wanting him [Barack Obama] to be the president just because he's black. But I think he does have some good views.

I think clothes are very much a representation of your attitude and the way you feel. I really love to be dressed down, though.

I like hair each and every way. I like to give scalp massages - to pull and tug on it. But my favorite style is long, real hair in a dusty blonde-brown color.