I'm a business man and the reason I linked up with a major was because I understand they have that reach that I can't get no matter how hot I get in the streets. It's not always about money because I been had money. I want to be on TV and win awards. I want to be number one. You need a label to get through barriers.

Keeping my family out of prison best I can. That is success to me. I created that without selling records.

Just the responsibility of wanting to see my mother have a better life; making sure my sister had a better life. I went ahead and accepted that responsibility when I was young and it paid off. That was really the only goal.

I'm a real dude from a real place and I never express myself through social sites. I don't feed into it, man. That's not real life.

I was blessed with the talent. God gave me the gift to put words together and make popular songs.

Speaking for myself, my first priority is to take care of my family. That's first and foremost.

Being independent is more of a mind state more than anything else. A lot of people don't understand that being an independent artist means being hands on with your career in every aspect - not being afraid to spend your own money and invest time in yourself. Although I'm affiliated with a major label, I still wake up every day with an independent mindset.