To me, this degree was an acknowledgment of my work in music.

I’ve always struggled so much just to appreciate myself.

Being a singer is a way for me to get to a platform to do more.

There are a lot of people I would have liked to have collaborated with, and would still like to.

Walking through this life really is walking through fire.

When I was in my twenties, it felt like I was riding wild horses, and I was hoping I didn’t go over a cliff.

I’d been in a vicious cycle and circle of people and couldn’t see my way out. So I picked myself up one day about 15 years ago and moved where I didn’t know anyone.

But really, we also need to learn how to love one another as women. How to appreciate and respect each other.

I remember seeing the movie ‘To Sir With Love’ when I was a little girl.

One of the album’s songs features Mary J. Blige, but I don’t want to talk too much about it yet. I think you will hear the music that’s been playing in my head when it comes out.

I mean, I’m not unhappy, but there’s still so much I want to do.

I’d like to work on putting art programs back in schools.

In my thirties, I felt I had hold of one of the reins some of the time.

My philosophy is familiarity breeds contempt.

If I love a song, I make it mine.

You know, it’s just tough to get together and do work with somebody.

Well. I’m probably not loving myself like I should, but I’m really trying.

Everyone in my family sang, and we would always sing these songs.

I think the whole reason for my life is in there somewhere.

I like to work spontaneously.

To me, this degree was an acknowledgment of my work in music.

I love to sing. It’s the easiest thing for me to do.

Getting a degree, being on Sesame Street… those were like real accomplishments to me.