“I made numerous attempts to find a way to do it all, to be a creative singer, songwriter, producer, and to be the mother, daughter, sister, lover, wife. And the thing about music is, with me, that she's a harsh mistress. She does not come to me in the midst of stress.”
“Oh my goodness, they are rocking so many variations of my high-top fade. I mean, Rihanna has taken it to a very angular 21st Century thing. Miss Fantasia has it in a very seductive, you know, up-flip, and it's just lovely, right? Oh, I think it's wonderful.”
“We don't do drugs, drink or use profanity. Instead we instill morals and values in my boys by raising them with a love of God and a love and respect for themselves and all people. I believe they will have a chance.”
“I would say that my peak was making my first million at the ripe age of 29, after the first album.”
“Time has nothing to do with the gifts that the gods give you; it's what you do.”
“Chris Brown is brilliant. That cat is crazy brilliant, and I wish him the best.”
“I don't think being black has held me back at all. Being black makes you strong.”
“Historically, in my generation, all of my heroes and heroines have had issues and problems. We all do.”
“I need my career. That's what validates me.”
“I used to sing at funeral homes for families that didn't have a vocalist. I didn't get paid. I needed to sing.”