Musiq Soulchild

I don't want to just do what people classify as 'neo-soul' 'cause everybody don't listen to neo-soul. I want to make music for everybody. I'm always trying to incorporate new elements into what I do.

No one can make you happy. No one can help you grow in life more than you can. I can love you to death, but I can only go so far. I can inspire and encourage you as much as I can, but when you play an active role to find that self-security and that self-worth, it makes the difference.

Love is just a word that we've chosen to use to describe something that we can't fully explain. I mean, it's like, as a culture, we've just all agreed on using the term, but I think people get so caught up in the word that they don't allow themselves the privilege to live out what it actually might be.

What happens if the music or alter ego isn't well received? The fact that people are talking about it, I won already.

I like to be as positive and as peaceful as possible, but reality says, you know, sometimes you get mad, sometimes you get antsy, sometimes you get aggravated.

Be true to yourself, stay focused and stay you, take advice from other folks, use what you can, but never mind what is not for you. For the most part, trust yourself and believe in what you are doing.

Even though I'm really into fashion, I'm into fashion as a means of creative expression. I dress myself according to my personal creative expression... I try to keep it comfortable. I try to keep it simple.

I do not try to duplicate anyone's success; I am just really inspired by what they have done. I like the fact that The Roots can tour extensively, put out albums, and be so well received; that takes a lot of work. I really admire that, and it's something that I try to attain myself.