It's almost like a lot of black people in America, a lot of young black men, are born with this cloud over their heads. It's their penitentiary cloud, this philosophy we all have, that it's harder for us.

I've had two children. I've had three boyfriends. I've had a lot of things happen that can change your opinions and values and philosophies.

There are millions and billions of atoms of memory of all kinds of musical themes in me.

I'm a performance artist first; I'm a recording artist second.

I am just an actor, but there are these other people who are really selfless. I come from a long line of nurses in my family, and they really do a thankless job.

I always secretly loved the art of makeup as a child. I would come up with stories and characters and try on my mom's Maybelline eyeliner when she wasn't home. It was a very old-school pencil - you had to burn the tip to make it smudgy enough to use.

My parents, especially my mother, has been my pillar of strength.

I believe in the institution of marriage. I want to get married and start a family.