Just speaking from growing up in the projects, it was hard for me to take dance classes or voice classes because I didn't have money. Or learn an instrument because I didn't have the money to buy one.

Looking back, when my cousins and I were kids, we'd put together these little skits - these 10-minute improv scenes. I didn't really understand what I was doing - that I was writing these mini-sketches and acting - but we were all totally into it.

I grew up in Bushwick, and I lived with my mom. She was a single parent with three kids. I've got an older brother and a younger sister. We all were pretty active kids, but school wasn't particularly our strong suit; we were always good at other things.

I just want kids to know that, no matter what your circumstance is and no matter where you're from, you can always make a way. There's always a way out of or a way in to do something - that thing that you want to do.

I think my feet were on the ground, and I had good family around me. It comes down to who you are and your upbringing.

I could enjoy the life that I had by virtue of the educational attainment that my grandparents and parents had pursued. Education was always incredibly valued in our family.

Marriage is a school itself. Also, having children. Becoming a father changed my whole life. It taught me as if by revelation.

My family had no money or social connections with the music industry but I came to London and had some success that continues to influence my life.