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

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

My mom took me to see Goldfinger. My mom took me to see To Sir, With Love.

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.

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

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

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.

My philosophy is familiarity breeds contempt.

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

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`ve always struggled so much just to appreciate myself.

I like to work spontaneously.

Walking through this life really is walking through fire.

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

If I love a song, I make it mine.

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

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

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

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.