Pretty much at all times music motivates me. How can I say this without sounding in any way proud of myself? Obviously I've always written songs that are critical of our government and talk about our times. Hopefully you attempt to be timeless while doing it.

I want the government to provide the military so we don't get invaded by somebody and destroyed. I want the government to provide the roads so I can get from point A to B. In terms of taking care of my day to day needs I want to do that myself. I want my community to do that.

I pinch myself because of the understanding that I've been blessed with a real rare opportunity that few Americans ever get - to serve their government and their people at this level.

In the inner city there's a mentality that the government owes you something. My breakthrough came when I stopped feeling sorry for myself and took responsibility for every part of my life. No more pity parties. I've gotta love me more than anybody else loves me.

I feel beautiful when I'm at peace with myself. When I'm serene when I'm a good person when I've been considerate of others.

I used to work in a funeral home to feel good about myself just the fact that I was breathing.

Henceforth I ask not good fortune. I myself am good fortune.

It's not vanity to feel you have a right to be beautiful. Women are taught to feel we're not good enough that we must live up to someone else's standards. But my aim is to cherish myself as I am.

I don't look to a man to get pride in myself. It's not about having a black president it's about having a good president and I think that's the most important thing.

I surround myself with positive productive people of good will and decency.