I'm 60, and I did 60-year-old women songs. I'm not trying to be the Hip-Hop Queen, although I am the original Hip Hop Queen.

I can't do some of the songs that younger girls like Mary J. Blige and Beyonce are doing. They have their own place and I have my own place.

I know how to put it on when it comes to interviews and performing because I have to. But I'm pretty laid back.

Tell Aretha I’ll be praying for herBecause she needs Jesus!I love her.

All I can tell you really is if you get to the point where someone is telling you that you are not great or not good enough, just follow your heart and don't let anybody crush your dream.

So if anybody wants to get me something, get me 60 crabs - one for each year. I don't want no diamonds, I don't want no shoes, I don't want no party. I want some crabs.

God doesn't do the work for you; he does the work through you. It's not enough to look up; you must also look within.

That's another lesson I've learned the hard way. All relationships will die if they aren't nurtured. Just as a flower will die if it's not watered. Because love is demonstration, not declaration.

I don't feel as though I have to prove anything to anybody.

So if diva means giving your best, then yes, I guess I am a diva.

I just sing the stuff that makes me smile, makes me feel like I didn't sell myself out.

Don't fall flat to deception

Love is an eternal shining star.

Natural ability is important, but you can go far without it if you have the focus, drive, desire and positive attitude.

Great spirits often meet violent oppisition with mediocre minds.

Intestine war no more our passions wage, And giddy factions bear away their rage.

I feel I've always been writing about self-identity. How do we become who we are? So I'm just writing from experience what's concerned me.

You'll probably get three horses and you have to draw a good buckin' horse. That's mighty tough.

I think that having love in your life does open up doors and other possibilities.

If you don't take your clothes seriously, why should your viewers take you seriously?

There's so much comedy on television. Does that cause comedy in the streets?