I really was kind of like a musical nerd. I would watch VH1's 'Behind The Music.' That was heavy when I was a kid. I would sit up and want to watch that all day instead of going outside sometimes.

I listen to all types of different music. I go to different festivals. I'm around music.

You're put in certain situations and it kind of opens up those doors and it opens up your eyes to realize what your true calling was.

Brandy is one of my favorite vocalists. Jay-Z is my favorite emcee outside of Biggie.

A song is a song and a hit record can change a life.

When you're an artist, you can only do your own stuff. Even if you only write for other people, you're really more focused on yourself. So while everybody's out touring, I'm working on records.

There's a bunch of people who sit around and make excuses for themselves and get upset with artists, but you already know what this is - it's an ego-driven business.

I really want to work with Rufus Wainwright. Michael Stipe from R.E.M. I would love to work with Kanye West.

I don't believe in writing people off.

Not to be arrogant, but I have a lot of hits, so my phone stay ringing, but it's consistent.

It's a gift that I have and I became good at it. When I heard my first song I didn't even know that I could write songs.

(24/7) once you sign on to be a mother, that's the only shift they offer.

I wear two hats. The one is business and increasing my shareholders' value the other is social responsibility.

The Internet is ultimately about innovation and integration, but you don't get the innovation unless you integrate Web technology into the processes by which you run your business.

The Bush Administration and the Congress have to stop ignoring this crisis in international trade. The longer we ignore it, the more American jobs will move overseas. It's just that simple.

The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.

When the young woman leans over the sky, about to water the flowers as well as the weeds, her white front splits open until her milk runs.

He can cook and give good massages. What more do you need in a husband?

Wisdom can only come through honest introspection.

The dharma is here. And the dharma is in your heart. Where else would it be?

I always believed that style was more important than fashion. They are rare, those who imposed their style while fashion makers are so numerous.