It's been my dream since I was a child to somehow unite people of the world through love and music.

Music became a healer for me. And I learned to listen with all my being. I found that it could wipe away all the emotions of fear and confusion relating to my family.

I don't listen to my own music at home.

I just want to write songs in my little corner. And I still love music, I've not been worn down by cynicism.

A lot of people wanted to try to make me the white Nicki Minaj. That's not what I'm trying to do. I love 'hood' music, but my talent is as a singer. My 13-year-old self would have beaten up my 17-year-old self because she would be like, 'You're a sellout!'

Music is the love of my life. It's a total escape from reality. Music transports you to another place, someplace unexpected and meaningful.