“When I did have some success, it further emboldens you to be like, ‘No, I’m just going to write what I feel I should write.’”

It’s not always easy to be transparent about your emotions and sometimes the music can get heavy.

My music definitely comes from a place of experience. Everything connects to a truth.

The Internet made fame wack and anonymity cool.

Of course awards matter.

There’s just some magic in truth and honesty and openness.

I believe that I’m one of the best in the world at what I do, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to be.

We were poor. But my mom never accepted that. She worked hard to become a residential contractor – got her master’s with honors at the University of New Orleans. I used to go to every class with her. Her father was my paternal figure.

I’m in this business to be creative – I’ll even diminish it and say to be a content provider.

I’m big on what’s in good taste.

My TV ain’t HD, that’s too real

I respect Drake not only as a creative person but as a business mind as well. I think Drake’s important.

I don’t intend to stop making music.

I booked my first studio at like 12 or 13. Somewhere in that season of my life, singing along with the radio became me wanting to be on radio.

I won’t touch on risky, because that’s subjective. People are just afraid of things too much. Afraid of things that don’t necessarily merit fear.

Those who are heartless, once cared too much.

Smile, it’s easier than explaning why you’re sad.

Helping a billion people connect is amazing, humbling and by far the thing I am most proud of in my life.

If you don’t see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner.

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight

Always do whatever’s next.

Try to look at your weakness and convert it into your strength. That’s success.

Success and profitability are outcomes of focusing on customers and employees, not objectives.

Never discourage anyone who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.

My success, part of it certainly, is that I have focused in on a few things.