I like to consider myself a problem solver. I don't like to spend a lot of time talking about the problem, stressing out or being dramatic about it. I like to try and figure out how I can fix it.
Maintaining longevity is a major part of success to me. So many people come into an industry quick, shoot to the top, then crash and burn.
You get a different respect when you can handle things on the behind the scenes end as well as in front of the camera or in front of the mic.
So did my time on Broadway after the Xscape tour doing 'Chicago'. Performing eight times a week put in the mindset of being onstage again.
I bought my first house at 19-years old.
Sometimes people start making a change with without making sure the first the first source of income sticks.
Before moving onto the next thing, make sure you continue to nurture the first thing. Get a good team around you because it's difficult to do multiple things on your own.
As an artist, you're used to being in the public eye.
When Xscape came back together for a tour in 2017, and all of our shows were selling out, it made me miss being on stage and producing music on a regular basis. That's what I did for most of my life.
When I'm in the studio, I'm experimenting, trying things on.
Back in the day, artists could be mysterious. Now, people want to know and hear everything about you. They want to see and feel the mess that is life - and who are bigger messes than artists?
I want to build businesses that are high quality, socially conscious, and for the people.
The music industry is up and down. Sometimes the people love you, and sometimes they don't. I wanted to be the owner of multiple businesses that were financially profitable and sustainable.
Most of us talk ourselves out of our own ideas, because we're our own worst enemy.
Fans are invested in everything about you now. Back in the day, they just heard your record and saw your video.
You know what, I didn't see myself being an executive producer.
You know me, I'm all about the girl power, girl things.
But I hate when I look out for somebody and then it doesn't come back the same.
We got a Grammy for writing 'No Scrubs.' It contributed to me getting Songwriter of the Year. I was the first woman to get Songwriter of the Year from ASCAP and 'No Scrubs' was part of the reason for me getting it.
You know how you have that one thing you would do even if you're not getting paid to do it? That's what writing music is for me.
