Missy Elliott

A lot of times, I walk down the street and listen to people argue, and then I write a song about it.

You have to be ready to sing and perform at any time.

I mean, when it's time to rhyme rhyme, I can get down for mine.

I felt like, 'How do I fit in'? I'm battling. But then I never fit in!'... I thank God for somebody like Pharrell who stayed in my ear. For him, at that time, 'Happy' was everywhere; he didn't have to share anything with me.

I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad - I couldn't even use a pen.

I'd stand on the side of the road when I was just a little girl singing on trash cans. People would roll down their windows saying, 'Isn't she cute'. I had a vivid imagination. I always pretended it was some big stage.

Hip-hop is definitely not what it used to be, which was creative, original music.

My imagination is so far out there already. People couldn't imagine what goes on in my brain.

I always have been an entertainer, whether it's been joking or performing for people. And I always thought I had a talent, because I could rap and I could sing, and I did write. And all the other kids were going to college, but I just felt like I had to do this first, and if it didn't work, then I would go to college.

We're told that to be fly, you gotta have a fly car, the rims on your wheels, the fly jewels, and that to work a regular job and make legal money is uncool.

And basically I always said when I was little that if I ever became successful or a celebrity, I would buy her this huge house and she would never have to work anymore. And I've done that. So I feel happy about doing that.

I always feel the need to work as if I don't have a deal, because that's what's going to keep me around for a long time.