I came from a different mind-set growing up, and my mind has changed.

Not to sound overly cheesy but I really appreciate the freedom we have in America - especially as a female.

At my second record label, they told me and other female artists that some of us were going on the chopping block. I was 19... and it was devastating.

I'm really critical of my posture, it makes a big difference. And I try to suck my belly in. Everyone should do that whether you're on a red carpet or not. Even if you're just going out to dinner with your boyfriend you should try and suck it in.

A lot of times, when artists are rushing to put out projects, it's on some financial tip because they want to make money. But for me, I'm not in any rush.

Broadcasts from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange have propelled once-obscure financial journalists such as Maria Bartiromo to celebrity status and made CNBC to investors what ESPN is to sports fans.

At 17, I was working at Sprint in the Bronx so I could make money to fund my own music.

I have been down and out, living in Brooklyn, no money even for a subway, no food whatsoever. Like, I remember just sitting in my room all day - even my television wasn't working!