Every teenage artist out there is mostly talking about boys, and I think there's so much more to being a teenager than just boys.

My mom's best friend growing up was diagnosed with AIDS, and he basically raised me when my mom was launching her business. Although I didn't understand at the time what HIV or AIDS was, I knew that's what he passed away from.

At 15, saying I wanted to do a reggae album after growing up in a snazzy house in Houston - it was kind of random.

I never borrowed clothes from Beyonce when we were growing up. But now my style is a little more tame and hers is a little more adventurous.

I just value my family's opinion as far as my music goes because that's the ones that really know you.

Within 18 months of my parents' marriage in 1900, my mother fell in love with an Englishman who would have described himself as a gentleman but who was, in fact, nothing more than a devious adventurer.

I date African-American women. That's all I date. In my family, it was never discussed - but I love black women. Nothing beats a sister. However, when you see a female like Jennifer Lopez, you have to acknowledge that there are many beautiful Latino women as well.

I connect with my culture through my family. I speak Portuguese to my parents so that I can practice. I stay engaged with my extended family through a lively group chat on WhatsApp. That sense of community and family is the heart of Brazilian culture, and staying engaged with my family is what keeps me connected.