“I grew up upper-class. Private school. My dad had a Jaguar. We're Afri...” — Beyonce Knowles Quote

I grew up upper-class. Private school. My dad had a Jaguar. We're African-American, and we work together as a family, so people assume we're like the Jacksons. But I didn't have parents using me to get out of a bad situation.

I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am.

If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.

When I was writing the Destiny's Child songs, it was a big thing to be that young and taking control. And the label at the time didn't know that we were going to be that successful, so they gave us all control. And I got used to it.

My sisters and brothers come up a fair bit for dinner at home. It's basically a normal life; a normal family home. Dad cooks and we also take turns. If it's my turn, I like to do a roast lamb or spaghetti bolognaise.

One day I said to my dad, 'Are you disappointed that I'm working a minimum-wage job and I didn't go to college?' I'll never forget his response. He said, 'It's not about how much money you make or what your job is, but it's more about your character. For that, I'm proud of you.'

I actually study boxing - my dad was a Golden Gloves champion so I learned how to fight at a very young age. Growing up in Brooklyn you always had to watch your back, so I pretty much learned to protect myself.

I have always thought of Walt Disney as my second father.