NATTI NATASHA

When you're a little girl, you never think anyone's gonna tell you 'no.'

I want to enlighten the world. We all need it. We need love and light.

It was definitely harder being a girl in the industry, but sometimes you have to struggle, and you have to work harder to actually enjoy when you start getting the results.

The culture of the Dominican Republic definitely influenced me. We enjoy music in this crazy way; we celebrate absolutely everything.

Supporting other girls and other women in your surroundings - it could be anything, not necessarily music - it is you giving back to the world.

Music is so unpredictable, but it's universal.

I used to have imaginary friends.

As a little girl, I was in the church chorus.

I want to keep representing for all Latinos - for men, women, young girls, and young kids that have a dream.

I really like dancehall. I really like reggae. I'm a big fan. Bob Marley and all that.

In my music, I'm uncensored, which has helped me stand out as a female artist.

The hardest part about the music industry for anyone is getting into the ears of the world.

It's not easy for an artist, especially for a girl. But you know, you just have to work very hard, persist, trust what you have, your essence.

When I was little, I used to listen to Lauryn Hill, so that's that hip-hop and R&B influence in me.

It's my first baby, 'IlumiNATTI.' I'm taking risks, but I feel like I'm doing it for all the Latinos out there.

Little by little, I get to see my music reach people's hearts. There was a time when it was all part of a dream that others didn't believe in, but I had all my faith and trust that one day it was going to be a reality.

In order to advance in this world, you need to have respect for yourself.

I feel like women have so much more to offer: our essence, or flavor, and our part of the story.

Lauryn Hill inspired me so much. She had that whole women's empowerment vibe in all of her songs back when that didn't even exist.

I was a girl who believed in the color of my voice and what I had to say.

I'm always focused and enjoying the journey because this life is meant for savoring every goal reached and striving for more.

I watch 'Under the Dome.' Oh my God! I love it.

Women have a voice; they're empowered, and they're heard.

What International Women's Day represents to me is a time that gives women their position, honor, and respect, which represents empowerment to all of us.

It's an honor to be the voice for girls who are not scared and who want to have someone to connect with.