A BALLER ALERT EXCLUSIVE: UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH ALICIA KEYS

Its hard to believe that just a little over nine years ago we were introduced to the artist we know of as Alicia Keys with her debut Songs in A Minor. Like many new artists at that time, she had to show & prove of her name & most importantly her talent. That’s one definite thing about being talented, once recognized, you can guarantee the masses will know about you. Fast forward to the present, she’s already four albums into her career, with her most recent release The Element of Freedom which is by far the most impressive yet. By the number of units its moving, the average consumer feels the same.

However, there’s a lot more to Alicia Keys than meets the eye. Outside of having sold over 30 million albums worldwide, she’s the co-founder of Keep A Child Alive, a non-profit organization that provides medicine to families with HIV and AIDS in Africa. One of her many ways of giving back to society. Her resume’ is lengthy for sure, but, in this lifetime the sky is the limit.

Since the release of The Element of Freedom, Ms. Keys has definitely been busy. Through it all, hectic schedule & all, Baller Alert was able to reach out & she responded. What better way to kick off 2010 than with Alicia, herself?

Take a look at our exclusive below:

BA: Since collaborating on “Million Dollar Bill” for Whitney Houston will there be any more Alicia penned tracks for other artists?

AK: Yes! I Love writing for other artists! Its fun to get into their world and create something that represents them. It allows me to go different places I may not go as an artist myself. I definitely see myself doing more of that!

BA: Given the title of the album, in your world, what exactly is your element of freedom?

AK: The element of freedom to me with these songs is to have no limits, no boxes, nothing holding the music back, only the wings to soar.

BA: Before recording an album, are there any rituals that take place to get you in the zone?

AK: Before recording an album for me its really about getting into a zone of music that really moves me. I start listening and exposing myself to a lot of sounds and styles. This time it was artists like Genesis, Tears for Fears, The Police, Fleetwood Mac, always Prince and fly artists like that. I also get into experimenting with new keyboards and sounds. That helps to set the tone as well.

BA: How was Empire State of Mind part II developed?

AK: The song is so incredible and I just wanted to talk about New York through my eyes. So, I sat down at the piano and did it in my style. I love both! I love that they are so different with different energies, but both take you somewhere….

BA: Can we expect a major tour with this album?

AK: Absolutely!! We are already preparing for it now! I start rehearsals in February and the first show is end of February. It’s gonna be insane!!!!

BA: What are fans to expect with this new project & of the new Alicia?

AK: People can expect constant growth and also can expect the unexpected, I think its best that way! Expectations are too limiting.

BA: You helped on president Obama’s campaign & have attended many recent White House events, how does it feel to be friends with the first family?

AK: I’m just so proud of who our first family is. The years and years of struggle for equality has lead us to witness this in our lifetime. You can feel the shift in consciousness and the shift in the world. To know that we have someone that truly wants the best for people of the world is a very beautiful thought and feeling. And as big of a job it is, you know that there is a genuine approach to impact the world for the better.

BA: Please talk about Keep A Child Alive. How you’ve come to develop & how many people have been served thus far?

AK: KCA is something I am extremely passionate about. We provide the medicine for children and families with Aids who wouldn’t be able to afford it. Doing this work Humbles me in every way. To be able to reach out to others so impact fully inspires me in tremendous ways. We have been able to provide medicine and nourishment, support to community based organizations, build pediatric wings in hospitals, build clinics and orphanages for the many children that lose their parents. We are now expanding into India. We’ve touched the lives of over 250,000 people!!!There is no stopping this positive movement and I want to thank everyone who has contributed in anyway!

BA: You’ve recently teamed up with the Barbers Daughter designer Gisele Theriault for a collection of necklaces, what’s the concept behind those & when can we expect them in retailers?
AK: Yes! I love this gorgeous line! They are very unique, one of a kind pieces that have the most beautiful words, sayings, poems and prose written on them. I love them because they are more than just something beautiful, they are meaningful. In a world that is so difficult it reminds the person wearing them of all the endless possibilities we have within us. Plus there is something for everyone! They make the most memorable gifts. We are launching our collaborative line in 2010 but for now you can go online at thebarbersdaughters.com and check it out.

BA: Of the many songs on the album, which is your most favorite & why?

AK: Its always hard to answer this question. I love them all for different reasons! Maybe today I’ll pick “Distance and Time”. When we wrote it we were thinking about a soldier at war and the one who loves them waiting for them as long as it took for them to come home. Its a beautiful sentiment. True love. I’ll make that one my favorite today. What’s yours? 😉