There’s only one of each of us in the whole world - Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys Talks About Her 'Revolutionary Album' In Time Out New York Magazine

           

Alicia Keys with her new #MakeupFree campaign graces the cover of Time Out New York magazine’s where she speaks about her upcoming album. Her new LP will be like nothing she has done before.

“This is a conversation between all of us [about] what we’re going through as women, men, young people who want to change the planet, people who are sick of being silenced,” Keys said.

Alicia has gathered a few heavy hitters for the new project, including her producer husband Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams and writer-producer Mark Batson.


The “In Common” singer said

“There’s only one of each of us in the whole world,” she says. “Only one. If we just look at each other and celebrate that, we can meet each other where we are. How dope is that?”

Time Out New York writer Eve Barlow got the chance to listen to Alicia’s upcoming album and she said:

Elsewhere, the music is gospel, driven by classic soul. There’s a retro song about pawning all her material wealth, a cascading arpeggiated track painting images of heroin users, cockroach-infested slums and gritty reality. It’s a record about unrealistic projections of identity, success and happiness.

Alicia opens up about no longer being silenced and having her voice heard by any means necessary. She says,

“It’s an imperative time to be loud. We’re not going to be silenced. All of us are battling wars: sexism, ageism, racism. We’re fighting the war of borders. We’re fighting a war as women. As a black woman raising black sons, I’m seeing so much systemic racism exploding in our faces. These days you have to be afraid to be killed just because you’re black! It’s devastating.” She breathes. “Outrageous statements are made out of fear and hate. The intolerance is not acceptable. It’s ancient and patriarchal. The way to propel our country forward is not by building walls. Anyone that thinks that is out of their mind.”

She adds, “I did have to find my freedom. There comes a time when you have to become a woman, stand on your own two feet. That’s why this music has such a surprising, relentless, raw New York energy.”


 
Photos: Zoltan Tombor via Time Out New York