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Courtesy of Alicia KeysThis Friday, Alicia Keys will release her seventh studio album, ALICIA.
In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the Grammy-winning singer mentioned the 15-track album is her “favorite” thus far, as it speaks to her newfound path of self-discovery.
“I’m enjoying discovering who I am and who I want to be because it works for me,” Alicia shared. “And being really conscious about being aware of not falling into that same pattern that I’ve often been quite often used to, of doing things because its what’s always been done.”
The “Love Looks Better” singer credits her husband and Verzuz co-creator Swizz Beatz for contributing to her growing pains and for helping to secure a “special” feature on the album from another Verzuz alum.
Keys previously went head-to-head in a battle of the pianos against John Legend for Juneteenth. Weeks before, she was “fangirling” over neo-soul queens Jill Scott and Erykah Badu and their celebratory battle, which Alicia calls her “personal favorite” battle to come out of the series, co-created by Timbaland.
She recalled Swizz calling her to get on a phone call with Jill after the battle.
“And I get on the phone with her, and I’m like, This is crazy. We [had] a moment,” Keys recalls. “And I’m like, ‘Why haven’t we worked together? Why haven’t we? This is crazy!'”
To her surprise, Jill had the same idea. “And so she’s like, ‘I know…let’s connect.’ And I said, ‘Yes, let’s connect.'” According to Keys, the song will be titled, “Jill Scott,” featuring Jill Scott.
ALICIA arrives on September 18.
By Rachel George
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