Regarding the Blender Article

Average: 4.3 (55 votes)

"I feel it is necessary to clarify the comments that were made during my recent Blender magazine interview since they have been misrepresented.

Anyone who knows me and my character, knows that I am not a conspiracy theorist or, by implication, a racist. My comments about ‘gangsta rap’ were in no way trying to suggest that the government is responsible for creating this genre of rap music. The point that I was trying to make was that the term was over-sloganized by some of the media causing reactions that were not always positive. Many of the ‘gangsta rap’ lyrics articulate the problems of the artists’ experiences and I think all of us, including our leaders, could be doing more to address these problems including drugs, gang violence, crime, and other related social issues.

Additionally, regarding the AK-47 reference, AK-47 is a nickname given to me by some of my friends in jest, as an acronym for Alicia Keys and a metaphor for wowing people with my music and performances, "killing ‘em dead" on stage. The reference was in no way meant to have a literal, political or negative connotation.

The recent implications about me are too radical and too dramatic a departure from whom I have continually demonstrated myself to be. I work so hard and give so much of myself to bring about positive change to this world, and I only wish those efforts received as much press and attention as the misinterpretations of the Blender article.”

Replies for this Blog post

very very dear alicia the behavior of journalist is scandalous,EXCUSE ME for my naivety ,we love you
very very very much,it is wonderful what you exist very very very wonderful alicia
god bless you,very very good courage
good luck for whole,good health for the life
whole the happiness possible
we love you very very very much
frantz

It is such a shame that the media/news print can get away with doing such harm to people. Sure, dirt sells better than reporting positive things people are doing even if the dirt is untrue. In this case, I really did not want to believe what I saw all over the internet as I had never seen nor heard AK ever say anything like that before. However, since it had so many people getting into the racial aspect and arguing, I am afraid that although I had tickets for my sister/niece and I to see Alicia in concert in just 2 weeks, that is not enough time to calm some people down. So, rather than risk having my 10 year old sister/niece in an environment that has the potential now of turning ugly (thanks to Blender) or of having people make racial slurs, I have decided not to attend the concert. I am really upset about this because we love Alicia and were really looking forward to her concert, but I am not about to put a child in any situation that may not be the best. I would rather be safe than sorry. So, maybe next year we will see AK in concert.

As for Blender, I have never read Blender magazine and I certainly wouldn't now. They should issue a retraction and make it public. To do this to someone who has always shown that they are a sincere and wonderful person is a shame. I bet they sold a bunch of copies and are quite pleased about the attention the article received and didn't think of how this could affect AK both emotionally and publically nor do they seem to care that it did cause people to be offended racially.

Alicia, you are really a wonderful person and I think you are a great inspiration for ladies everywhere. People will believe what they want to anyway, so just keep doing what you've been doing. You inspire greatness in others and are a positive role model who does make a difference!

--
-Amy

Truth is the truth and we all need to hear it. Thank you for bringing that issue up because it is the truth!
Please do not let the negativity stop you from being a leader. Only leaders speak what they feel and know and we need more leaders in our community to steer us back in the right direction. Many artist were blinded by the $$$ that came with "gangsta rap" and were not concerned with the consequences but we should all now see the ramifications of our action "what you put out is what you will receive" aka Karma. Please continue to educate as that is our only way to true freedom! Love you Alicia! Smiling

Keep your head up!
You know what you are, and what you meant!
Besides you just released Alicia in Africa, if they continue to believe in that **** they don't deserve your concern.
Keep goin' Miss Keys Smiling

--
Music is the space between the notes - Anonymous
Sofia D.

There is no more to say. Still love, respect and support you. Can't wait to see you in concert on June 18 at MSG. Stay strong. You are a beautiful and intelligent person fighting for change and touching ordinary people's lives. Maybe that is why those opposed to progress are sharpening their knives. Continue your path, you are truly blessed.

I think it's very unfortunate that people seem to gobble up all the mess that the media feeds to them. It was pretty obvious (to me atleast) that it was taken out of context. Blender magazine should be ashamd of themselves for contuing to release the magazine just so it can sell.

Thanks for clearing everything up Alicia.

Much Love,
Shanti

le solite "misinterpretations" of press....
è completamente assurdo mettere in discussione Alicia!!!!!
Lei merita solo elogi per quello che fà;

thank Alicia!!! (also if never I have doubt )

attilio thePizza Eye-wink

Love You More Than Ever Gurl! Keep Teaching With Your Words & Lyrics. You Are A.K.A. A Phenomenal Woman Indeed!

people just have to find something because u postive. just ignore they will pick on another superstar nene1835aka renita

I wanna love you...

ALICIA IT DOESNT MATTER ABOUT WHAT THEY SAY.
WITH THIS ARTICLE YOURE SHOWING YOU CAN FACE EVERYTHING .THEY HAVE TO GIVE A PUBLIC APOLOGISE BECAUSE I KNOW THAT IT WASN"T WHAT YOU MEAN .... I"LL ALWYAS BEEN YOUR FAN I"M A WHITE GIRL WITH A BLACK GIRL INSIDE AND YOU INSPIRE ME TO FEEL THAT, WHICH THE IMAGE I HAVE ABOUT YOU IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE

--
PAULA FROM COLOMBIA

Alicia,

As your friends, fans, and people who look up to you, we understand where you are coming from. We understood every word that was spoken because we continue to praise you and follow in your foot steps. We know that you meant no harm or negativity. The media is just bored with their lives and need something to gossip about. You are truly an amazing, wonderful, strong, "black" and beautiful woman. All I ask is that you don't change for the world because in a way, you helped shape me into who I am today, which is a better, stronger person. I LOVE YOU!!!

STAY TRUE and CONTINUE TO KILL EM DEAD! THEY GOTTA LOVE IT!
XOXO

--
Surplus the Supreme AKA LiL Key Key

very very dear alicia you is the goodness ingrown,you deserve whole your success and more
the documentary on the africa is touching.the behavior of journalist of bender is one shame
it is wonderful what you exist very very very wonderful alicia,god bless you,very very good courage
good luck for whole,good health for the life
whole the happiness possible
we love you very very very much
frantz

First of all, I don't think there's anything wrong with being a "conspiracy theorist" (if you are one). Smiling I think one should question everything - both negative and positive.

But I wouldn't put the blame solely on the "media" - the artist and people surrounding the artist must accept some responsibility too. Lyrics about an artists' experiences are fine, but the problem comes when they glorify that lifestyle. And if controversy creates cash/ratings, you can sho'nuff bet that the media or the record execs aren't going to say "Whoa, let's take a moment, step back and think responsibly about this". I think it's up to the artist to weight their words and take responsibility. Heck, everyone in a position of influence should. And, let's face it, I realize that parents/family members should be a child's "role model", but to dismiss the influence that singers, actors and athletes have would be silly.

However, all of this wasn't even the most distressing part of the article for me. But, i'll save that for another time.

DJ Rogue
--
http://thedawn.net

We were sure that the article was misrepresented, and we are sure of how GREAT and Sweet person your!! my love and admiration for you grow more and more each day! your the best Smiling
Much Love To You
--
AK Biggest Fan
IRAQ

Alicia, I knew straight away that the Blender article did not sound like you. THANK YOU for clearing all this up....end of the day, only your true fans stood by you cos we will always have mad love for you.....so i hope now that all the haters and 'so-called' fans that were quick to diss you are now feelin' pretty damn stupid!!! lol!

I agree with you that your 7 years of hard work, both for the fans and also to try and make the world a better place, became insignificant in place of senseless nonsense. Sad
Blender should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this article to go to press.....*shakes head*

Continue to remain true to yourself Alicia - you know thats one of the many things we love about you!!!

Much Love

~Kirsty~

xx

Why you are raising the question why didn't you also mention the treatment of women within the "Gangster Rap" community?
If people truly have a hard life does that excuse them from recognising other members of society except for in relation to how many poles they can dance around, jacuzzis they can fill or booty's they can shake?

I cant help but feel like you have had a chance to make a difference, to say something important but all you have done is missed a opportunity to say something empowering AND insightful about the African American woman's role is the USD.

As a person of success and interest you also perpetuate the stereotypes placed within our community by saying nothing. Say no to being a ho.

I was astonished by the immense reaction (also here in Europe) to this article and after listening to your radio interview clarifying this whole "story" I have to agree with you: People hear what they wanna hear. And it is important to be veeeeery clear in communication, as everything can be misinterpreted - if your counterparts intends to...
My personal opinion? Ignorance leads to prejudice and obviously that so-called "reporter" from the much quoted magazine just didn't do his "preps" properly! Because if they had they would have seen that by far, you're one of the most kind and intelligent women in this business today - so don't let no one be dissing you with s* like that!
I am PROUD to be a fan of AK and now more than ever. I found the article stupid! In many ways, and all I wanna say is: keep doing your thing, stay true yourself and never let anyone be getting you of your path!
I am sending you much strength and love for the up-coming American tour and I CANNOT WAIT to see you live in London in July!
One love,
Stine

Hi i just wantd to say that i 2 read the article, and ddnt think it sounded like 2 2 voice your 'opinion' so strongly and in that way. i think its sad how media misconstrue information, and thank you and ood on you for rectifying what was written. Luv u 4 eva Alicia and come back to England again soon!!!

I am not surprised at how others try and ruin another's name. Alicia, you are such a positive force in not just music, but words as well. You are a very smart woman and you know what you mean when you say it. When people see someone who is positive on so many levels, they always try to stumble them. Continue to make stepping stones for yourself and all those who support you. You can only be you and that's enough. Keep doing your thang girl!!!!!!!

Just read the article, and yes, the power of imagery being used by the magazine, infers she is 'militant' (reads Black Panther bios), is 'Obama-esque' er, because she's biracial? and the words 'sly' and 'what your mom doesn't know' and 'she wears an AK47 chain' tries to convey this idea of the hidden little anarchist behind the 'genteel' exterior (I AM QUOTING THE Blender ARTICLE HERE PEOPLE, DONT MISREAD ME HERE)

Alicia, people always understand the surface of expressed opinions because they dont want to think any deeper, or further or even, God Forbid, logically. You did not go into that interview to spout crazy theories- you simply let out a thought process that you have pondered-not that 'Gangsta Rap never existed' but that certain rap was classified that way by who-the media and gov't!
That Gangsta Rap has been glorified by the media/govt to look 'cool' 'urban' 'aspirational'- a) to keep a certain part of the population zoned out and b) IT SELLS!! ~as Biggie would say, its all about the benjamins baby!~

We could debate this all day, but I for one, am glad u have REAL views, u think, speak ur mind and u are a 'philosophiser'. Please dont let that media machine force u to become a plastic barbie-keep it real!(but hey, maybe to close friends n fam, huh?!if it aint worth all the hassle from the men in black!)

Its sad when someone tries to create a negative/scary/ politicized image of u only becoz u still reflect ur heritage-instead of ignoring it-and speak it. It makes them uncomfortable, girl, it's about them, not u, so forget it.

N keep killing dem! (musically, mr govt)

How did I get in this predicament?
How did I get in this jam?
The person that they accuse me of being of
That's not the one I really am
I am the one that really loves U
With all my mind, body and soul
With every stroke of my brush
I wanna paint a wall around U so that U will never know

All the pain that a human has 2 go through
In a planet that's so bitter and cold
Universal love awaits U, baby
All U got 2 say is that U really, really, really wanna go
And we're outta here

(The space)
Do U wanna? (Space)
Do U want 2 go? (Space)
Where the souls go (Space)
Where the tears flow (Space)
Where the love grows
Do U want 2 go?

Prince- Space Univeral Love REMIX...

THROUGHOUT HISTORY, ALTHOUGH INTELLIGENT AS WE ALL ARE , WE HAVE SEEMED TO TAKE THE WORDS AND ACTIONS OF THOSE REPRESENTING POSITIVITY AND WORLD CHANGE AND TURNED THEM INTO NEGATIVE ATTACKS ON THE CHARACTER OF THE PERSON MAKING THE STATEMENT. I UNDERSTAND WHY YOU FELT YOU HAD TO CLARIFY WHAT WAS MEANT BY YOUR STATEMENTS IN THE BLENDER ARTICLE. IT IS SO SAD TO SEE HOW THE MEDIA TAKES SOME THINGS , TWIST IT AND MAKE IT SOUND BETTER FOR THEM...$$$$$ RULES EVERYTHING, WHEN GENUINE LOVE, COMPASSION AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN BEINGS SHOULD RULE THE WORLD.

STAY PRAYED UP, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, CONTINUE SHAKING THE DEVIL OFF AND GOD BLESS!!!

I knew it! I've never believed that you had said it! I didn't have any doubts!
You're incredible Alicia!
Much love and support From Brazil.
M.

--
http://www.aliciakeys.com.br
http://www.aliciakeys.com.br/campanha
http://www.aliciakeys.com.br/forum

They have to sell their stuff somehow. Creating 'bait' by misrepresenting celebrities comments is an age old way of doing it. Controversial articles always create more buzz than the plain boring old facts. Thanks for clearing things up Alicia and shame on Blender.

Hey girl, how are you?
Hope everything's going fine =)
You're great with everyppl! You don't need to worry ..

"Soy solo para ti
e nada, me hace feliz
si no estas tu baby
si faltas tu baby (...)"

<3 Lots of love,
Anna.

It's really a shame that this blog has become necessary due to the ignorance of the media trying to make a buck. Those who know the things that you stand for know that you weren't trying to portray what the magazine indicated. You are respected and admired, and once again you've displayed why. Keep being you! On a side note: The magazine was sold with the cover, beautiful you are! The extra was just that, extra, and Blender should be ashamed of themselves.

Like any of us believed that article, if the worse they can do to your name is twist your words than its a credit to your character, because you are one of the only few musicians in the industry who doesn't seek negative publicity to promote sales. Keep your head up high, and come back to London soon!

Never doubted you for a second - from your number one fan, Ro.

Today if you say "Hi" to someone instead of "Hello" it is left up to interpretation as to your true intent.
Justifiably, we all see, hear and read things which lead us to formulating an opinion. However, the true essence to being humane, is to seek clarification of doubtful matters.
Shame on Blender for not practicing due dilligence when in doubt.

Respect each other people. A dollar earned at someone else's expense, is not a dollar worth having.

"1"

Firstly I like to thank you for having the opportunity to express my thoughts here on your site Smiling This I truly believe was blown totally out of proportion, and yet to be true the media has always been known to do such things with all of those in the public eye..Alicia you are truly gifted and blessed and sometimes the media as I'm sure you already know delights in misrepresenting the truth for either ratings or some other purposes to suit their own cause.. I also paused to watch your performance while working on my own music on the "today show," and I believed you handle the question asked of you by matt lauer very well Smiling
May God continually bless you Alicia so that you may continue to be a blessing and inspiration to others just as you have been to this "Inspired Soul." Smiling

You should change it to AK-88 for 88 keys.

Keep it up and God bless you !

Totally 100% agree with you Alicia, Im your fan since your first CD, the A minor and I will always support and love you forever. Just one question? Is it true that your getting married next month? If so wish you happiness, love and more blessings.

COME BACK 2 PITTSBURGH!!

I wish I knew you, unlike so many know who you are.

--
You dont know my name, but you rested your head on my shoulder while taking the train.

I can use knowledge to show how I care .Did you know they use oil to make the covers or gloss of these maginzines so, how is the media helping the enviroment ?So the finger is pointed at that industry. And this is the same oil at 120 a barrel as of today AND the same oil that runs at 4-5 plus dollars a gallon. I can only use knowledge for love cause I like learning. I like learning how to change, grow ,adapt, love, etc.

In 50 years, Greenland will melt and Florida will be be underwater (I retrieved this from a credible source), all because the media wanted to make and sell ads in maginzines to slander , misrepresent , or start controvesy. The music industry has something to sing about. Some people will listen through repetition.

It is not just the big things but the little things that will murk us all. Every year 1 or more species are extinct. THAT'S THE TRUTH AIN'T NOTHING CONSPIRING ABOUT THAT. And the same people that keep the foot at our throats is the same ones this generation is holding accountable to find energy and food sources cause we can use too much corn or it will be a food shortage like in Egypt. I go to school with a bunch of rich and privilege kids(which was one of my lifelong blessings) and we "chop it up" about certain issues. So, the question is who is distributing theses commodities and resources and where is it going?

and ohh yeah, I ain't forgot about a lot of things but, the law of imminent domain is going to stop me from getting 97 personal. So , I am going to leave it at that cause I got to finish my project.

LOVE YOU
p.s. AND YOU KNOW WHAT THUG LIFE REALLY MEANS?

The Hate U Give
Little Infants f***s Everybody

Dear Alicia,

Chances are you might never read this comment, but in case you do, please don't ever feel the need to silence yourself!

You shouldn't recant what you told Blender magazine - the government has intiated and controlled what I called the 'gang industry'. Gansta rap is a descendant of social control, and the media, also controlled by the government, is seeking to twist and exploit you in order to silence you.

But you shouldn't stay quiet. It was hard to hear you describe in your Today Show interview, that you wanted to move to positive things. To hear someone from the music industry speak out for once instead of intentionally playing the role of puppet for personal gain, iS POSITIVE!

You are making a statement, especially for all those youht of color who feel that this representation of themselves is the right represenation. You were able to say to a national audience that the images that gangsta rap reflect is all fabricated, that it never came out of the black community to begin with. This is powerful and a positive step in the right direction towards youth of color recognizing how we are allowing oursleves to perpetuate our own oppression.

I've been accused of being a conspiracy theorist; people have told me to recant, for what I know, and deep down we all know but will not allow ourselves to admit.

You are in a position to educate the world - don't let those few moments of glitz and glamour take away your voice. You'll probably have people closest to you telling you to be quiet - because they worry what you say will cost you. That's ok, the people of this country are smarter and better than what we've been lead to believe, and you will get the support you deserve.

The numbers will drop, but if you stand to your convictions, they WILL rise again. But it has to come from people who have your level of power. Trust in yourself. Best wishes,

ut when i heard them ask you this question on bet and mtv
Im like WTF did i miss. so i have to kill someone, but im happy You cleared it up to US, the people the matters the most ya know. I knew you would let us know whats up after u blew the media off on it
and as far as 50 cent coming out and making HIS lil 50 cent comment about you, he needs to grow the fuk up

ut when i heard them ask you this question on bet and mtv
Im like WTF did i miss. so i have to kill someone, but im happy You cleared it up to US, the people the matters the most ya know. I knew you would let us know whats up after u blew the media off on it
and as far as 50 cent coming out and making HIS lil 50 cent comment about you, he needs to grow the fuk up