Alicia Keys Goes Independent, Gets Praise From Swizz Beatz & Jay-Z

BY Erika Marie 56.7K Views
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Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys
Twenty years after releasing her debut album, Keys has fulfilled her contract with Sony.

Her latest album, Keys, has ushered in a new era for Alicia Keys. The vocal icon recently shared her eighth studio album, and with this labor of love comes the announcement that Keys is now an independent artist. Twenty years ago, Alicia dropped her classic debut album Songs in A Minor, and with Keys, the singer has fulfilled her contract with Sony.

She first mentioned this while on her viral Twitter Spaces conversation that hosted a look from Jay-Z. At the time, Hov congratulated his longtime friend on her accomplishment.

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“Congratulations, first of all, that’s an accomplishment,” he reportedly said, according to Genius. “The fact that you were signed to a label for twenty years is an amazing thing in itself, but the fact that you were able to complete your contract, not many people have been afforded that. That rarely happens for someone to maintain relevance through a contact like that.”

Keys's proud husband Swizz Beatz never misses a moment to praise his wife and shared his excitement about her new creative season that approaches.

"Congrats my Love this is Big Big Big News and you deserve it to the MAX! 20yrs of greatness !" he wrote on Instagram "Groundbreaking and unforgettable moments ! I love that you have this freedom at this time in your life it’s rare!!!! Life begins now and this KEYS album is a true masterpiece that’s Raw uncut and no fake hype!! Thank you to everyone that supported since day one and those who now support ! @aliciakeys is just getting started let’s go [crown emojis] Shout out to all the independent woman around the world !!!!"

Check it out below.


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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.