Alicia Keys' artistic light is so bright it could illuminate a pitch-black room.
A true musical prodigy whose multi-dimensional gifts emerged at age five, the beautiful
Alicia Keys will soon take modern R&B soul to a whole new level at the tender age of twenty. Born aware
of her old soul yet living in New York's inner city amidst the dominance of Biggie and Jay Z, Alicia
Keys' natural talents blossomed into a rare mix of hip-hop flavor and insightful, wise-beyond-her-years
songwriting.
Coupling this with the singer's spine-tingling vocal power, positively stirring live
performances and expertise as a classically trained pianist, Alicia Keys could be one of this year's
brightest stars. Highly sought-after by record labels, Alicia Keys signed to Arista Records in 1998. There,
in the spirit of D'Angelo or Prince, she continued the process of writing, producing and recording the
debut she'd begun planning since age 14. This year, Alicia Keys followed Clive Davis to his new J Records
where she continues to chart her arrival to the music world.
Creations now rising out of the studio show signs of both a critical and commercial
monster - a deep, melodic, soulful gem of an album that showcases Alicia Keys in all her universal
glory. Though most of the album - including the luminous "Fallin'" and the moving "Troubles" - was written
and produced by Alicia Keys, the artist collaborates with Jermaine Dupri on "Girlfriend" and with Isaac
Hayes on "Rock Wit U" from the Shaft soundtrack. Her debut album, yet untitled, is set for release on J
Records in late April.
