The Stories Behind Alicia Keys' Hits | Noteworthy

[@BrianAnderson-7]

This is a FANTASTIC interview. What happened to interviews like this? Thank you so much NPR. You're a shinning star in the world of journalism.

[@colevern7002]

Boi Wonder Yo you bitter, son

[@Intrepidus.]

This insight is spot on. NPR NPR NPR! (Further, this interviewer is very skilled. He makes it look easy, and Alicia... my goodness, she's a light.)

[@BrianAnderson-7]

I already have, twice ;)

[@BrianAnderson-7]

Markus Arike I could but I'd rather leave it up as an example for everyone to see. I mean trolls are trolls and while this one is hateful I'm not feeling remotely intimidated or pushed around by it. I'm just not moved at all by it. It's sad actually. It's weak and insecure, and not the least bit of anything in my eyes. I rather just let it sit here and be the pathetic representation of humanity that it is since there's nothing that can be done for this kind of thing. Can't be kind, can't fight back. Doesn't matter. A troll like this is already getting more attention than it deserves ;) I could only hope for good things in this troll's life because if this is the life it has today that's really sad and I feel like humanity failed it.

[@marike1100]

+Brian Anderson I agree completely, but seeing my name next to that filth of a comment, two comments, is really, really bumming me out!!! YT won't do anything about it, but I don't want my name attached to his weird agenda. See what I mean?

[@truemvp27]

This interviewer was GREAT.

[@klove33]

Boi Wonder u need love

[@MoghulVeyron]

Always feels like Alicia talks straight from the heart. Great quality!

[@renewoods1149]

Aica keys Happy Halloween love Lachelle Love

[@carolellamuch9571]

Yeah she's so authentic

[@StardustSJ_]

For goodness' sake if only MORE interviews were like this, knowledgeable interviewer, questions with substance, and meaningful dialogue with an incredible artist. Is that asking for too much? LoL.

[@BabyChallangeRSA]

True

[@itsjayden9971]

I felt that !

[@madmann1000]

This is what we need!!!! I don't care who dating who, who started a twitter beef and all that other bullshit. I love hearing the backstories and history behind the craft and artistry.

[@dawnreed6830]

💯💯💯

[@woolfulrebellion]

Yes!!!!!

[@Inkay2x]

madmann1000 AMEN!

[@flua1508]

Agree!!!

[@easytech1507]

Definitely one of the best music interviews I've ever seen

[@jlaurenk]

Finally an interview solely on the music.. no drama, no gossip, only what matters. 🙏🏽

[@wearashirt]

Notice how she asks questions back. She is NOT self absorbed.

[@marknason4572]

This woman is so very talented and beautiful (inside and out). Thanks for giving us a look into her creative process.

[@joshualee3389]

Shout out to everybody involved in this project. I love Alicia Keys. Let's also give credit to the interviewer. He asked great questions and carried out a very fluid conversation. Thumbs up to the videographer as well.

[@ponchout3982]

one of the best interviews I have ever seen....this guy is awesome, really honest and calm....and she of course is perfect

[@Kaindi_S]

Best interviewer I've seen so far. He's actually LISTENING to the interviewee and not to respond but to prompt more from her!! Yes, SUBSCRIBED !

[@MillCityJam]

Don't you just want to hug her...

[@kristunthuntsi2145]

Steve S this lady humbles me🤗

[@6GorillaBiscuits]

I bet she smells like lilacs, lavender and cocoa butter

[@nccreativedesign]

YES!

[@nickbeggsaxl]

Yep since 2001. 🌹🌷

[@l.a.xl.a.x1810]

Yes In the bed

[@ebenezerkid]

Kudos to the interviewer! Knowing her work that well made for an insightful interview. NPR: we need more interviews!

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

she just gets better with time in every way. great interview.

[@rafaeldavid9726]

I loved when she mentioned that 'New York' song is not just about New York, but about HOPE...

[@MartaHagen]

Love this.. Need more interviews like this that focus on the music and the art!

[@eye2eyebttom360]

Marta Hagen 100%.

[@DanShureMusic]

Yesssss!!

[@VictorWerke]

I totally agree!

[@emelinej1]

And well spoken, clever questions too!

[@chels6991]

4real

[@i_am_Vuss]

Salute to the interviewer, did his due diligence and is clearly a fan of her art, great interview..nicely filmed also

[@daniellohnes7802]

NPR setting the bar again with an intelligent, engaging and honest interview. Alicia is so natural and forthcoming. She has really come into her element.

[@momosoulfulworldasmr]

this interviewer is very intellectual. i like interviewer who challenges the artists.

[@ghaffir]

Oh God why don't we have more journalists like him. He is awesome.

[@Charliejulietteromeo]

Funny, a composer once told me music is "mathematical". Having a jazz musician as a father, it was a difficult concept to understand. But, I was indeed intrigued. Never heard it again until watching this video! Thanks for posting NPR

[@nokuthulachirwa9881]

Love this gentleman's interviewing style, he knows how to have a natural conversation instead of a random number of interogative questions...refreshing.

[@nokuthulachirwa9881]

Lol, wouldn't have made this comment if I'd known so many people had made it so eloquently. Anyway, taking up space.

[@cicci0salsicci0]

What an artist! What a woman!

[@ssyippee]

Boi - your ignorance and fear are showing big time...

[@arnoldles858]

My favorite part was when they examined that empire state of mind song. I wish they focused on it more, there are sooo many questions i have about that record. We have not had a song as good as that in a looong time. But solid interview. Alicia is one of those human beings you want to sit down and just chop it up with there is a wealth of information to gain from her

[@talkativenatasha]

Alicia Keys is a legend, like why don't people understand!!

[@stopthistrain14]

love Alicia, love the interviewer, such a fantastic interview. So honest and warm. Wish we had more of this everywhere

[@knutroald5332]

Tiny desk concert with Alicia anytime soon?....please!

[@linolafettatnet]

Tiny desk with Alicia Keys is now released :)

[@knutroald5332]

linolafettatnet big thanks for the tip👋🏼😌

[@linolafettatnet]

@@knutroald5332 You are welcome :) Enjoy the music :)

[@Tsomy]

Your wish has been granted

[@paulabrown6840]

She’s an angel on earth.

[@azristbach2382]

This is the kind of interview that I really like watching. So raw and intelligent.

[@homiefromfl]

I've loved Alicia Keys for years and years. But this interview has me fallin' in love with her all over again.... geeeeeez... :O

[@marcosmota1094]

Probably the most intimate and deepest interview that we will ever see. Great job all around. /¶

[@Skywalkers-vt5pm]

I’m totally blown away. Keys conservative/RNB approach by keeping the piano alive and creating rather than computer generating melodies is beyond compare. True trademarks of a prodigy 👍🏼🔥

[@AnaaSophiiaa]

this is one of the best interviews ever!

[@NeonThoughtBox]

This was amazing. I really have to give Alicia Keys credit for tearing me away from a country music saturated environment and giving me a broad view of what R&B could be.

[@josuecordero9]

holy shit that final part when alicia sing i need a full performance pls is not something that i want, is something that i need!!!

[@khôngNothing]

I first heard her on Empire State of Mind when it first released, then her tributes to Jay Z and Tupac, then Holy War, and now I am writing this comment as I watch and listen to her talk. WOW. She is amazing in every way.

[@kaitlynnehira6081]

Such an inspiring person. So much intelligience, she's been through a lot and she deserves all of her success. All hail the queen 😍😍

[@maverik15j]

Wonderful interviewer.

[@Capcity44]

Fallin' always reminded me of James Brown's Man's Man's World. I came to appreciate Alicia Keys later than I should have.

[@KuyaJayTV12]

Freeman Burgess she used a sample of A Man’s Man’s World on Fallin.

[@Mauti84]

As a Brazilian who just came back from NYC I could figure it out that the song is not only about New York (despite of the fact that the chorus keeps repeating the name of the city). "Empire State Of Mind" really speaks for itself, it is a song about HOPE to do whatever you have to do to feel "brand new" and "inspired" "Empire State" meaning the metaphor of bigness. Loved so much that she validated my perspective in this amazing interview. So much love for Alicia and for her brave spirit of putting out great songs and for pursuing her dream (over college lol). Oh this is lovely!

[@PuKoh]

I like her so much more with out all the makeup. She's like a real person. She's got actual talent she doesn't need to cover her up. Unlike most of other singers who are only a mouth piece.

[@Ashnesss]

Pu Koh It's the way she presents herself and she makes sure that the topic is mostly about her music. She does talk about her family but not as much. She sees her career as work and treats it like work. That's why she seems different. The others can do it too but they choose not to. Also, she has kept her relationships private or away from public scrutiny. That's why she's known for her music. She doesn't do loud and over the top performances either. Everything adds up and gives us a certain image of her. This is obviously how she wants to be known and seen. If she wanted a different public image, she would've made different decisions.

[@patrickpolite8450]

Alicia Keys my God. I love, love, love everything about this Super Woman. Her music speaks to my soul. I got teary eyed watching this interview.

[@muminahq]

Whole interview wonderful but The END, her voice that piano and that soul!!! Chills... Alicia's voice has always had soulful nuances that strike me deep and personally, forever love her 😍 💛

[@mydreamsisvivid]

Omg it’s inspiring hearing her talking about learning piano and playing piano being that I’m learning it now. Giving me so much hope

[@miracleshappen4483]

This woman is both incredibly talented and naturally beautiful! Listening to her songs is like listening to an angel: thank you for enlightening our existence with your great voice and music.

[@thunter6923]

perfect interview, great tone, connection,energy, and authenticity.

[@cerimccoy]

Very genuine and gifted musician in the true sense of the word.

[@Yoyozworld19]

What a great journalist, focused on the art and the music.

[@villagekev]

I'm not the biggest fan of her discography overall, but it's undeniable to me that "If I Ain't Got You" is a timeless, classic gem.

[@leiaabiador7409]

what a quality interview. my heart was so full throughout the whole time.

[@maninblack9271]

the only reason I like alicia so much is her ORIGINALITY. Other performers would sell out themselves, change their identity, but Alicia maintains her ORIGINALITY.

[@evaaller4406]

14:50 the signature Alicia vocols that I love

[@gaoyang4510]

Please make more interviews like this. I love, love, love the music, but the story, emotions, and process to create is just as good. Please, please, please make more!!!!

[@flua1508]

I love this - thank you for doing that interview and putting it here!! She is just phenomenal inside and out - so impressed with her openness and her spirit!!

[@mydreamsisvivid]

I loveeeee her story with the piano.....so inspiring to a young pianist

[@WhenSaraiSpeaksUListen]

This is a amazing interview. Reminds me of the classic interviews when it was focus STRICTLY on the art and nothing more. What was the book he mentioned in the interview? I may go back and watch it again but I just wanted to ask.

[@FreeSoul76]

I love Alicia keys ❤

[@jiztel]

one of the best interviews and interviewer and interviewee I've ever seen

[@skabossJ]

Boi Wonder You're better than that man.

[@sophritoh]

Boi Wonder not her fault she was born mixed...lol

[@jiztel]

childish as hell. that's why some people doesn't recieve the blessings they potentially deserve because they do wrong in life

[@HomeOfTheBRAVE.]

One of the greatest in musics history, my personal favorite female singer of all times

[@joywing8]

You can really tell that she’s all about the music. ❤️

[@mjamal2467]

So glad I stumbled onto this. I always felt Alicia is one of those truly unique, FOR REAL artists out there... now this interview shed more light on that. Amazing. In one way it reminds of me of Lauryn Hill, one of my favorite artists too and so love how she slipped into 'what mainstream media' expected off her then did something that's totally her

[@marike1100]

Lauryn Hill isn't even in music anymore, she's washed up. What was that about leagues?

[@marike1100]

***** lol, Hill made millions from the "corrupt" music industry, but don't rewrite history, she didn't drop out, she still got paid, just refused to pay taxes, even went to prison for tax evasion. When she released a comeback song in 2008, it was terrible. She did festivals but they didn't go well. She was difficult and erratic, even her bandmates in the Fugees couldn't stand to work with her. But she has a moment back in the day. Keys is a 15 Grammy winner, total package singer/songwriter/pianist, she's a philanthropist and activist. Not sure why anyone would want to bad mouth Keys, but welcome to the internet.

[@jlaurenk]

M Jamal I've always been saying that she's the modern day Lauryn!! Especially her latest album has so many similar vibes.

[@mjamal2467]

Yesss. I mean, lyrically Lauryn is on a whole other level in her own league.. still, these days there's so few artists that sing with soul. Which reminds me, last week I was hitting replay on Mary J Blige's "911" -- I remember when that first came out, songs with soul leave a memory imprint

[@marike1100]

"So few artists who sing with soul"? What now? Never heard of Frank Ocean, Anderson .Paak, Gary Clark Jr, Esperanza Spalding, Janelle Monae, and a whole bunch of other artists I'm too lazy to type?

[@hattiecolley54]

Wonderful. What a bright spirit. I just luv her talent, spirit her reason and her natural ability to show up. The interviewer is very professional. U both make me really proud.

[@whatihavetogive]

Somebody, please! Where can I get the full recording of that performance of "Hallelujah" that was played at the end!?!? Please release it!! My God!

[@jamesheath7601]

I could listen to her talk all day

[@ardee4798]

In depth, great interview. Excellent questions! Alicia Keys, so down to earth. Love her! ❤️

[@juniejune3892]

To see The most high get praised wholeheartedly like this makes the Tribulations all worth it

[@rossrutherford823]

Keys is one of the true genuine musicians who has broken into the stratosphere of mainstream music. Classically trained. True to her sound. Uses her celebrity to bring attention to meaningful causes.

[@MichaelNwah]

“I like to keep meeting myself”. This woman! Beautiful all round.

[@ramij429]

So intelligent so gifted!what a woman!i love her❤️❤️

[@talon3684]

Nothing like stories behind the music & deep dives into the artist & their artistry. I never get tired of it. With the fast food music & microwaveable music out there, never get tired of the real y'all. Inspiration forever lives within it. 💓

[@joaomarcosdeoliveiracavalc4645]

I just loved the way she is conscious of herself, her music, and her life. The interviewer also was amazing

[@HenrikJohnsen0]

Its rear i see this good of a interview in music. A conversation, not a monologue, about many aspects of music tied back to the artists view and stories.

[@jiztel]

this was absolutely wonderful interview!!!!

[@ralaby72]

best interview I've ever seen. humble, honest and completely natural. very impressed :)

[@lw2967]

She's Awesome and true to her self. LOVE Alicia Keys.So Soulful sings from her heart.and she just gets better and better. God Bless her and her family.

[@RD-zj6vc]

That synthesizer over her right shoulder looks amazing. Now I have to lustily peruse the Moog website.

[@aloysiusballard]

Great conversation and capturing of the moment to all involved.

[@colevern7002]

Boi Wonder Damn son! Bitter af

[@djmindlessryan]

BEAUTIFUL INTERVIEW... I LOVE THE STORY BEHIND THE MUSIC.. AND ALICIA LOOKS AMAZING LIKE THIS

[@Ekis86]

Wow! She looks so beautiful in this interview! I've always loved the natural look of women but man, she looks better than ever with this.

[@Ekis86]

Made that comment after watching one minute. Now I've watched the whole interview, and now I'm in love.

[@shatterstar913]

Thanks for allowing us to get to know Alicia Keys a bit more! She's really down to earth. Great interview.

[@elsiedjabi2500]

This interview was incredible ❤️

[@Tomatofury]

Props to the interviewer

[@lizardlips29]

LOVE Alicia Keys! My queen! This was the best interview of her I have ever watched! So relaxed and real!

[@mxonov]

Amazing Alicia Keys 🎤🎹🎶♥️true artist, classic, soulful and authentic. Beautiful inside out. So much love! Really great interview with so much substance & depth. Love her even more 😍😍

[@relebohilentsabane5877]

This was such a beautiful and organic interview. Thank you.

[@TamImBlessed]

I always don't get tired of watching Alicia

[@cascreed6386]

It's 4:30 in the afternoon where I'm at, but these two made me smile for the first time today ❤ thank God for Black Excellence!!

[@savvysista14]

Wow!! Great interviewer and Alicia is lovely. Such a humble person. Keep going girl :)

[@devonmartinez1857]

Watched the whole video just to be brought to tears in the last 1:30

[@Yoyozworld19]

I think she was genuinely enjoying the interviewer’s questions. There was an actually rapport between them.

[@xoliswasithole2849]

this is a beautiful interview and a smart black brother doing this too

[@BrentStrathdeePehi]

Awesome interview. She’s a real sweetheart 😊

[@ascensionlight3125]

this was a really great interview ! thank you

[@virgilacevedo]

Great interview. She is adorable.

[@AVAlon199115]

This interview has gotten me head over heels ❤

[@McCMaddie]

such a well done interview - my compliments!

[@Fourth4Element]

She adds incredible energy and emotion when she sings 🎵🎵🎵

[@Gawagidi]

Natural honesty. Love it.

[@heinrichharrer82]

Her music matches her looks, just naturally beautiful

[@halcyonhour]

This is amazing. Thanks NPR