So I have been a little quiet over the last few days because I often like to listen to the chat at the watercooler and let it fully digest before I add my $0.02 USD into the fray. The intersection of several music related events have piqued my interest on how honest we are when it comes the early adoption of artists particularly those closely identified with “Black Music” and of course I use the quotes because that is a discussion for another day and blog entirely. (more…)

Alicia Keys – Unthinkable (I’m Ready) from Alicia Keys Media on Vimeo.

Wishing Ms. Keys the best of everything today on her birthday. Hard to believe that next year it will be a decade since the debut of her first hit single “Fallin’”. I think today is the day that wish to do a duet with Prince may come true. But for now we do have a clip of her singing this Prince classic.

A special shout out to the wonderful and beautiful ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. on their founder’s day.* Established January 15, 1908 at Howard University, Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest Greek letter organization established by African American college trained women.

Notable members include: Dr. Maya Angelou, author Bebe Moore Campbell, Olympic Bobsledder Vonetta Flowers, tennis pioneer Althea Gipson, Radio One CEO Catherine Hughes, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Phylicia Rashad, Jada Pinkett Smith and author/poet Sonia Sanchez.

Musical sorors include Ella Fitzgerald, Alicia Keys, Marian Anderson and the incomparable Gladys Knight. Enjoy the selections & more after the jump.

*Full Disclosure: My wife happens to be one of those wonderful, beautiful, fine women!

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New video from Alicia off her album, Element of Freedom: Deluxe Edition (Incl. Bonus Tracks + Bonus DVD) in stores tomorrow.

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Off the upcoming album, “The Element of Freedom”, in stores 12/1.

Looking and sounding as beautiful as ever, Alicia Keys performs the lead single off her upcoming album, The Element Of Freedom, in stores 12/1. You can also check out the now infamous MTV performance of “Empire State of Mind” after the jump.

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