Alicia Keys is celebrating being an independent artist after being with her former label for 20 years. The American singer who has been on a press run for her latest offering ‘Keys,’ which is the eighth album on her list, has been candid about various moments in her career, including her highs and lows with her record label. Now, more than two decades into her career, she is an independent artist free from her contractual obligations to her longtime label home, Sony.
Keys’ husband Swizz Beatz took to Instagram to reveal his wife’s latest independence saying,
“Congrats my Love this is Big Big Big News and you deserve it to the MAX! 20yrs of greatness! 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 women around the world !!!!”
While on Sony, Keys dropped her debut album ‘Songs in A Minor’ on the label. Four of her first five albums, including a 2005 Unplugged album, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 2020, she was crowned by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as the most certified female R&B act of the millennium, with 20 million certified albums and 27.5 million singles.
Alicia Keys has remained an R&B mainstay since her 2001 Grammy Award-winning debut “Songs In A Minor”. Throughout her history on a major, Keys has been a force, delivering No. 1 hits and chart-topping albums.