Alicia Keys Offers Theories On Tupac & B.I.G.‘s Deaths

Tags:

Music,TV One,Alicia Keys,Rappers
 
 

FIRST PUBLISHED: April 14, 2008 12:36 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: April 14, 2008 12:49 PM EDT

NEW YORK, New York --

There’s another side to Alicia Keys: conspiracy theorist.

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter tells Blender magazine: “‘Gangsta rap’ was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. ‘Gangsta rap’ didn’t exist.”

Keys, 27, said she’s read several Black Panther autobiographies and wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck “to symbolize strength, power and killing ‘em dead,” according to an interview in the magazine’s May issue, on newsstands Tuesday.

Another of her theories: That the bicoastal feud between slain rappers Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. was fueled “by the government and the media, to stop another great black leader from existing.”

Keys’ AK-47 jewelry came as a surprise to her mother, who is quoted as telling Blender: “She wears what? That doesn’t sound like Alicia.” Keys’ publicist, Theola Borden, said Keys was on vacation and unavailable for comment.

Though she’s known for her romantic tunes, she told Blender that she wants to write more political songs. If black leaders such as the late Black Panther Huey Newton “had the outlets our musicians have today, it’d be global. I have to figure out a way to do it myself,” she said.

The multiplatinum songstress behind the hits “Fallin”’ and “No One” most recently had success with her latest CD, “As I Am,” which sold millions.

Copyright 2009 by Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Keep your Access to everything in Hollywood! Breaking news and personal commentary from Nancy, Billy, Tony, Shaun, Maria & all of our producers! Follow us on and now!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What Do You Think?

How did Taylor Swift do as ‘SNL’ host?

  • Taylor Swift performs onstage at the ‘We’re All For The Hall’ benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame at the Sommet Center on October 13, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee
     
  • Taylor Swift attends the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on September 13, 2009 in New York City
     
  • Taylor Swift rocks out at the 17th Annual Country Thunder USA music festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on July 16, 2009
     
voteview results & comments