Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys Complex

Alicia Keys is on the latest cover of Complex magazine, and the headline is "Quiet Storm." In the interview, Keys discusses her feelings toward Frank Ocean, who co-wrote “One Thing,” a song on her new album, and relationships.

Back in July, Ocean, an R & B artist, wrote a letter to his fans, and discussed his sexuality, revealing that he is gay.

Keys spoke about her admiration for him to have the courage to openly discuss his sexuality while immersed in the hip hop world which tends to promote hyper-masculinity.

“That was super brave and I’m so glad that he wrote it,” Keys told Complex. “He is the voice for so many people. We’re all boxed in to these stupid things that we’re taught is the way we’re supposed to be and it’s so ridiculous.

There are so many people that need a champion to assure them that no matter who you are, you are a beautiful person. That doesn’t change the fact that you’re talented or intelligent. Thank God that we have come to this place where we can actually know and be more open to the fact that people come in all different ways. And that’s great because it’s a very boring world otherwise,” she went on to say.

Keys is currently married to artist Swiss Beatz and dealt with controversy, initially being labeled a ‘homewrecker’ for allegedly dealing with him while he was married to fellow artist Mashonda. Complex asked her about relationships and how to can stay out of trouble.

“It’s real easy,” she said. “You stay outta the doghouse by not being a dog. You know what to do. That’s it. Life is real easy. You know what the key is? Honesty.”

But she also admitted that telling the truth is not always so simple. “OK, honesty isn’t easy. Honesty can be hurtful. It can be painful. It can be difficult. But honesty makes things easier. ’Cause then you don’t have to go back and do all types of other [expletive]. It’s just better. Trust me.”

Read the rest of her interview with Complex magazine here.

RELATED STORIES