More Myself by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys' "More Myself": Unveiling the Woman Behind the Music

In her passionate and deeply honest memoir, More Myself: A Journey, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and activist Alicia Keys reveals the life behind her iconic music career, her childhood, and her personal relationships. If you’re an audiobook enthusiast, More Myself is a must-listen. Trust me—download it ASAP. But more on that later.

Describing herself as “a piano prodigy in cornrows, mixing classical music with hip-hop beats and bass lines alongside a dash of gospel,” Keys takes readers on an intimate exploration of her personal and professional journey. She defines her memoir as “the honest journey of how I found my way to becoming who I am, as opposed to being what I’ve been told to be.” As a listener, this intention behind her writing was refreshing and apparent.

The book opens with a candid look at her childhood, beginning at age seven, and traces her path to global stardom—including the uncomfortable and defining moments along the way. She reflects on her father’s absence during her formative years and the emotional toll it took on her sense of identity and self-worth. One of the most searing memories comes when she recalls being only 19 years old and manipulated into posing provocatively for her first magazine cover shoot—an experience that left her feeling stripped of her power and agency. In a pivotal moment of resilience, she writes, “I swear that I will never again let someone rob me of my power.”

With unflinching honesty, More Myself chronicles Keys’ journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment, offering a raw and reflective account of her struggles, triumphs, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way.

---

Roots and Rising Fame

Keys opens with memories of her early life, growing up in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen, raised by her determined mother with limited involvement from her biological father. She recounts how this upbringing shaped her fierce independence and grounded values, driving her toward a career fueled by passion rather than conformity.

From the release of her groundbreaking debut album, Songs in A Minor, which sold more than 16 million copies worldwide, Keys shares how she defied industry stereotypes. Record label executives struggled to categorize her sound—a unique fusion of classical piano, R&B, hip-hop, and soul. “A record label is a marketing machine,” she reflects. “Behind its doors, fledgling artists are crafted into whatever image the label’s execs think they can sell.” Refusing to compromise her authenticity, Keys navigated industry pressures and emerged as a global sensation on her own terms, without feeling the need to strip herself bare in front of the lens as was all too common, at the time.

---

The Creative Process and Collaborations

Keys takes readers deep into her music-making process, celebrating the collaborators and creative forces that helped shape her signature sound. She reflects on intimate songwriting sessions and unforgettable studio moments that defined her most iconic tracks, including Songs in A Minor, The Diary of Alicia Keys, and beyond. Each chapter resonates with the rhythm of her evolving artistry, making it nearly impossible for readers not to cue up her music while reading.

One of the most powerful stories comes from the creation of "Fallin’", the chart-topping single that catapulted Keys into global stardom. She recalls composing the song alone at her piano, channeling the emotional push and pull of love into its haunting melody. The song's layered sound—a blend of classical piano riffs and raw soul vocals—was initially met with uncertainty from record executives, who questioned its commercial viability. Against industry advice, she insisted on keeping the track authentic, trusting her artistic instincts—a bold decision that paid off when Songs in A Minor sold millions of copies worldwide.

Similarly, "If I Ain’t Got You", a deeply personal anthem from The Diary of Alicia Keys, emerged during one of the most emotional periods of her life. Written shortly after the death of R&B icon Aaliyah, the song reflects on love, loss, and what truly matters in life. Keys recounts how the lyrics poured out of her during a spontaneous writing session, capturing an intensity she couldn't hold back. Working closely with producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, she crafted a timeless ballad that has since become one of her defining tracks.

"No One", a global hit from As I Am, also has its roots in collaboration and creative synergy. Keys recounts working closely with her production team, infusing the track with an uplifting, almost spiritual energy that spoke to resilience and unconditional love. She credits the track’s anthemic sound to a collective creative effort, emphasizing how deeply personal stories can transform into universal messages when paired with the right collaborators.

Throughout More Myself, Keys also highlights lesser-known collaborators who influenced her behind the scenes, including engineers, co-writers, and vocal coaches. She stresses the importance of honoring the creative community that helped refine her vision, acknowledging that even solo artists need a trusted team to bring their musical dreams to life.

By sharing these behind-the-scenes stories, Keys reveals that her artistry is as much about collaboration as it is about individual expression. Her willingness to stay true to her musical identity while embracing creative partnerships has been a cornerstone of her success—proof that authentic artistry thrives when passion and purpose align.

---

A Love Story Rooted in Creativity and Respect: Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz

In More Myself: A Journey, Alicia Keys offers a deeply personal glimpse into her relationship with producer and artist Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean), sharing a love story built on mutual respect, creativity, and personal growth. Their journey from acquaintances to soulmates unfolds with warmth, humor, and vulnerability, providing a refreshing balance to the intensity of Keys’ career-driven narrative.

Keys and Swizz Beatz first met as teenagers in the late 1990s through the tight-knit music scene in New York City. At the time, she admits she wasn’t immediately impressed—to put it lightly. In fact, she found him flashy, overly confident, and driven by what she perceived as materialistic ambitions—qualities she couldn’t relate to as someone intensely focused on honing her craft. “He was so over the top,” she writes, recalling their early encounters.

However, fate kept bringing them together through mutual industry collaborations. Years later, during a studio session, she saw a new side of Swizz—a creative visionary with an infectious energy and passion for music that mirrored her own. His boundless enthusiasm and artistic fearlessness gradually won her over. “He challenged me in ways no one else ever did,” she reflects, noting how he pushed her to think bigger, dream bolder, and embrace creativity without limits.

Keys recounts some of the most defining milestones of their relationship, including Swizz’s unforgettable birthday surprise: flying her closest friends and family to an exotic island for an epic celebration. This over-the-top gesture might seem extravagant, but for Keys, it symbolized Swizz’s love for creating magical, joy-filled experiences for the people he cares about.

The couple’s shared commitment to family shines through as Keys recounts the births of their two sons, Egypt and Genesis. She lovingly describes Swizz as a devoted father and partner who brought stability and joy into her life when she needed it most. Their marriage also includes the creation of a blended family with Swizz’s children from previous relationships, a dynamic she approaches with love, acceptance, and gratitude. “We are stronger together because we are committed to being a family in every sense of the word,” she writes.

Their shared passion for creativity extends beyond music. Both Keys and Swizz are avid art collectors and philanthropists, supporting emerging artists and launching community initiatives. They even co-created the Dean Collection, a philanthropic project that promotes young artists and hosts cultural events worldwide. Their partnership is not only rooted in personal love but also in their mutual desire to inspire and uplift others.

Through her intimate recollections, Keys paints a portrait of a relationship centered on trust, shared dreams, and continuous growth. She acknowledges that blending a family and balancing demanding careers isn’t without its challenges, but her story is one of unconditional love, patience, and unwavering support.

In More Myself, Alicia Keys doesn’t just tell a celebrity love story—she reveals a partnership defined by mutual respect, creative synergy, and a shared mission to live with purpose. Their journey reminds readers that real love is about acceptance, evolution, and building something greater together than either could achieve alone.

---

Activism and Purpose

Keys’ journey extends beyond music into activism. She discusses founding the nonprofit organization Keep a Child Alive, which supports families affected by HIV/AIDS, and launching initiatives that promote social justice and equality. Her advocacy is fueled by her belief that art and activism are inseparable—a commitment reflected in her music and public life.

---

The Audiobook Experience: More Myself: A Journey by Alicia Keys

Now, while this is a review of the book itself, listening to More Myself: A Journey in audiobook format elevates the memoir into a deeply personal and immersive experience. Narrated by Alicia Keys herself, the audiobook feels like an intimate conversation, where she speaks directly to the listener with warmth, sincerity, and passion. Her signature voice, both soothing and powerful, brings her story to life in a way that resonates on a deeply emotional level.

The audiobook also features special guest appearances from influential voices in Keys’ life, including Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, Michelle Obama, and her husband Swizz Beatz. Their reflections add dynamic layers to the narrative, offering unique perspectives on pivotal moments in Keys' journey. These personal contributions make the audiobook feel like a collaborative storytelling event, blending memoir and audio documentary in a seamless, engaging format.

One of the most captivating aspects of the audiobook is how it integrates music into the storytelling. Throughout the chapters, Keys references iconic songs from her career, which often serve as thematic anchors for life-changing experiences. Her voice carries the same intensity and emotion that fans recognize from her music, transforming reflective passages into lyrical confessions. The rhythm and cadence of her storytelling mimic the flow of a carefully composed album, making the audiobook as much a musical experience as it is a literary one.

---

An Intimate, Inspiring Narrative

Told in a conversational, reflective tone, More Myself unveils the woman behind the microphone, showcasing her struggles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. Kirkus Reviews and Rolling Stone named it one of the Best Music Books of 2020, praising its energetic and revealing portrayal of a modern music icon.

Whether you’ve followed Alicia Keys’ career from her early hits or are discovering her story for the first time, More Myself delivers a compelling and personal narrative that celebrates creativity, self-worth, and the courage to embrace your true self—on and off the stage.