Alicia Keys Says “If I Ain’t Got You” Was Inspired By Aaliyah's Death

The R&B songstress reflects on the inspiration behind the 2003 single.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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It's been ten long years since the release of her debut album, Songs in A Minor, and R&B/soul singer Alicia Keys is reflecting on the inspiration behind one of her biggest hits, "If I Ain't Got You."

“The song idea came together right after Aaliyah passed away. It was such a sad time and no one wanted to believe it. It just made everything crystal clear to me—what matters, and what doesn’t,” said Mrs. Keys on the 2003 single off The Diary of Alicia Keys.

Alicia Keys will release the 10th anniversary edition of her breakthrough debut album on June 28. Watch the 6-minute EPK documentary which will be included in the two-disc deluxe edition album.


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