Even though she had features on those soundtracks, nothing could ready her for the rocket her debut album, Songs In A Minor, would become. A year later, she had contributed songs to soundtracks such as Shaft and Dr. Alicia, then wrote and sang a song on the Men In Black soundtrack called, “ Dah Dee Dah (Sexy Thing).” Once ’99 was rang in, Alicia Keys was signed to J Records. She recorded “ The Little Drummer Girl” for So So Def’s Christmas album. Through Columbia Records, she entered a demo deal with Jermaine Dupri. After one of those performances in 1996, Jeff Robinson introduced her to future A&R rep, Peter Edge.Īfter graduating as valedictorian of her class at 16, Alicia Keys signed her first record deal with Columbia Records. Keys would also perform on street corners and various venues throughout the tri-state area. Robinson had her performing in clubs she wasn’t old enough to party in. While the world still had a ways to go before being formally introduced to the artist, Jeff Robinson, her manager, met her at an after school program. Her interest in songwriting and producing was piqued as she studied under a bold pianist, composer, and songwriter, Miss Aziza. By the mid-nineties, Alicia had majored in Choir at The Professional Performance Arts School in Manhattan.

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