Alicia Keys Speaks on Rumors in Uptown Magazine

This past year has been bit of a whirlwind for Alicia Keys.

She has collaborated with Jay-Z on the chart-topping single "Empire State of Mind"--including an electrifying pre-game World Series performance--and is currently enjoying her own hit record with "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" from her upcoming fourth studio album, The Element of Freedom.

In the forthcoming December '09/January '10 issue of Uptown, Keys discusses her professional and personal aspirations--from marriage, acting, music and gossip.

Keys addresses the rumors concerning her alleged affair with producer Swizz Beats, formerly married to singer Mashonda. "I felt I had to speak out about things and clear my name," she says. "But as time went on I realized it was a waste of energy. I think it's better to just keep things moving. People will take [your business] and run with it in whichever direction they choose."

Rumors aside, Keys is focusing on the positives in her life, such her charity work with the Keep a Child Alive foundation, and her new company AK Worldwide.

Her album, The Element of Freedom, will drop on December 15. --Caroline Acosta