(ThyBlackMan.com) Alicia Keys tells EBONY she doesn’t believe in being “flawless,” yet on the set of the September Issue shoot, the 15-time Grammy® Award-winning music artist, philanthropist and judge on the new season of NBC’s The Voice proves she’s still a girl on fire. The fresh-faced star posed perfectly in futuristic attire while maintaining her dedication to the #nomakeup movement.
In our exclusive interview, the incomparable entertainer updates us on her upcoming and highly anticipated album. In addition to giving us insight into her career moves, she holds court on an assortment of hot-button topics, including raising Black boys in the era of 
#BlackLivesMatter.
“We are at a tipping point for major change. Senseless killings are outrageous and unacceptable. It’s like a slap in the face. It’s a constant reminder that our lives—our Black lives—are literally meaningless,” Alicia Keys tells our writer.
She also talks about self-confidence and the cruelty of social media. Her viewpoints are especially relevant as Twitter trolls attack the #blackgirlmagic of Olympians Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Simone Manuel.
“Alicia Keys is one of the artists I respect most because of her dedication to social justice and desire to go beyond lip service to make the world a better place,” says Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of Digital Editorial Kyra Kyles. “Her commentary on race, class and gender were illuminating, and she shared some sentiments with us that you will see few other places.”
The issue also reveals the winners of EBONY’s annual Beauty Awards and trendsetting tips from “It”-girl group Chole x Halle. Look out for coverage of actress Lupita Nyong’o, hip-hop icons De La Soul and the multitalented Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. And this edition would not be complete without one of EBONY’s favorite time-honored traditions, the HBCU Campus Queens.
We highlight over 50 of the lovely, talented and community-oriented young ladies who represent historically Black colleges and universities across the country. Check out our September issue on newsstands now, and visit EBONY.com for behind-the-scenes videos. Join the conversation on social media via #AliciaOnEbony
EBONY is the No. 1 source for an authoritative perspective on the multidimensional African-American community. The EBONY brand, including print and digital, reaches over 10.2 million readers monthly. Our media reflects the cross-section of Black America as delivered by our best thinkers, trendsetters, activists, celebrities and next-generation leaders. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. EBONY magazine is the heart, soul and pulse of Black America, and a catalyst for reflection and progression. Follow and engage with EBONY via @EbonyMag on Twitter, EbonyMag on Facebook, EbonyMag.Tumblr.com on Tumblr and EBONY.com on the Web. We are not “new Black” nor “old Black,” we are ALL Black.