Alicia Keys is the latest singer to add her mix into the robust lineup of songs from Empire.
Keys guest stars on next week’s episode (“Sinned Against”) as Skye Summers, a pop singer who forms a “deep connection” with Jamal (Jussie Smollett). The two collaborate on a duet called “Powerful,” which touches on the issue of racial justice, and heralds the power of the everyday man. “There’s so much strength in you and me… Change comes when we all take a stand,” sing Keys and Smollett.
Listen to “Powerful” below:
“From women’s rights to gay rights, there’s always an underlying theme,” Keys tells ESSENCE. “James Baldwin said, ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.'”
The song is featured on Empire: Original Soundtrack, Season 2 Volume 1, which is in stores this Friday, November 20th. The soundtrack is produced by Timbaland, NE-YO, J.R. Rotem and Swizz Beatz.
Keys is also championing the fight against mass incarceration with the #cut50 movement to ask President Obama to sign a bill for justice reform. Click here to add your voice.
