Q&A; with Alicia Keys

With her first major film role and two books on the way, Alicia Keys is conquering new territory. But on Aug. 29 the soul princess of Queens will return to more familiar turf: performing with her piano at MTV's Video Music Awards.

You're set to star in a movie about Philippa Schuyler, a half-black, half-white classical pianist who grew up in New York City. That sounds like a stretch...

There are so many things I can relate to. But she grew up in the '30s and '40s, and to play classical music and be black was very, very difficult. I understand how it feels when you're trying to find your place and nobody wants to accept you. Also, I'm a sucker for period pieces.

Did you know your fans keep calling a minister in Georgia because his phone number is in one of your songs?

I feel terrible about it. I'm sure he's pretty upset at me. I'm sorry!

You're part of a group of hip-hop and R&B; artists pushing voter registration. Why are musicians all over this election?

For me, the most amazing thing about the '70s was how people were very vocal about social issues, especially writers and musicians. Creative people were the heartbeat of society. Since then, we've gotten away from that. It's inevitable that we go back to a time when musicians realize our power and utilize it for more than just our own self-preservation.

Is Usher your boo?

In that song [My Boo] he is. In real life? No.

Do you ever ride the subway anymore?

My next video takes place in the subway. That's the only way I can do it nowadays. I miss it. That's my foundation. At this point in my life, to do something so simple would just be kind of fun.