Alicia Keys Hops on the Bandwagon and Nabs Drake For Her Album

Alicia Keys’ longtime producer Kerry “Krucial” Brothers’ tweets that the Superwoman and it-boy Drake are collaborating on a song on Alicia’s new (and long-delayed) album Element of Freedom. Tweets Brothers, “Wow this new Ak and Drake is fire!” The countdown begins to the inevitable leak—is this going to be the track to rescue Ms. Keys’ chart prospects?

A hit with Alicia would certainly round out Drake’s year – his song “Best I Ever Had” peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100; he’s on everyone’s short list when it comes time to pick album guests, following work with Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne; his profile continues rising with this nice little write-up in GQ (with Wale and Kid Cudi); and he was even rumored to be dating Rihanna for awhile (though both deny any relationship). Male breakout star of 09, much?

But as big as he’s getting in the hip-hop community, you wonder if he’ll ever shake memories (or would want to) of his performance as “Wheelchair Jimmy” from Canadian teen soap Degrassi: The Next Generation. Let’s take a trip down memory lane for a breather, shall we?

Besides the Drake collaboration, there’s a lot to look forward to on Keys’ Element of Freedom, including  a sequel to “Empire State of Mind” (titled, presumably, “Empire State of Mind II”) featuring a new verse from Jay-Z.

Sequels to movies are expected, but a song? Rare, but we kind of love it – we’re guessing Keys’ piano will make it a more laid back, soothing track than its arms-waving predecessor, so depending on what kind of mood you’re in, you’ll be covered.

With Jay-Z and Alicia sharing “Empire State of Mind” on their albums, along with Lady Gaga and Beyoncé both releasing duets on  their respective albums, there’s a helluva lot of cross-promotion happening. Smart move to link up with other acts to build up your audience – strength in numbers, people! Can’t take any chances in this economy, can ya?