How Alicia Keys turned pasties into a teachable moment

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Genesis, the 8-year-old son of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, recently received a lesson in anatomy from his multi-Grammy award-winning mom. 

In a video taken backstage during a recent concert of Keys’, Genesis expressed his displeasure with his mother’s stage wardrobe. Specifically, the R&B singer was wearing a long-sleeved, sheer and flowy crop top over heart-shaped pasties.

“Are you really going to do this, Mom?” Genesis asked. 

When Keys asked what was wrong, Genesis shared his concerns about the heart-shaped pasties. “So everybody can see your boobs,” he said.

Also Read:
Dwyane Wade recalls the moment he knew he needed to grow as a parent

When Keys attempted to explain that the pasties were there to prevent others from seeing her boobs, Genesis remained unconvinced, remarking, “I’ve never seen somebody do that.” Keys threw back, “Well, you’re only 8.” 

The singer-songwriter then attempted to demonstrate for her son how she would be covered, prompting him to suggest different choreography altogether. Eventually, Keys let him in on the fact that “boobs” are a natural part of human anatomy. 

“It’s not a big deal. It’s boobs. Everyone has boobs,” she said.  

Commenters responding to the now-viral video have been divided. While many found the exchange relatable and humorous, others pointed to the potential social dynamics at play. While one camp praised the boy for attempting to set standards of modesty, another considered it an example of how boys eventually grow up to be men who police women’s bodies. Meanwhile, several others praised Keys’ response to her son, patiently taking his concerns into consideration while discouraging him from body-shaming.

“What a great display of conscious parenting,” wrote one user. “‘It’s boobs, everybody has boobs.’ Right on sister. You taught him it’s okay to feel free and liberated in your own skin and body.”

Another user wrote, “It’s just boobs … I love that you teaching ‘em that so he doesn’t grow up over-sexualizing everything. I think it’s beautiful he spoke his mind, and also that you let ‘em know it’s just boobs.” 

Genesis is Keys’ youngest son with Swizz Beatz. The couple, who have been married since 2010, also share a 12-year-old son, Egypt.  

Also Read:
‘I still enjoy my own company’: ‘Today’ host Sheinelle Jones makes a case for the solo vacation

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. TheGrio’s Black Podcast Network is free too. Download theGrio mobile apps today! Listen to ‘Writing Black’ with Maiysha Kai.