Alicia Keys is more conscious of what she says than she used to be.

The soulful singer has faced public scrutiny for her relationship with rapper husband Swizz Beatz. Alicia recently publicly denied that she started dating him while he was still married to his former wife singer Mashonda Tifrere.

When she started in the industry Alicia had a reputation for being outspoken, but as she's aged she's realised she can keep some things to herself.

' absolutely still speak the truth as I see it, but the things I say are scrutinised,' Alicia told Q magazine. 'Before, I would blurt out whatever I felt, now, I'm more conscious of how to construct my words, but I will always speak the truth.'

Alicia married Swizz in Corsica last July and their son Egypt was born last October. She is focussing on her family at the moment, but still finds time for creative endeavours.

The 30-year-old has acted in films The Secret Life of Bees opposite Queen Latifah and The Nanny Diaries with Scarlett Johansson, but doesn't consider herself to be either a singing actress or an acting singer.

''m an artist,' she insisted. 'Artists can do it all. They can sing, write, direct, act and be beautiful photographers.

Barbra Streisand and Gordon Parks inspire me in their artistic diversity.'