Keys denies gangsta rap comments

New York: Alicia Keys has denied saying Gangsta rap was a ploy to make black people murder each other.

She was attempting to clarify comments made in a recent magazine interview, and denied being a conspiracy theorist.

According to the May issue of Blender magazine, the singer says: '''Gangsta rap' was a ploy to convince black people to kill each other. 'Gangsta rap' didn't exist.''

She also is quoted as saying that she wears a gold AK-47 pendant around her neck ''to symbolize strength, power and killing 'em dead.''

A spokeswoman said the magazine was standing by its story.