R+b superstar Alicia Keys can understand why she was labelled a lesbian at the beginning of her career - because she was "rough around the ages".

The singer's sexuality was the subject of much speculation after the release of her 2001 debut album Songs In A Minor.

Keys is adamant she isn't gay but realises her appearance and attitude may have led people to draw their own conclusions.

She says, "I was definitely rough around the edges. I look back at certain interviews and I'm like, 'Damn! Did I have to look that hard? Did I have to do my hair that way?'"

"I could see why people couldn't see the diamond in the rough. I didn't take it to heart. I know what I am. I know it's not true."