Mathew Knowles Explains Why Alicia Keys & Beyonce’s ‘Put It in a Love Song’ Music Video Was Never Released [Watch]

In 2009, the biggest R&B divas in the world – Alicia Keys and Beyonce – shocked their respective fan bases with a report they not only joined forces for a duet but would also treat the tune to an official music video.

Titled ‘Put It In a Love Song,’ the amply teased, Swizz Beatz-produced bop – found aboard Keys’ ‘Element of Freedom‘ album – saw buzz around the arrival of its accompanying visual reach a feverish pitch before suddenly both of its performers moved on promoting their respective eras with no mention of the clip’s delivery date.

Over the nearly 20 years that followed, Alicia has repeatedly suggested the video may see the light of day aboard some commemorative project released in the future.

This week, Mathew Knowles – Bey’s father and manager at the time – unveiled additional insight as to why fans haven’t seen the ‘Love Song’ clip in full.

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Taking to the latest episode of Carlos King‘s ‘Reality with the King’ podcast, Knowles dished on everything from his inspiring career as a music manager and businessman to the success of his daughters Beyonce and Solange and more.

When unexpectedly quizzed about the status of Bey’s shelved ‘Love Song’ video with Keys, Mathew gave a surprising response.

“They were in the projects, hood, ghetto in Rio, and Sony Records hadn’t paid the gangsters. They had to be helicoptered out of there,” the 73-year-old shared (as seen in the video above).

Directed by Melina Matsoukas, the visual – filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – was still reportedly finished despite the interruption Mathew alluded to in his recent conversation with King.

As to if it will ever be released for the public, the answer is still unknown.

See the full King-Knowles interview here.