“Empire State of Mind” is a 2009 song by rapper Jay-Z and singer Alicia Keys. It was released as the third single from Jay-Z’s 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3, and was a commercial success, topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for five weeks. The song is an ode to New York City, and has become an anthem for the city and its inhabitants. It has been covered and remixed by many artists, and has been used in numerous films, television shows, and commercials.
Overview of “Empire State of Mind”
“Empire State of Mind” is a hip-hop anthem that celebrates the cultural and economic vibrancy of New York City. The song is a duet between Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, with Keys providing the chorus and Jay-Z providing the verses. The song is built around a sample of “Love on a Two-Way Street” by The Moments, and features a chorus sung by Keys with the lyrics “In New York, Concrete jungle where dreams are made of/ There’s nothing you can’t do, now you’re in New York.” The song celebrates New York City’s diversity and energy, and speaks to the resilience of its people.
Full Lyrics of the Song
Verse 1: