“Empire State of Mind” is a song written by Angela Hunte and Jane’t “Jnay” Sewell-Ulepic and produced by American rapper Jay-Z, featuring vocals sung by American singer Alicia Keys. It was released as the third single from Jay-Z’s 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009), by his Roc Nation label in October 2009. The song was written as a tribute to both artists’ hometown, New York City, and features a music sample of “Love on a Two-Way Street” (1970), written by Sylvia Robinson and Bert Keyes and performed by The Moments. The following month they submitted the song to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, whose reviews were a discouragement. Following an incident that Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic describe as an omen, they took the suggestion of an associate of EMI Music Publishing and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who kept the “New York” singing part on the hook, changed the verses, and recorded it as a single.
The single was supposed to feature Hunte on the song’s hook, but when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked if they thought anyone else would be more appropriate for the chorus, Hunte suggested Keys. Mary J. Bligewas also considered for the part, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard the song’s piano loop. The song was viewed as being an “orchestral rap ballad” and has pop-rap musical styles. It contains references to various locations in New York and its famous residents, while describing the city’s essence. Profanity is present throughout the song and, although it is usually included during live performances, it was omitted during the performance at Game 2 of the 2009 World Series.
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