Jay_z_empire_state_of_mind_ft_alicia_keys May 2026

: It joined the ranks of Frank Sinatra’s "New York, New York" and Billy Joel’s "New York State of Mind" as a definitive tribute to the city.

: Initially, Jay-Z wasn't interested, but after the track was reworked with a sample of Isaac Hayes' "Love on a Two-Way Street," he saw its potential. Perfecting the Hook jay_z_empire_state_of_mind_ft_alicia_keys

: Her powerful delivery became the song's heartbeat, leading her to later release "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down," a solo, piano-driven version. A Cultural Phenomenon : It joined the ranks of Frank Sinatra’s

: She had to record the hook multiple times to capture the soaring, anthemic feel he wanted. A Cultural Phenomenon : She had to record

The song didn't actually start in a New York studio. It was written in London during February 2009 by Angela Hunte and Jane't "Janyce" Sewell-Ulepic.

When Alicia Keys was brought in for the chorus, the process wasn't instant magic.