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

When Alicia Keys was brought in for the chorus, the process wasn't instant magic. : It joined the ranks of Frank Sinatra’s

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: 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 🌟 : Her powerful delivery became the song's

: Hunte, who grew up in the same building as Jay-Z (560 State Street), sang the original demo vocals.

: The song is famously associated with the New York Yankees; Jay-Z performed it at the 2009 World Series, which many fans believe helped propel the team to victory.