Succinctly put, “Empire State of Mind” is recognized as a modern-day anthem for New York City. Both Jay-Z (Brooklyn) and Alicia Keys (Harlem) are New York City natives, and they teamed up on this track to represent their hometown.

The Blueprint 3 ’s third single is a love song to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ home city of New York, which is also known as “the Empire State.” The title alludes to the Billy Joel ballad, “New York State of Mind,” and Nas ‘ “N.Y. State of Mind.”

Mary J. Blige was also considered for the part, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard the song’s piano loop. “Empire State of Mind” contains songwriting contributions from Keys and Shux. The song was described by critics as an “orchestral rap ballad” with “crashing piano chords” and a “soaring” hook.

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. Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor.

The music video was directed by frequent Jay-Z collaborator Hype Williams. It was filmed on October 1, 2009 in various locations around New York City, including Times Square, Brooklyn, TriBeCa, Harlem, Yankee Stadium and Ground Zero. It is a masterpiece video.

With Keys’ “Empire State of Mind” chorus making the Top 10 in Billboard’s list of the 100 greatest choruses of the 21st century, the singer-songwriter shared her thoughts on the meaning of the song, and its sing-along centerpiece. “When we first finished ‘Empire,’ we all wondered if it would be too ‘New York,’” Keys tells Billboard in an email.

This is a soulfully soaring solo sequel to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys hometown anthem, ” Empire State of Mind .” Jay-Z was originally scheduled to contribute a new verse to the remake but the rapper does not appear on the final version.