Jay_z_empire_state_of_mind_ft_alicia_keys ✔

: Today, the song is still played at sporting events, graduations, and city celebrations, serving as a "unifying" hit for New Yorkers. If you want to explore more about the music , tell me: A specific lyric you'd like decoded ? Other New York anthems to compare? More on Jay-Z's business empire ?

: 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 jay_z_empire_state_of_mind_ft_alicia_keys

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

: She had to record the hook multiple times to capture the soaring, anthemic feel he wanted. More on Jay-Z's business empire

: Jay-Z reportedly felt Keys' first vocal takes didn't have the right "energy" for the track.

: Both songwriters were feeling deeply homesick for New York.

: 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