Usually when the duo performs the song, an overhead screen shows images of places in New York. "Empire State of Mind" has been performed by Jay-Z and Keys multiple times, including during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2009 American Music Awards.
In the song's music video, which is primarily in black-and-white, Jay-Z and Keys are shown performing the song in various locations in New York.
The song appeared in 2009 year-end charts in the U.S. The single was commercially successful in the United States, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, becoming Jay-Z's first number-one single on the chart as a lead artist. The track peaked within the top 10 in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy and Sweden. "Empire State of Mind" achieved commercial success worldwide. It was included in multiple critics top 10 list for the best songs of 2009, including Rolling Stone magazine's and the New York Times Template:'. Keys' vocal performance in the track as well as the song's lyrics have been commended by critics. "Empire State of Mind" has been praised by many contemporary music critics. Profanity is also present throughout the song, and although it is usually included during live performances, it was omitted during Jay-Z and Keys' performance at Game 2 of the 2009 World Series. It contains references to drugs, locations in New York as well as its famous residents, and describes the city's essence. The song was viewed as being an "orchestral rap ballad" and has pop-rap musical styles. Blige was also considered for Keys' part, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard the song's piano loop.
The track was suppose to feature Hunte on the song's hook, but when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked if they thought someone else would be more appropriate for the chorus, Hunte suggested Keys. Initially discouraged, the duo sent the song to Jay-Z after being suggested to by an associate of EMI, and after an incident which they described as an omen.Īfter hearing the song, Jay-Z immediately recorded it, having changed all of the verses, but keeping the hook. The following month they sent the song in for consideration at Roc Nation, but the song received negative reviews. The track was originally written after Brooklyn natives Angela Hunte and Jane't "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic were feeling homesick while on an overseas trip in February 2009. The song is an anthemic ode to both artists' native New York, and features a music sample of " Love on a Two-Way Street" (1970) by The Moments. It was released as the third single from Jay-Z's 11th studio album The Blueprint 3 (2009), from his Roc Nation label in October 2009. " Empire State of Mind" is a song by American rapper and hip hop artist Jay-Z, featuring vocals from R&B and soul singer Alicia Keys.
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