Empire State of Mind

2010-05-21T23:23:28Z

Swordsmankirby: /* Chart performance */ punctuation

{{Infobox Single 
| Name = Empire State of Mind
| Cover = Esom-single-cover.jpg
| Alt = An image of a white building shown at a slanted angle with three red lines coming across the image of the building. The words "Jay-Z", "Alicia Keys" and "Empire State of Mind" written in capital letters overlapping a black background can also be seen.
| Artist = [[Jay-Z]] featuring [[Alicia Keys]]
| Album = [[The Blueprint 3]]
| Released = October 20, 2009 (single)
| Format = [[Music download|Digital download]]
| Recorded = [[2009 in music|2009]]; Roc The Mic Studios, Oven Studios ([[New York City]], [[New York]])<ref name="linernotes"/>
| Genre = [[Hip hop]], [[contemporary R&B|R&B]]
| Length = 4:37
| Label = [[Roc Nation]], [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]]
| Writer = Janet Sewell, Angela Hunte, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Sylvia Robinson, Burt Keyes, Alicia Keys, [[Al Shux|Alexander Shuckburgh]]
| Producer = Alexander Shuckburgh
| Certification =
| Chronology = [[Jay-Z]] singles
| Last single = "[[Run This Town]]" (2009)
| This single = "'''Empire State of Mind'''" (2009)
| Next single = "[[On to the Next One]]" (2009)
| Misc = {{Extra chronology 2
| Artist = [[Alicia Keys]] singles
| Type = singles
| Last single = "[[Another Way to Die]]" (2008)
| This single = "'''Empire State of Mind'''" (2009)
| Next single = "[[Doesn't Mean Anything]]" (2009)
}}
}}

"'''Empire State of Mind'''" is a song by American rapper and [[hip hop]] artist [[Jay-Z]], featuring vocals from [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[Soul music|soul]] singer [[Alicia Keys]]. 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. The song is an anthemic ode to both artists' native [[New York]], and features a music [[Sampling (music)|sample]] of "[[Love on a Two-Way Street]]" (1970) by [[Ray, Goodman & Brown|The Moments]]. 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 following month they sent the song in for consideration at Roc Nation, but the song received negative reviews. Initially discouraged, the duo sent the song to Jay-Z after being suggested to by a associate of [[EMI]], and after an incident which they described as an omen.

After hearing the song, Jay-Z immediately recorded it, having changed all of the verses, but keeping the hook. 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. [[Mary J. Blige]] was also considered for Keys' part, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard the song's piano loop. The song was viewed as being a "orchestral rap ballad" and has pop-rap musical styles. It contains references to drugs, locations in New York as well as its famous residents, and describes the city's essence. 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]].

"Empire State of Mind" has been praised by many contemporary music critics. Keys' vocal performance in the track as well as the song's lyrics have been commended by critics. It was included in multiple critics top 10 list for the best songs of 2009, including [[Rolling Stone (magazine)|''Rolling Stone'' magazine]]'s and the ''[[New York Times]]''{{'}}. "Empire State of Mind" achieved commercial success worldwide. The track peaked within the top 10 in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy and Sweden. The single was commercially successful in the United States, peaking at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] for five consecutive weeks, becoming Jay-Z's first number-one single on the chart as a lead artist. The song appeared in 2009 year-end charts in the U.S. and Australia.

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. "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]]. Usually when the duo performs the song, an overhead screen shows images of places in New York. Keys has recorded a sequel to "Empire State of Mind" entitled "[[Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down]]", which is featured on her fourth studio album ''[[The Element of Freedom]]'' (2009). Keys' version was well received by critics and was commercially successful, although it was not as successful as its predecessor. Keys said that she chose to record her own version of "Empire State of Mind" because she wanted to express her own feelings about New York.

==Background and writing==
[[File:Times Square 1-2.JPG|thumb|left|230px|alt=A image of a busy intersection. People walking on nearby sidewalks and taxi cabs driving in the street can be seen, as well as tall buildings with advertisements on it reflecting bright lights. A dark sky can be seen in the background. |Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were inspired to write "Empire State of Mind" based on their everyday life in New York.]]

"Empire State of Mind" was originally created by singer-songwriter-producer Angela Hunte, a Brooklyn native, along with writing partner Jane't "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic. Hunte grew up in the same building where rapper and [[hip hop]] artist [[Jay-Z]] lived — 560 State Street, an address which is mentioned in the song, but they had never collaborated on a song before.<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief">{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/#/news/empire-state-of-mind-co-writer-in-disbelief-1004053103.story|title= 'Empire State of Mind' Co-writer In Disbelief Over Song's Success|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|date=11 December 2009|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|accessdate=20 December 2009}}</ref> The track's creation was inspired during a overseas trip Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic made to London in February 2009, both feeling homesick.<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> Hunte was sick during that summer while Sewell-Ulepic's mother was ill. Hunte recalls, "We said to ourselves, we complain so much about New York — about the busy streets, about the crowds and the pushing, about the subway system — but I would trade that for anything right now. Before we left the hotel that night, we knew we would write a song about our city."<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> Although they wrote the song as a simple way to voice their feelings for their hometown, they secretly sent it to the [[Roc Nation]] music label the following month in hopes that Jay-Z would like it and record it. When they received negative reviews about the track, they were convinced it would never be recorded.<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> However, in the summer of the same year, [[EMI]]'s Jon "Big Jon" Platt heard the track at a barbecue and fell in love with it, believing that "it would be perfect for Jay-Z".<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/>

Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were hesitant, though, being that they had sent the track for consideration already and were unsuccessful. According to Hunte, when a [[Notorious B.I.G.]] figure she kept by the computer fell as they played the track for Platt — a statue that had never moved before regardless of how loud they've blasted music — she realized it was an omen.<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> She commented, "We all just looked at each other like, if Biggie approves, then, send it to Jay". The next day, Platt sent it to Jay-Z and he "loved it and recorded it that night [for his 11th studio album ''The Blueprint 3'']".<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> Hunte recalls, "We were just so happy he wanted to honor our work and our production. Two female producers [and] writers, and for him as a rapper to take our song, that's not a combination you see a lot. For him to be so open-minded about it, we just couldn't be any more grateful and thankful."<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> Jay-Z ended up writing all new verses inspired from the original lyrics and leaving Hunte on the song's hook. However, when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked if they thought someone else would be more appropriate for the chorus, Hunte suggested [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[soul music|soul]] artist [[Alicia Keys]].<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/> Hunte said, "She's never done a record with him and she also has my same [[voice type|vocal tone]]. She made the song sound so close to the original. She just nailed it and brought it home. It was a great choice."<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/>

{{quote box|width=30%|quote="Obviously, I'm very grateful to him [Jay-Z] for reaching out to me and for that type of ability to represent my hometown, like, that was crazy. So we went to the studio. I went to the studio, and [...] I fell in love [with the song] from the jump."|source=Alicia Keys, [[MTV News]]<ref name="aliciakeysmtv1"/>}}

Jay-Z stated in an interview that after he first heard the track's piano loops, he immediately thought of Keys and wanted her to be featured on the song. Keys recalls, "There was a first phone call, and Jay hit me up like, 'I feel like I have this record that's going to be the anthem of New York.'"<ref name="aliciakeysmtv1">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625114/20091029/jay_z.jhtml|title=Alicia Keys 'Grateful' To Jay-Z For 'Empire State Of Mind'|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=29 October 2009|work=MTV|publisher=Viacom|accessdate=2010-05-19}}</ref> Jay-Z said that [[Mary J. Blige]] was initially considered for Keys' part on "Empire State Of Mind".<ref name="blige"/> He admitted that he was "two seconds away" from asking Blige to appear on the record's chorus, but said that the second choice for the track's vocals was Keys and that using Blige on the song would have been a safe move but said that the combination of Keys' sound and piano talent had struck a chord with him.<ref name="blige">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a204310/jay-z-keys-was-second-choice-on-empire.html |title=Jay-Z: 'Keys was second choice on Empire' |first=Marcell |last=Minaya |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=Digital Spy Limited |date=2010-02-20 |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref> In December 2009, Hunte, who would not reveal many details, said the original version of "Empire State of Mind" will one day be released, adding that, "The original is so powerful it's only a matter of time till you hear it down the line".<ref name="ConcepcionDisbelief"/>

==Composition==
{{Listen|filename=EmpireStateofMind-JayZ-AKeys.ogg|title="Empire State of Mind"|description=A 29-second sample of "Empire State of Mind" featuring Jay-Z rapping the last part of the second verse, and Alicia Keys singing the chorus. Jayson Rodriguez of ''MTV News'' felt that Keys "crooned" the lyrics to the song's hook.|format=[[Ogg]]}}
"Empire State of Mind" features rap verses from Jay-Z and vocals from Keys during the song's chorus, who is credited as a featured artist. It is an anthemic rap [[hip hop music|hip hop]] song with influences of [[electropop]] and [[Traditional pop music|orchestral pop]]. The track has also has pop-rap musical styles.<ref name="sheet"/> The song contains a [[Sampling (music)|music sample]] of the 1970 single "[[Love on a Two-Way Street]]" by the band [[Ray, Goodman & Brown|The Moments]],<ref name="othersample">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/column-chartbeat/chart-beat-thursday-bon-jovi-jay-z-bad-lieutenant-1004044507.story#/column-chartbeat/chart-beat-thursday-bon-jovi-jay-z-bad-lieutenant-1004044507.story |title=Chart Beat Thursday: Bon Jovi, Jay-Z, Bad Lieutenant|first=Gary |last=Trust |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |date=2009-11-19 |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref> the sample being the piano component that runs throughout the song. Throughout the song, Keys' [[vocal range]] changes from the register of A♯3 to C♯5.<ref name="sheet"/> The track is played in the [[key (music)|key]] of F♯ Major.<ref name="sheet"/> According to the sheet music published on Musicnotes.com by [[EMI|EMI Music Publishing]], "Empire State of Mind" is written in the [[time signature]] of common time.<ref name="sheet"/> The song verse has a sequence of F–C/B–B–F as its [[chord progression]], and moves at a moderate tempo of 84[[beats per minute]].<ref name="sheet"/> Pete Cashmore of ''[[NME]]'' described Keys as having established "crashing piano chords" during her verses in the track.<ref name="Cashmore"/> Mariel Concepcion of [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'' magazine]] noted that the track has a "simple piano pattern".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/new-releases/jay-z-blueprint-3-1004011559.story#/new-releases/jay-z-blueprint-3-1004011559.story |title=Jay-Z, "Blueprint 3" |first=Mariel |last=Concepcion |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media, Inc]] |date=2009-09-11 |accessdate=210-05-01}}</ref> Stephen Dalton of ''[[The Times]]'' described the song as a "orchestral rap ballad".<ref name="Dalton"/>

Lyrically, "Empire State of Mind" was viewed as taking listeners for a "ride in the back of the [[Maybach]]", detailing Jay-Z's rise from the [[Marcy Projects]] to his career success.<ref name="mtvlyricsinfo2"/> The song, which opens with lyrics referencing locations in New York,<ref name="sheet">{{cite web |url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0078121 |title=Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z Digital Sheet Music (Digital Download) |work=MusicNotes.com |publisher=[[EMI|EMI Music Publishing]] |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> name-checks notable neighborhoods and captures the city's essence, from attending Knicks basket ball games to its famous residents.<ref name="mtvlyricsinfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621311/20090911/blige_mary_j.jhtml |title=Mary J. Blige Looking Forward To 'Huge' Jay-Z And Alicia Keys VMA Performance |first=Jayson |last=Rodriguez |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-09-11 |accessdate=2010-05-02}}</ref> In "Empire State of Mind", Jay-Z proclaims himself to be the "new [[Frank Sinatra|Sinatra]]"<ref name="Jones"/><ref name="Gamboa">{{cite web |last=Gamboa |first=Glenn |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/cd-review-jay-z-s-blueprint-3-shows-em-how-it-s-done-1.1423207 |title=Jay-Z's 'Blueprint 3' shows 'em how it's done |work=[[Newsday]] |publisher=Terry Jimenez |date=2009-09-07 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> and states "since I made it here I can make it anywhere".<ref name="snlmtv">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1638743/20100509/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z Dedicates 'Young Forever' To Betty White On 'SNL' |first=Jayson |last=Rodriguez |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2010-05-09 |accessdate=2010-05-09}}</ref> He also claims to be able to make "the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can" and adds, "You know I bleed blue/But I'm not a crip, though".<ref name="mtvlyricsinfo2">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1620486/20090831/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z 'Excited' For Fans To Hear Blueprint 3 On 'The Leak' |author=Jayson Rodriguez, Shaheem Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-09-01 |accessdate=2010-05-02}}</ref> Drug dealing references, "N-words" and profanity are also present throughout the song.<ref name="profanity1">{{cite news |title=Dan Gross: Jay-Z to tone down his act |work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] |publisher=Philadelphia Newspapers, LLC |date=2009-10-29 |aceessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref><ref name="profanity2">{{cite news |title=Song Lyrics Cleaned Up For World Series |publisher=[[Morning Edition]] |date=2009-10-28 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> Raju Mudhar of ''[[Toronto Star|The Star]]'' commented on the tracks lyrics "I'm the new Sinatra/And since I made it here/I can make it anywhere/Yeah they love me everywhere" remarking "who can argue?" noting that he's "one of those waffling retirees", but is a living "hip hop legend".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/article/717710--concert-sampler-by-raju-mudhar |title=Concert Sampler |first=Raju |last=Mudhar |work=[[Toronto Star|The Star]] |publisher=[[Toronto Star]] |date=2009-10-29 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> Allsion Stewart of ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described "Empire State of Mind"{{'}}s lyrical content as consisting of "Hova's sports team shout-outs and PG-13 ruminations".<ref name="washingtonpost2"/> Jayson Rodriguez of ''[[MTV News]]'' felt that Keys "croons" on the track's chorus line, "I'm from Neeeeww Yooooork/These streets will make you feel brand-new/Bright lights will inspire you."<ref name="mtvlyricsinfo2"/> Keys said that while recording the song she wanted to make sure she got the hook right explaining, "I did try it a couple of times, but it was more about capturing the kind of grand feeling of it. With the way I sang it the first time, I was actually kind of sick, and I knew that he needed the record, so I was like, 'Let me get to it.' I came back and revisited it so that it could be what it is now. So it actually took a couple of times, but every time, the energy was just so high."<ref name="keysonthecomposition">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625114/20091029/jay_z.jhtml?rsspartner=rssMozilla |title=Alicia Keys 'Grateful' To Jay-Z For 'Empire State Of Mind' |first=Jocelyn |last=Vena |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-10-29 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> Simon Vozick-Levinson of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' felt that the singer who sings the songs hook has a "crucial role", believing that "Empire State of Mind" is a "smash that concert attendees expect Jay to play, and it just wouldn’t work without a big, clear voice to sing that hook".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/05/10/jay-z-snl-bridget-kelly/ |title=Who was that singing with Jay-Z on 'Saturday Night Live'? Meet Bridget Kelly |first=Simon |last=Vozick-Levinson |work=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Warner Inc |date=2010-05-10 |accessdate=2010-05-11}}</ref>

==Critical reception==
[[File:Alicia Keys, Lisboa 08 c.jpg|thumb|180px|left|alt=The photo shows a African American female with medium brown hair with her head tilted to her right with her mouth open. She is wearing a red sleeveless shirt with dark wash colored jeans and is holding a microphone with her right hand. |Music critics commended Alicia Keys for her chorus line.]]

"Empire State of Mind" received generally positive reception from contemporary music critics, with most reviewers praising Keys' vocal performance. Jon Bush of [[Allmusic]] listed the song as being a highlight from ''The Blueprint 3''. He commented that Jay-Z "crossovers" in track as a "New York flag-waver with plenty of landmark name-dropping that turns into a great anthem with help on the chorus from Alicia Keys".<ref name="Bush">{{cite web |last=Bush |first=John |url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3zfwxzwaldfe~T0 |title=''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[Allmusic]] |publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]] |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' writer [[Greg Kot]] commended Jay-Z for his ability to perform with cameos, and called the song "Empire State of Mind" "the sound of Jay-Z cruising for pop hits".<ref name="Kot">{{cite web |last=Kot |first=Greg |url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-jayz9-2009sep09,0,6180093.story |title=Review: Jay-Z's ''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |publisher=[[Tribune Company]] |date=2009-09-09 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> Pete Cashmore of ''NME'' described Alicia Keys's cameo as "lusty bellowing".<ref name="Cashmore">{{cite web |last=Cashmore |first=Pete |url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/jay-z/10806 |title=Album review: Jay-Z - 'The Blueprint III' |work=[[NME]] |publisher=IPC MEDIA |date=2009-09-18 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> [[Pitchfork Media]]'s Ian Cohen stated that "the piledriver hooks" of "[[Run This Town]]" and "Empire State of Mind" are "content to annoy their way to ubiquity".<ref name="Cohen">{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Ian |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13445-the-blueprint-3/ |title=Jay-Z ''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[Pitchfork Media]] |publisher=Pitchfork Media Inc |date=2009-09-14 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> Martin Andrew of [[PopMatters]] called the song "yet another chance" for Jay-Z to show his respect to New York, but commented that it "remains interesting thanks to a fantastic Al Shux beat and celebratory hook from Alicia Keys". He added that "above all" the song is a "chance for the Marcy emcee to show off shades of a new flow while not losing you for a second".<ref name="Martin">{{cite web |last=Andrew |first=Martin |url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/111082-jay-z-the-blueprint-3/ |title=Review: ''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[PopMatters]] |publisher=Sarah Zupko |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref> [[Rolling Stone|''Rolling Stone'' magazine]]{{'}}s Jody Rosen called it a "pallid New York shout-out".<ref name="Rosen">{{cite news |last=Rosen |first=Jody |title=Review: ''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]] |publisher=Wenner Media LLC |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref>

''[[USA Today]]''{{'}}s Steve Jones perceived a maturity by Jay-Z in the song, and wrote that, "The upper-crust landmarks he now references are a far cry from the grimy Marcy Projects sights that he once detailed, something that perhaps is to be expected from the self-described 'new Sinatra'."<ref name="Jones">{{cite web |last=Jones |first=Steve |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2009-09-01-jay-z-blueprint-3_N.htm |title=Jay-Z's 'Blueprint 3' proves to be a different kind of original |work=[[USA Today]] |publisher=Gannett Co. Inc |date=2009-09-02 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' described the song's sound as "anthemic club pop" and called Keys's chorus line a "singalong".<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6157253/Jay-Z---The-Blueprint-3-review.html |title=Jay Z - ''The Blueprint 3'', review |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |date=2009-09-08 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> Shannon Barbour of [[About.com]] called "Empire State of Mind" the album's apex, while commending Keys for her "excellent display of some unusually strong vocals".<ref name="Barbour">{{cite web |last=Barbour |first=Shannon |url=http://rap.about.com/od/reviews/fr/JayZBlueprint3Review.htm |title=Jay-Z - 'Blueprint 3' (Roc Nation) |work=[[About.com]] |publisher=[[The New York Times Company]] |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> [[Slant Magazine]] writer William McBee described it as a "glittering paean to the Big Apple" with Keys "soaring skyscraper-level on the hook and Jay putting on for his city".<ref name="McBee">{{cite web |last=McBee |first=William |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=1841 |title=Jay-Z ''The Blueprint 3'' |publisher=[[Slant Magazine]] |date=2009-09-07 |accessdate=2010-05-02}}</ref> Marshall Ziglar of the Smoking Section called the song an "antithesis" to [[Nas]]’ [[N.Y. State of Mind]]", adding that Jay-Z "presents the city that never sleeps as the ultimate proving ground for those who can escape its trappings".<ref name="Ziglar">{{cite web |last=Ziglar |first=Marshall |url=http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2009/09/review-of-jay-zs-the-blueprint-3 |title=“On To The Next One” – Review Of Jay-Z’s ''The Blueprint 3'' |publisher=Smoking Section |date=2009-09-11 |accessdate=2010-05-02}}</ref> [[IGN]] music reviewer Chris Carle described Keys as having "soaring vocals" in the song.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/102/1025098p1.html |title=Jay-Z: The Blueprint 3 Review |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc |first=Chris |last=Carle |date=2009-09-15 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> ''[[New York Post]]'' writer Ryan Brockington called "Empire State of Mind" his "favorite" song from ''The Blueprint 3''<ref name="nypost1">{{cite web |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/top_six_performances_from_the_vmas_btu76OUrSvc0lXTxf8zU5J |title=Top six performances from the 2009 VMAs |first=Ryan |last=Brockington |publisher=[[New York Post]] |date=2009-09-14 |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref> and Tyler Gray from the same publication said "Empire State of Mind" was the "most soulful" song on the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/music/jay_peat_E2GHPZRZkps4IXSvukCBEI |title=Jay-Z's '3'-peat |publisher=New York Post |first=Tyler |last=Gray |date=2009-09-06 |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref>

Francois Marchand of the ''[[Vancouver Sun]]'' called the song "shiver-inducing".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/they+call+Mister/2113150/story.html |title=Jay-Z's so big they call him 'Mister' |first=Francois |last=Marchand |work=[[The Vancouver Sun]] |publisher=Canwest Publishing Inc |date=2009-10-16 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' writer Stephen Dalton called the track a "heartfelt love letter to New York City", with Jay-Z playing the "hip-hop Sinatra" over Keys' "luscious" chorus,<ref name="Dalton">{{cite web |last=Dalton |first=Stephen |url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/cd_reviews/article6829430.ece |title=Jay-Z: ''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[The Times]] |publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd. |date=2009-09-11 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> and ''[[The Guardian]]''{{'}}s Alexis Petridis described its chorus as "incredible, breezy pop".<ref name="Petridis">{{cite web |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/sep/10/jay-z-blueprint-3 |title=Review: ''The Blueprint 3'' |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |date=2009-09-10 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> Killan Fox of the same publication felt that the track was a "terrific homage" to New York and listed the song as being one of the "really good tracks" on ''The Blueprint 3''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/sep/13/jay-z-blueprint-3-review |title=Jay-Z: ''The Blueprint 3'' |first=Killan |last=Fox |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited |date=2009-09-13 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> "Empire State of Mind" has been included in multiple music critics list for the best songs of 2009. The track was ranked the 8th best song of 2009 by MTV,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627865/20091208/jay_z.jhtml |title=The Best Songs Of 2009, In Bigger Than The Sound |first=James |last=Montgomery |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-12-09 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> the second-best song of 2009 by ''Rolling Stone'' magazine,<ref>{{cite news |title=The 25 Best Songs of 2009 |work=Rolling Stone |publisher=Wenner Media LLC |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref> and was voted the best single of 2009 by ''[[The Village Voice]]''{{'}}s 37th annual [[Pazz & Jop|Pazz & Jop critics' poll]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2009/ |title=Singles — All Votes |work=[[The Village Voice]] |publisher=[[Village Voice Media]] |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref> [[Jon Pareles]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' placed "Empire State of Mind" at number three on his list of the top songs of 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/arts/music/20pareles.html |title=Reggae and Rock Operas, Intimacies and Anthems |first=Jon |last=Parales |work=New York Times |publisher=The New York Times Company |date=2009-12-17 |accessdate=2010-05-01}}</ref> and ''Pitchfork Media'' also ranked it at number 44 on its The Top 100 Tracks of 2009 list.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/features/staff-lists/7742-the-top-100-tracks-of-2009/6/ |title=The Top 100 Tracks of 2009 |author=Pitchfork Staff |work=Pitchfork Media |publisher=Pitchfork Media Inc |date=2009-12-14 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref>

Jay-Z, a long-time fan of the [[New York Yankees]], said that he was elated that his songs, namely "Empire State of Mind" and "Run This Town", had been played during different Yankee player's batting at home games in the [[2009 World Series]].<ref name="yankeegames">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625196/20091030/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z Says It's 'Incredible' Hearing His Music At Yankee Stadium |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |work=MTV |date=2009-10-30 |publisher=Viacom |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> He commented that it was "incredible" and "beyond explanation" to hear his music being played during Yankee games.<ref name="yankeegames"/> New York Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] commented that "Empire State of Mind" had become "one of the newest anthems of the Yankees".<ref name="yankeeperformance2"/>
Pop singer [[Katy Perry]] recorded an [[answer song]] to "Empire State of Mind" entitled "[[California Gurls]]" (2010).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a214850/katy-perry-records-answer-to-jay-z-song.html |title=Music - News - Katy Perry records answer to Jay-Z song |first=Robert |last=Copsey |publisher=Digital Spy Limited |work=Digital Spy |date=2010-04-16 |accessdate=2010-05-08}}</ref>

==Chart performance==
[[File:Jay-Z concert (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|200px|alt=A image of an African American male wearing sunglasses with black pants and a white shirt and jacket. He is speaking into a microphone while holding it with his right hand. In the mostly dark background, a red colored wall with a design can be seen. |"Empire State of Mind" gave Jay-Z his first number one single on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 as a lead artist.]]
"Empire State of Mind" achieved commercial success worldwide. In the United States, the track peaked at number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] for five consecutive weeks<ref name="fifthweek">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/news/jay-z-keys-empire-tops-hot-100-for-fifth-1004054241.story |title=Jay-Z, Keys' 'Empire' Tops Hot 100 For Fifth Week |first=Silvio |last=Pietroluongo |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |date=2009-12-17 |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> from November 28 to December 26, replacing "[[Fireflies (Owl City song)|Fireflies]]" by [[Owl City]] for the top position and giving Jay-Z his first number one single on that chart as a lead artist in his fourteen year career.<ref name="fourthnumberonesong">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/news/jay-z-jumps-to-no-1-on-the-hot-100-1004043615.story/ |title=Jay-Z Jumps To No. 1 On The Hot 100 |first=Silvio |last=Pietroluongo |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |date=2009-11-18 |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> The song, which was both artists' fourth number one entry on the chart,<ref name="fourthnumberonesong"/> became the first ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number one single to reference New York in its title.<ref name="othersample"/> It was also included in ''Billboard''{{'}}s year-end music charts for 2009 at number sixty two<ref name="2009usyearendcharts"/> and it was the last number one single for the 2000s. The single sold 205,000 digital copies in the United State in its opening week and its highest week sale was of 360,000 in December 2009.<ref name="yahoomusic"/> After thirty six weeks it has sold over three million five hundred thousand legal digital downloads in the United State.<ref name="yahoomusic">{{cite web |url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart_watch/53615/week-ending-may-16-2010-battle-of-the-home-state-anthems/;_ylt=Ao8BB_laDbJgRzs_9X2SCLAPwiUv |title=Week Ending May 16, 2010: Battle Of The Home-State Anthems |publisher=Yahoo! |work=Yahoo! Music |date=2010-05-19 |first= Paul |last=Grein |accessdate=2010-05-20}}</ref> The song also peaked at number one on the ''Billboard'' component chart for the sales of legal [[Music download|digital downloads]] on October 3, 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/digital-songs?chartDate=2009-10-03 |title=Digital Songs: Week of October 3, 2009 |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> as well as topping the ''Billboard'' component chart for singles with the most radio airplay throughout the country for eight consecutive weeks from November 28 to January 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/radio-songs?chartDate=2009-11-28 |title=Radio Songs: Week of November 28, 2009 |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> The track also peaked at the top position on the R&B/Hip Hop songs chart for three consecutive weeks,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs?chartDate=2009-12-01 |title=R&B/Hip Hop Songs: Week of November 28, 2009 |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> as well as topping the ''Billboard'' Rap Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/rap-songs?chartDate=2010-01-11 |title=Rap Songs: Week of January 9, 2010 |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> After five months of release, "Empire State of Mind" was certified three times platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for the shipment of over three million units in the United States.<ref name="riaa"/>

In the United Kingdom, the track debuted at number fifteen, and in the two succeeding weeks the single peaked at number two,<ref name="ukcharts"/> having been held from the top position by [[Taio Cruz]]'s "[[Break Your Heart]]" (2009).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chartstats.com/chart.php?week=20091010 |title=Chart For Week Up To 10/10/2009 |publisher=The Official Charts Company |accessdate=2010-05-05}}</ref> "Empire State of Mind" peaked at number three on the Canadian Hot 100, and was listed as being the top digital gainer on December 12.<ref name="canadacharts"/> The song peaked at number four in Australia,<ref name="lescharts"/> and was certified gold by the [[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) for the shipment of 35,000 units in the country.<ref name="aussiecert."/> "Empire State of Mind" was also included in Australia's 2009 year end music chart at number sixty four.<ref name="aussieyearendchart2009"/> In New Zealand, the song peaked at number six.<ref name="lescharts"/> The track was certified gold by the [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand]] (RIANZ), for the shipment of over 7,500 units in New Zealand.<ref name="newzealandcert."/> The single debuted at number eighteen in France, and eventually peaked at number eight in the following three weeks.<ref name="lescharts"/> It also peaked at number four in Belgium's [[Ultratop 50|Flemish]] and [[Ultratop 40|French]] charts.<ref name="lescharts"/> The song also respectively peaked within the top 10 positions in the music charts of Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden.<ref name="lescharts"/> "Empire State of Mind"{{'}}s least commercially successful charting territories were Austria, Brazil and Spain, peaking at number thirteen, seventeen and twenty seven, respectively.<ref name="lescharts"/><ref name="brazilchart"/>

==Music video==
[[File:Vista aérea de Times Square desde el Empire State Building.jpg|250px|right|thumb|alt=A aerial view of skyscrapers at night. Most of the buildings are lit up with lights coming from the inside of them. In the background, a dark sky with no clouds can be seen. |Aerial views of skyscrapers in New York at night are shown throughout the video]]

The music video for "Empire State of Mind" was [[music video director|directed]] by [[Hype Williams]].<ref name="mtvinterviewforthemv"/> The video, which was filmed on location, features black-and-white images of New York City intercut with full-color shots of Jay-Z and Keys performing in [[Times Square]].<ref name="mtvinterviewforthemv"/> "Empire State of Mind"{{'}}s music video was filmed from September 29 to October, in [[Tribeca]] and around [[Ground Zero]],<ref name="mtvinterviewforthemv">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625300/20091102/keys_alicia.jhtml |title=Jay-Z, Alicia Keys Shoot 'Empire State Of Mind' Video Near Ground Zero |first=Jocelyn |last=Vena |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-11-02 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> and was released on October 30, 2009. Keys praised the music video and said that the video has all the key elements of a homage to her hometown.<ref name="mtvinterviewforthemv"/> She commented on the video for "Empire State of Mind" saying,
{{Quote|"It is a masterpiece video. The way it's put together, it is so New York. You totally get it and understand it. It's artistic. It's hard. It's beautiful. It's like everything. And definitely getting to be in the middle of Times Square on my piano [with] Jay, representing our home city is a triumph. It was unbelievable. [...] You have to have the skyline — it's not New York without the skyline. You have to have the Empire State Building — it's not New York without the Empire State Building. You have to also have variety. That's what New York is about. There's diversity here and so you see that. It's really beautiful."<ref name="mtvinterviewforthemv">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622768/20091001/jay_z.jhtml |title=Alicia Keys Calls 'Empire State Of Mind' Video With Jay-Z A 'Triumph' |first=Shaheem|last=Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-10-01 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref>}}

The music video opens with black and white images of locations in New York being shown in the forum of a slideshow. The slideshow is then intercut with a black and white clip of Jay-Z, who is wearing a Yankees cap and a vest with no sleeves, performing the song on a street in front of apartment buildings. The video then begins to rotate from images of New York being shown briefly, to clips of Jay-Z singing "Empire State of Mind" in several locations with different outfits. Images shown include the grave stone of [[John D. Rockefeller, Jr.]], street signs and stairwells to train stations. The video then shows black and white clips of Keys, who is wearing large hoop earrings with high heels, a black shirt and pants, playing a [[Yamaha]] piano that has an image of the [[Statue of Liberty]] on it. She is singing her verse of the song in a street while cars drive by at night. Keys' performance is then intercut with aerial views of skyscrapers and clips of the [[Yankee Stadium]], clips of the New York Police, and [[New York Police Department|NYPD]] cars and logos. Some people, such as ones who are walking around New York or wearing Yankee emblems, have their faces shown or blurred out. Keys and Jay-Z, both wearing sunglasses at night, are then shown performing the song together as the video continues to be intercut with clips of them performing "Empire State of Mind" individually, as well as images of New York. The video ends with clips shown in color of the duo waving their hands in the air while singing the final verses of the track on red colored stairs and colored clips of Keys performing, and images of New York.

==Live performances==
"Empire State of Mind" was first performed at Jay-Z's "Answer the Call" benefit concert in [[Madison Square Garden]] on September 11, 2009,<ref name="mtvvmaperformance"/> where it was the opening song.<ref name="entertainment weekly">{{cite web |url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/09/12/jay-z-answer-call-fuse/ |title=Jay-Z 'Answers the Call' in NYC with help from Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, John Mayor and the rest of his Rolex |first=Simon |last=Vozick-Levinson |work=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Warner Inc |date=2009-09-29 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> All ticket proceeds from the show went to the New York Police and Fire Widows’, and Children’s Fund.<ref name="entertainment weekly"/> The song was then performed live at the 2009 [[MTV Video Music Awards]] (MTV VMA) on September 13, 2009, where it closed the awards show.<ref name="mtvvma">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621469/20090914/keys_alicia.jhtml |title=Exclusive: Lil Mama Apologizes For Crashing Jay-Z's VMA Performance |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-09-14 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> The VMA performance was the first time Jay-Z and Keys performed the song together.<ref name="mtvvmaperformance">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621415/20090914/keys_alicia.jhtml |title=Jay-Z, Alicia Keys Close VMAs With Ode To New York |first=Jayson |last=Rodriguez |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-09-14 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> Shaheem Redi of ''MTV News'' commented on the performance that, "Their set was elegant and 'hood at the same time, and it was such a powerful moment",<ref name="mtvvmaperformance2">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1628488/20091217/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z Continues His Hip-Hop Reign As #2 Man Of The Year |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-12-17 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> and Ryan Brockington of the ''New York Post'' wrote "Alicia's buttery voice and Jay-Z's impeccable stage presence made for an audio adrenaline overload", and placed the performance third on his list of the "top six performances" from the MTV VMAs.<ref name="nypost1"/> For the performance, Jay-Z wore his signature Yankees cap<ref name="mtvvmaperformance"/> and Keys wore all black while playing the piano. During the MTV VMA performance, images of locations in New York, such as the Empire State Building and the [[Apollo Theatre]], were shown on a overhead screen behind Jay-Z and Keys. Towards the end of the performance, rapper [[Lil' Mama]] came up from her seat in the crowd onto the stage and posed with Jay-Z and Keys while they were finishing the final verse of the track.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621423/20090914/lil_mama__2_.jhtml |title=Lil Mama Crashes Jay-Z And Alicia Keys' VMA Performance |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-09-14 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> Lil' Mama said she did not mean to disrespect either performer but the song had her "emotions running high", adding that "in that moment I came up onstage to celebrate my two icons singing about NY."<ref name="mtvvma"/> Keys responded to the incident saying "We can appreciate her being overwhelmed and inspired, but we would have appreciated it if she would have did it from her seat", and Jay-Z added, "It was a lot of planning that went into that performance. To disrupt that was outta line."<ref name="liveperformanceyankeegame2">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622177/20090923/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z Says Lil Mama's VMA Stage Invasion Was 'Outta Line' |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-09-23 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> Leah Greenblatt of ''Entertainment Weekly'' said that the duo "brought some genuine street heat to the tongue-twisting torrents" of "Empire State of Mind".<ref name="e.w."/> She added that "Keys, on piano and soaring chorus, brought the feminine strength and soul."<ref name="e.w.">{{cite web |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20306044,00.html |title=Best of the VMAS |first=Leah |last=Greenblatt |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |publisher=Time Warner Inc |date=2009-09-18 |accessdate=2010-05-08}}</ref>

Jay-Z also performed the song on September 18, 2009, during a live performance on ''[[Friday Night with Jonathan Ross]]'', due to scheduling conflicts, Roc Nation singer [[Bridget Kelly]] performed in Keys' place.<ref>''Friday Night with Jonathan Ross'' [[BBC]] September 19, 2009.</ref> Jay-Z was slated to perform "Empire State of Mind" with Keys during the opening game of the baseball 2009 World Series in early October 2009, but due to inclement weather, the duo did not perform.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625697/20091106/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z Joins Alex Rodriguez At New York Yankees Victory Parade |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-11-06 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> They ultimately performed the song live in the [[Yankee Stadium]] before Game 2 of the 2009 World Series in mid October.<ref name="liveperformanceyankeegame2"/><ref name="Hov">{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091029&content_id=7573000&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Jay-Z, Keys take center stage in Bronx: Duo performs 'Empire State of Mind' prior to Game 2|last=Ghiroli|first=Brittany |date=2009-10-29|publisher=''[[Major League Baseball]]''|accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> During the performance, the two musicians performed the song on a a custom-made stage that was adorned with Yankees flags,<ref name="Hov"/> while images of New York City flashed across several large screens throughout the stadium.<ref name="liveperformanceyankeegame2">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625161/20091029/keys_alicia.jhtml |title=Jay-Z And Alicia Keys Pump Up World Series Crowd In NYC |first=Jayson |last=Rodriguez |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-10-29 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> Jayson Rodriguez of ''MTV News'' wrote of the performance, "If the Yankees were looking to change their tune heading into Game 2 of the World Series, they couldn't have picked better musical guests."<ref name="liveperformanceyankeegame2"/> During most live performances of the track, lyrics containing profanity are included in the song, but, they were omitted for the World Series set.<ref name="profanity1"/><ref name="profanity2"/> On November 5, 2009, Jay-Z and Kelly sung "Empire State of Mind" at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in [[Berlin]], [[Germany]], while performing in front of a New York cityscape.<ref name="performanceattheema"/> Jocelyn Vena and Eric Ditzian of ''MTV News'' noted that Jay-Z "took his hometown pride rather seriously" during the performance.<ref name="performanceattheema">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625623/20091105/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z Brings New York To Germany For MTV Europe Music Awards |author=Jocelyn Vena, Eric Ditzian |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-11-05 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> Jay-Z also performed the song with Kelly at the Yankees' World Series victory ceremonies in [[New York City Hall]] on November 6, 2009.<ref name="yankeeperformance2">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625743/20091106/jay_z.jhtml|title=Jay-Z Performs 'Empire State Of Mind' At Yankees Parade|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2009-11-06|publisher=Viacom |work=MTV|accessdate=2009-11-07}}</ref> As Kelly sang the last verse of the song Yankee members got up from their seats to shower Jay-Z with handshakes and hugs.<ref name="yankeeperformance2"/>

The song was also performed by Jay-Z and Keys at the [[American Music Awards of 2009|American Music Awards]] (AMA) on November 22, 2009.<ref name="amaperformance">{{cite news |title=2009 American Music Awards performances: Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys & more |work=New York Examiner |publisher=Clarity Digital Group LLC |date=2009-11-22 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> For the performance, Jay-Z wore a white suit and Keys wore an all-black outfit that revealed most of her back. The duo opened their performance of "Empire State of Mind" with a rendition of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York".<ref name="amaperformance"/> During the performance at the AMAs, Keys played on a white piano and the two musicians performed the song on a stage lit by blue lights, and in front of a backdrop that showed tall buildings and the words "New York" scrolled across screens on the stage, while a battery of men and women dressed in elegant finery played grand pianos.<ref name="performanceamamtv"/> Towards the ending of the song, Keys joined Jay-Z at the front of the stage and sung the song's last notes and held up a "I love you" sign, while Jay-Z stood with both arms outstretched.<ref name="performanceamamtv">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1626832/20091122/jay_z.jhtml |title=Jay-Z, Alicia Keys Rock American Music Awards With 'Empire State Of Mind' |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2009-11-23 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref>
Todd Martens of the ''Los Angeles Times'' felt that the song had "worn out its welcome", add gave the performance a letter grade "D".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/2009-american-music-awards-grading-the-performances.html |title=2009 American Music Awards: Grading the performances |first=Todd |last=Martens |work=Los Angeles Times |publisher=Tribune Company |date=2009-11-22 |accessdate=2010-05-11}}</ref> However, Jeremy Blacklow of ''[[Access Hollywood]]'' had a more positive feeling towards the performance, describing it as being "so great" in his live blog for the award ceremony.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/live-blogging-the-american-music-awards_article_25855 |title=Live Blogging The American Music Awards |first=Jeremy |last=Blacklow |work=Access Hollywood |publisher=NBC Universal, Inc |date=2009-11-22 |accessdate=2010-05-11}}</ref> On November 29, Keys performed the song's chorus in a medley alongside "[[Doesn't Mean Anything]]" and "[[No One (Alicia Keys song)|No One]]", on the sixth season of the United Kingdom television show, ''[[The X Factor (UK series 6)|The X Factor]]''.<ref>''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]'' Season 6, Episode 26. November 29, 2009.</ref> In March, Jay-Z joined Keys onstage during one of her [[The Freedom Tour|Freedom Tour]]s New York concerts to perform "Empire State of Mind", while images of New York were shown throughout the concert arena.<ref name="performanceattheema">{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1634190/20100318/keys_alicia.jhtml |title=Jay-Z And Beyonce Join Alicia Keys During New York Concert |first=James |last=Dinh |work=MTV |publisher=Viacom |date=2010-03-18 |accessdate=2010-04-30}}</ref> Jay-Z performed "Empire State of Mind" as well as three of his other singles, at California's Coachella music festival in April 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/19/entertainment/la-et-0419-coachella-wrap-20100419 |title=A weekend pass well-earned |author=Margaret Wappler, August Brown |work=Los Angeles Times |publisher=Tribune Company |date=2010-04-19 |accessdate=2010-04-29}}</ref> Jay-Z and Kelly performed the song live on an episode of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' on May 9, 2010. Jay-Z performed the song with a medley of his other singles, including "[[On to the Next One]]".<ref name="nbc">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/entertainment/celebrity/NATL-Betty-White-Celebrates-Golden-Years-on-SNL-93223544.html |title=Betty White, Jay-Z Celebrate Golden Years on "SNL" |work=[[NBC]] |first=Caitlyn |last=Millat |publisher= NBC Universal, Inc |date=2010-05-09 |accessdate=2010-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Michael Langston |last=Moore |title=Jay-Z rocks the SNL stage with Mr. Hudson, Bridget Kelly in tow (Video) |work=The Examiner |publisher=Clarity Digital Group LLC |date=2010-05-09 |accessadate=2010-05-09}}</ref> Kelly wore a black micro mini dress<ref name="snlmtv"/> and Jay-Z wore a white t-shirt with a black leather vest while performing the song on a stage light by blue lights, with musicians playing instruments in the far back. Caitlyn Millat of San Diego's ''[[NBC]]'' felt that Jay-Z "brought the house down" during his performances of the melodies.<ref name="nbc"/> Rodriguez of ''MTV News'' said that Kelly "turned more than a few heads" because the outfit she was wearing was "tighter than her boss' rhyme".<ref name="snlmtv"/>

== Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down ==
{{Mainarticle|Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down}}
Following the release of "Empire State of Mind" in January 2010, Keys stated that she was planning to release a second version of the song featuring only her vocals, as a single the following month.<ref name="e.s.o.m.part2"/> The track, entitled "[[Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down]]", appeared on Keys' fourth studio album ''[[The Element of Freedom]]'', which was released in December 2009. The original version of Keys' version, entitled "Empire State of Mind Part 2", included both Keys' vocals and a new rap verse from Jay-Z,<ref name="MTV News">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1625604/20091105/jay_z.jhtml|title=Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Record 'Empire State of Mind Part 2'|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|date=2009-11-05|publisher=Viacom |work=MTV |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref> but the final product did not include Jay-Z.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1627691/20091204/keys_alicia.jhtml|title=Alicia Keys Collabos with Beyoncé, Drake Hit the Net|last=Aswad|first=Jem|coauthors=Vena, Jocelyn|date=2009-12-04|publisher=Viacom |work=MTV|accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref> Discussing the record, Keys claimed that it acts as a dichotomy of strength and vulnerability, commenting that "The music is really strong, and the drums are really aggressive, but my voice is vulnerable and delicate".<ref name="e.s.o.m.part2">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a196200/keys-to-release-solo-version-of-empire.html |title=Keys to release solo version of 'Empire'|work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=Digital Spy Limited |first=David |last=Balls |date=2010-01-13 |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>

{{Quote|I definitely wanted to give my version of it and my vision of how I see New York and how it feels to me. I wanted to do it for my style – more broken down, more on piano, more voice and intimacy – so that's what I did. I imagined, 'If I was able to sing this whole song, how would I do it?' So I just sat down at my piano and I kind of broke it down and started singing about New York as I see it, and it turned out great.|Keys on recording "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotsman.com/scotsmanmagazine/Interview-Alicia-Keys-singer.6029837.jp |title=Interview: Alicia Keys, singer |first=Gary |last=Graff |work=[[The Scotsman]] |publisher=Johnston Press Digital Publishing |date=2010-02-01 |accessdate=2010-04-28}}</ref>}}

"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" was generally well received by contemporary music critics in their reviews for ''The Element of Freedom''.<ref name="Christgau">{{cite web |last=Christgau |first=Robert |url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_artist.php?name=Alicia+Keys |work=Consumer Guide |title=The Element of Freedom |publisher=Robert Christgau |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/arts/music/14choi.html?_r=1 |first=Ben |last=Radlift |title=ALICIA KEYS: “The Element of Freedom” |work=[[The New York Times]] |publisher=[[The New York Times Company]] |date=2009-12-14 |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ragogna/emhuffpost-reviewsem-alic_b_390623.html |title=HuffPost Reviews: Alicia Keys, Robin Thicke, Avatar, and Pixies, Plus Conversations with Julian Lennon and Precious Composer Mario Grigorov, and more |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |publisher=HuffingtonPost.com, Inc |first=Mike |last=Ragogna|date=2009-12-14 |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref> Allsion Stewart of ''The Washington Post'' noted that the track, which is a pop ballad, had replaced "Empire State of Mind" sports team references and ruminations with "even milder and less controversial string of generalities", highlighting Keys' versions lyrics "If I could make it here/I could make it anywhere".<ref name="washingtonpost2">{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/14/AR2009121403616.html |title='Element' is another safe, uninspiring album from R&B star Alicia Keys |first=Allison |last=Stewart |work=[[The Washington Post]] |publisher=The Washington Post Company |date=2009-12-15 |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref> The track was not as commercially successful as "Empire State of Mind", peaking at number four in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=34698 |title=Empire State Of Mind (Part II) |publisher=The Official Charts Company |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref> number forty on the Canadian Hot 100,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/song/alicia-keys/empire-state-of-mind-part-ii-broken-down/17364011 |title=Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down - Alicia Keys |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref> and number sixty-nine in Sweden.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Alicia+Keys&titel=Empire+State+Of+Mind+%28Part+II%29+Broken+Down&cat=s |title=ALICIA KEYS - EMPIRE STATE OF MIND (PART II) BROKEN DOWN (CHANSON) |work=LesCharts.com |publisher=Hung Medien |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>

== Charts, certifications and procession ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=== Charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Chart (2009)
! Peak Position
|-
| [[ARIA Charts|Australian Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
|align="center"|4
|-
| [[Ö3 Austria Top 40|Austrian Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|13
|-
|[[Ultratop 50|Belgium Singles Chart]] ([[Flanders]])<ref name="lescharts"/>
|align="center"|4
|-
|[[Ultratop 40|Belgium Singles Chart]] ([[Wallonia]])<ref name="lescharts"/>
|align="center"|4
|-
|[[Brasil Hot 100 Airplay|Brazil Hot 100 Airplay]]<ref name="brazilchart">{{cite journal|date=2010-04-01|title=Brazil Hot 100 Airplay|journal=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard Brazil]]|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc|location=Brazil|volume=79|issue=2|issn=977-217605400-2|language=Portugese}}</ref>
|align="center"|17
|-
| [[Canadian Hot 100]]<ref name="canadacharts">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts/canadian-hot-100?chartDate=2009-12-12 |title=Week of December 12, 2009 |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
| [[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|Danish Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
| [[Dutch Top 40]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
| [[YLE|Finnish Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|9
|-
| [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|French Digital Singles Chart]]<ref>{{cite web |title="Tops : Christophe Maé est de retour côté singles et les Black Eyed Peas en tête des albums" |url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Christophe-Mae/news-69393.html |publisher=Chartsinfrance |accessdate=2010-02-02}}</ref>
|align="center"|3
|-
| [[Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|French Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
| [[Federation of the Italian Music Industry|Italian Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
| [[Irish Singles Chart]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://acharts.us/ireland_singles_top_50/2009/39 |title=Irish Singles Top 50 Issue Date: Thursday September 24, 2009 |accessdate=2010-05-04 |work=[[Irish Recorded Music Association]]|publisher=acharts.us}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
| [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|New Zealand Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
| [[VG-lista|Norwegian Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|5
|-
| [[Productores de Música de España|Spanish Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
|align="center"|27
|-
| [[Sverigetopplistan|Swedish Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
| [[Swiss Music Charts|Swiss Singles Chart]]<ref name="lescharts"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|4
|-
| [[UK Singles Chart]]<ref name="ukcharts">{{cite web |url=http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=34544 |title=Empire State Of Mind |publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]] |accessdate=2010-05-03}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
| [[UK R&B Chart|UK R&B Singles Chart]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Radio 1 - Chart Show - RnB Singles |publisher=[[BBC Online]] |work=[[BBC]] |assessdate=2009-10-10}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
| U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="Pietroluongo">{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/#/news/jay-z-jumps-to-no-1-on-the-hot-100-1004043615.story |title=Jay-Z Jumps To No. 1 On The Hot 100|last=Pietroluongo|first=Silvio|date=2009-11-18 |work=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|U.S. [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]]<ref name="Pietroluongo"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|U.S. [[Rap Songs]]<ref name="Pietroluongo"/>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|}
{{col-2}}

=== Certifications ===
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
|-
! Country
! [[Music recording sales certifications|Certification]] ([[List of music recording sales certifications|sales thresholds]])
|-
| [[Australian Recording Industry Association|Australia]]
| Gold<ref name="aussiecert.">{{cite news |title=ARIA TOP 40 URBAN SIGLES CHART |publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]] |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
|-
| [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|New Zealand]]
| Gold<ref name="newzealandcert.">{{cite web |url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61 |title=Latest Gold / Platinum Singles January 3, 2010 |publisher=Radio Scope |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
|-
| [[Recording Industry Association of America|United States]]
| 3× Platinum<ref name="riaa">{{cite web |url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=2&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Jay-Z&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2010&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |title=Jay - Z Certifications (Page 2) |accessdate=2010-04-27|publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]]}}</ref>
|}

===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Charts (2009)
!Position
|-
|[[ARIA Charts|Australian Singles Chart]]<ref name="aussieyearendchart2009">{{cite web|url=http://aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2009.htm|title=ARIA Charts - End Of Year Charts - Top 100 Singles 2009|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
|align="center"|64
|-
|U.S. [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref name="2009usyearendcharts">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/#/charts-year-end/hot-100-songs?year=2009&begin=61&order=position|title=Charts Year End: The Billboard Hot 100|date=2009-12-19|accessdate=2010-04-27|work=Billboard|publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc}}</ref>
|align="center"|62
|}
{{col-end}}

=== Chart succession and procession ===
{{Start}}
{{S-bef|before = "[[Pretty Wings]]" by [[Maxwell (musician)|Maxwell]]}}
{{S-ttl|title = ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] [[List of R&B number-one singles of 2009 (U.S.)|number-one single]]|years = November 21, 2009 – December 5, 2009}}
{{S-aft|after = "[[Papers (song)|Papers]]" by [[Usher (entertainer)|Usher]]}}
|-
{{S-bef|before = "[[Forever (Drake song)|Forever]]" by [[Drake (entertainer)|Drake]] with [[Kanye West]], [[Lil Wayne]] and [[Eminem]]}}
{{S-ttl|title = ''Billboard'' [[Rap Songs]] number-one single|years = November 21, 2009 – January 12, 2010}}
{{S-aft|after = "[[BedRock (song)|BedRock]]" by [[Young Money Entertainment|Young Money]]}}
|-
{{S-bef|before = "[[Fireflies (song)|Fireflies]]" by [[Owl City]]}}
{{S-ttl|title = ''Billboard'' [[Billboard Hot 100|Hot 100]] [[List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2009 (U.S.)|number-one single]]|years = November 28, 2009 – December 26, 2009}}
{{S-aft|after = "[[Tik Tok (song)|Tik Tok]]" by [[Kesha]]}}
{{End}}

==Track listings and formats==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*'''International CD-Maxi'''<ref name="lescharts">{{cite web |url=http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Jay%2DZ+%2B+Alicia+Keys&titel=Empire+State+Of+Mind&cat=s |title=JAY-Z + ALICIA KEYS – EMPIRE STATE OF MIND (CHANSON) |work=LesCharts.com |publisher=Hung Medien |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
# "Empire State Of Mind" (Explicit Version) – 4:36
# "Jay-Z – Jockin' Jay-Z" (Explicit Version) – 4:32
# "Jay-Z + Rihanna + Kanye West – Run This Town" (Live From Madison Square Garden - Explicit) – 6:24

*'''Germany CD Single'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Jay-Z-Alicia-Keys-Empire-State-Of-Mind/release/2027875 |title=Jay-Z + Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind |publisher=[[Discogs]] |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
# "Jay-Z + Alicia Keys Empire State Of Mind" (Explicit Version) – 4:36
# "Jay-Z – Jockin' Jay-Z" (Explicit Version) – 3:41
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*'''UK 12" Vinyl'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Jay-Z-Ft-Alicia-Keys-Empire-State-The-Mixes/release/2116101 |title= Jay-Z Ft Alicia Keys - Empire State (The Mixes) |publisher=Discogs |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
# A1 "Empire State Of Mind (Original)" (Explicit)
# A2 "Empire State Of Mind" (Instrumental)
# B1 "Empire State Of Mind" (Remix featuring Nas, Rakim & Busta Rhymes)
# B2 "Empire State Of Mind" (Remix featuring Snoop Dogg)

*'''US 12" Vinyl'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Jay-Z-Alicia-Keys-Empire-State-Of-Mind/release/1995065 |title=Jay-Z & Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind |publisher=Discogs |accessdate=2010-04-27}}</ref>
# A "Empire State Of Mind" (Explicit Album Version) – 4:36
# B "Empire State Of Mind (Amended Album Version) – 4:36
{{col-end}}

==Credits and personnel==
* Vocals – [[Jay-Z]], [[Alicia Keys]]<ref name="linernotes">''The Blueprint 3'' liner notes, [[Atlantic Records]] (2009).</ref>
* Writers(s) – Janet Sewell, Angela Hunte, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Sylvia Robinson, Burt Keyes, Alicia Keys, Alexander Shuckburgh
* Producer(s) – [[Al Shux|Alexander Shuckburgh]]
* Keyboards – Jeff Bhasker, Kevin Randolph
* Engineer – Chris Godbey, Andrew Dawson, Karl Heilbron, Marcos Tovar, Miki Tsutsumi, Ann Mincieli
* Arranger – Hart Gunther,
**Assistant – Jason Wilkie
* Mixing – Chris Godbey
* Mastering – Tony Dawsey
* Editor – Jason Wilkie
* Recording – Ann Mincieli, Luke Steele
* Music samples – "[[Love on a Two-Way Street]]" by [[Ray, Goodman & Brown|The Moments]]

== See also ==
{{Wikipedia-Books|The Blueprint 3}}
*[[List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2009 (U.S.)]]
*[[R&B number-one hits of 2009 (USA)]]
*[[2009 in music#Top hits on record in the world|Worldwide top ten singles in 2009]]
*[[Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down|"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Jay-Z singles}}
{{Alicia Keys singles}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Empire State Of Mind}}
[[Category:2009 songs]]
[[Category:Jay-Z songs]]
[[Category:Alicia Keys songs]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Rap Songs number-one singles]]
[[Category:Billboard Rhythmic Airplay number-one singles]]
[[Category:Music videos directed by Hype Williams]]
[[Category:Songs about New York]]
[[Category:Songs written by Alicia Keys]]
[[Category:Songs written by Jay-Z]]

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Empire State of Mind