Empire State Of Mind

"Empire State of Mind" is a multi-layered anthem dedicated to New York City, exploring themes of ambition, success, and the city's dualistic nature. On its surface, it's a celebration of Jay-Z's personal journey, a rags-to-riches narrative that sees him rise from the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn to become a global icon residing in Tribeca. He positions himself as the "new Sinatra," suggesting a new embodiment of the New York dream, one rooted in hip-hop culture. The lyrics are filled with specific references to his life and the city's geography, which grounds the song in an authentic, personal experience. However, the song's meaning transcends a personal story to become a universal ode to aspiration. The chorus, powerfully delivered by Alicia Keys, presents New York as a metaphorical "concrete jungle where dreams are made of," a place of both immense challenge and boundless opportunity. It speaks to anyone who has ever moved to a big city with a dream. The song doesn't shy away from the city's darker side, acknowledging the grit, the dangers ("corners where we selling rock"), and the casualties of its demanding environment ("don't bite the apple Eve"). Jay-Z's verses serve as a guide, celebrating the triumphs while cautioning against the temptations and illusions ("lights is blinding"). Ultimately, the song is about the indomitable spirit of New York, a place that forges resilience and where success, though hard-won, feels possible, making it a modern anthem of hope, struggle, and achievement.

The narrative unfolds as a powerful tribute to New York City, chronicling a journey from humble, gritty beginnings to the pinnacle of success and influence. The story begins with a nod to the past, specifically the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, a place of struggle but also of origin. The protagonist recounts his days as a street hustler, navigating the city's tough neighborhoods like Harlem, establishing a connection to the city's raw, unfiltered side. This past is not something to be ashamed of but a foundational part of his identity. As the narrative progresses, it contrasts this past with his present reality. He now resides in the affluent neighborhood of Tribeca, a neighbor to cultural icons like Robert De Niro, symbolizing a complete transformation of his circumstances. Yet, he insists that despite this change, his core identity, forged on those streets, remains intact. He has become a new icon for the city, a modern-day Frank Sinatra, suggesting that his success story is the new New York dream. He boasts of making the Yankee hat more famous than a baseball player could, a testament to his cultural influence that extends beyond music into the very fabric of the city's identity.

The song is also a panoramic snapshot of the city itself, referencing a wide array of locations and cultural touchstones. It takes the listener on a journey through different boroughs and social strata—from the basketball courts where he sits with celebrities, to the diverse, bustling streets described as a 'melting pot', to the dangerous corners where illegal activities still take place. This juxtaposition highlights the city's dual nature: a place of immense opportunity and blinding lights, but also a place with a dark underbelly. The chorus, sung with soaring passion, reinforces this duality. It calls New York a "concrete jungle where dreams are made of," a powerful metaphor that captures both its harsh, competitive environment and its function as a beacon of hope and aspiration. The "big lights" are presented as a source of inspiration, capable of making anyone feel brand new. However, the final verse offers a cautionary tale. It warns that these same bright lights can be blinding, leading to the downfall of those who are not careful. It speaks of the casualties of city life, those who get lost in the fast-paced, hedonistic culture, referencing the perils of fame and the party scene. It's a reminder that the city that can build you up can also break you down, urging a level of awareness and respect for its powerful, often unforgiving, nature. The song concludes with a powerful, unifying call to celebrate the city, a collective acknowledgment of its challenges, its beauty, and its unparalleled spirit of possibility.

The genesis of "Empire State of Mind" came not from Jay-Z, but from songwriters Angela Hunte and Jane't "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic. The two Brooklynites were on a trip to London in February 2009 and felt homesick, which inspired them to write a tribute to their city. Hunte had a personal connection to Jay-Z's story, as she grew up in the same 560 State Street building he mentions in his lyrics. They wrote the original demo with producer Al Shux, who crafted the iconic piano loop by sampling the 1970 song "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments. Initially, they sent the song to Jay-Z's label, Roc Nation, but received a discouraging response. Following advice from an EMI publishing executive, they sent it directly to Jay-Z. Jay-Z loved the track, particularly the soaring hook. He decided to rewrite the verses to reflect his own personal journey and perspective on New York, aiming to add a "gritty side" to contrast with the chorus's beauty. Though Hunte originally sang the hook, she suggested Alicia Keys would be a perfect fit for the final version, noting their similar vocal tones. Jay-Z had also independently thought of Keys upon hearing the piano loop, though Mary J. Blige was also briefly considered. Keys not only recorded the vocals for the chorus but also wrote the song's bridge. The song was recorded in 2009 at Roc the Mic Studios and Oven Studios in New York City and was released on October 20, 2009, as the third single from his album The Blueprint 3.

"Empire State of Mind" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that paint a vivid picture of New York City's identity.

• Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of: This is the central metaphor of the song. The "concrete jungle" powerfully captures the dualism of NYC: it is a dense, competitive, and sometimes harsh environment, much like a jungle. Yet, it is also a fertile ground for growth, a place where "dreams are made of," symbolizing unparalleled opportunity and the possibility of achieving greatness against the odds.
• The New Sinatra: By declaring himself the "new Sinatra," Jay-Z is not just boasting. He is symbolically claiming the mantle of New York's quintessential icon for a new generation. Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" was the defining anthem of a previous era; Jay-Z positions his hip-hop narrative as its modern successor, directly quoting its famous line, "since I made it here, I can make it anywhere."
• The Melting Pot: Jay-Z uses the classic idiom of the "melting pot" to describe the city's diversity but immediately juxtaposes it with "corners where we selling rock." This highlights the complex reality behind the idealized symbol, showing that the city's mix of cultures coexists with its persistent social problems.
• Blinding Lights: The "big lights" that Alicia Keys sings will "inspire you" are given a double meaning by Jay-Z. He warns that these same lights can be "blinding," symbolizing the seductive and dangerous aspects of fame, wealth, and the city's fast life that can lead to a person's downfall.
• The Apple (Eve): The line "don't bite the apple Eve" is a direct biblical allusion to the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. In this context, "the apple" is a metaphor for the temptations of New York City (the "Big Apple"). It serves as a warning that indulging in the city's vices can lead to a fall from grace, just as it did for Eve.

The dominant emotional atmosphere of "Empire State of Mind" is one of triumph, hope, and proud nostalgia. This triumphant feeling is established primarily through the musical arrangement: the grand piano chords, the soaring, anthemic chorus sung by Alicia Keys, and the steady, confident beat create a sense of scale and victory. Jay-Z's verses contribute a layer of nostalgic reflection; he looks back on his gritty upbringing ("I used to cop in Harlem") not with sadness, but with the pride of someone who has overcome immense obstacles. This creates a feeling of earned success. The song evokes a powerful sense of inspiration and possibility, particularly in the chorus, with lines like "These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you." However, there is also a subtle undercurrent of caution and realism, especially in the final verse's warning about the city's blinding lights and casualties. This adds a layer of emotional complexity, acknowledging the struggle that underpins the triumph and making the overall feeling one of clear-eyed hope rather than naive optimism. The song captures the feeling of standing in the middle of New York City, overwhelmed but ultimately inspired by its energy and promise.

"Empire State of Mind" has had a profound and lasting cultural impact, solidifying its status as the definitive modern anthem for New York City. Upon its release in 2009, it achieved massive commercial success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks and becoming Jay-Z's first number-one single as a lead artist. The song won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. It has since achieved Diamond certification from the RIAA, signifying over 10 million units sold. Its influence extends far beyond the charts. The song is ubiquitously played at sporting events, most notably by the New York Yankees, at rallies, and in countless films and television shows like Sex and the City 2 and Glee, cementing its place in the popular consciousness. It has become an inescapable part of the New York tourist experience, played by pedicabs in Times Square and on the Staten Island Ferry. The song is praised for bridging the gap between hip-hop and pop, appealing to a massive global audience while retaining its New York authenticity. Its legacy is that of a cultural artifact that encapsulates the city's spirit of resilience, ambition, and hope, particularly resonating in a post-recession America.

"Empire State of Mind" is built on a moderate tempo of 84 beats per minute, creating a steady, confident pulse that allows both the rap verses and the soaring chorus to breathe. The rhythm section combines classic hip-hop beats with the driving force of the sampled piano riff, creating a soundscape that is simultaneously contemporary and timeless. Jay-Z's lyrical rhythm is complex and showcases his technical skill. He makes extensive use of internal rhymes and feminine rhymes (rhymes involving two syllables, with the final syllable often unstressed). For example, in the lines "Lights is blinding, girls need blinders / So they can step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is / Lined with casualties...," the rhymes ("blinders"/"sidelines is") don't look perfect on paper but sound effective due to his delivery and manipulation of emphasis, a common feature in African American Vernacular English. His rhyme schemes are not rigidly structured, allowing for a more conversational, storytelling flow that builds in complexity and speed, especially leading into the chorus. The rhythmic interplay between Jay-Z's intricate, syncopated rap verses and Alicia Keys' more straightforward, on-the-beat melodic phrasing in the chorus creates a dynamic tension and release that is central to the song's structure and appeal.

"Empire State of Mind" masterfully blends musical and literary techniques to create its powerful effect.

• Musical Fusion: The song is an "orchestral rap ballad" that fuses genres. It combines the hard-hitting, narrative-driven verses typical of East Coast hip-hop with a soaring, soulful pop/R&B chorus. This juxtaposition of Jay-Z's gritty rap and Alicia Keys' polished, anthemic vocals mirrors the lyrical theme of New York's dual nature of grit and glamour.
• Sampling: The song's foundation is a prominent piano loop sampled from the intro of The Moments' 1970 soul track "Love on a Two-Way Street." This sample provides a timeless, grand, and slightly nostalgic feel, which producer Al Shux sped up slightly, raising its key to F♯ major and giving it a brighter, more epic quality.
• Vocal Delivery: Jay-Z employs a confident, declarative flow that is more measured than aggressive. This businesslike delivery contrasts with the raw energy of his earlier work, reflecting his status as an established mogul looking back on his journey. Alicia Keys' vocal delivery is powerful and emotive, designed to be anthemic and create a sing-along effect that resonates universally.
• Allusion and Name-Dropping: The lyrics are dense with cultural allusions. Jay-Z references Frank Sinatra, The Notorious B.I.G., Robert De Niro, and sports figures like LeBron James, which serves to place himself within a lineage of New York greatness and ground the song in a specific cultural context.
• Narrative Structure: The verses follow a clear narrative arc, tracing Jay-Z's path from his past on "560 State Street" to his present life in Tribeca, creating a compelling story of upward mobility.

Who originally wrote 'Empire State of Mind'?

The song was originally written by two songwriters from Brooklyn, Angela Hunte and Jane't 'Jnay' Sewell-Ulepic. They wrote it while feeling homesick during a trip to London. Jay-Z later heard their demo, loved the hook, and rewrote the verses to reflect his own New York story.

What is the meaning behind the song 'Empire State of Mind'?

It's an anthem about New York City's dual nature. It celebrates the 'concrete jungle' as a place of immense opportunity where dreams can be realized, reflecting Jay-Z's own rise to success. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the city's dangers and the ambition it takes to survive there.

What is the piano sample used in 'Empire State of Mind'?

The iconic piano riff is a sample from the 1970 soul song 'Love on a Two-Way Street' by The Moments. The sample was discovered by the song's producer, Al Shux, and forms the core musical foundation of the track.

How was Alicia Keys chosen to be on the song?

After Jay-Z decided to use the song, original writer Angela Hunte suggested Alicia Keys for the chorus, noting their similar vocal tones. Independently, Jay-Z also thought of Keys as soon as he heard the piano loop, feeling she was perfect for the part. Mary J. Blige was also briefly considered.

What does Jay-Z mean by 'I'm the new Sinatra'?

This line is a symbolic claim to being the modern-day icon of New York City, much like Frank Sinatra was for a previous generation. He's positioning his hip-hop success story as the new definitive New York anthem, even referencing Sinatra's famous lyric 'If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere.'

What does the lyric 'MDMA got you feeling like a champion' mean?

This line is a cautionary reference to New York's party culture and the dangers of substance abuse. It points out how the city's nightlife and the allure of drugs can create a false sense of invincibility, which can lead to a person's downfall.

When was 'Empire State of Mind' released and how did it perform?

The song was released on October 20, 2009. It was a massive commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five straight weeks. It won two Grammy Awards and has sold over 10 million units in the U.S., earning it a Diamond certification.