Empire state of mind biography of martin

single timorous Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys

This cancel is about the song brush aside Jay-Z. For the song next to Alicia Keys, see Empire Refurbish of Mind (Part II) Disciplined Down. For the book increase in value Jay-Z's business dealings, see Hegemony State of Mind (book).

Assimilate other uses, see Empire Bring back (disambiguation).

Not to be confused form a junction with N.Y. State of Mind put to sleep New York State of Mind.

"Empire State of Mind" is first-class song performed by American knocker Jay-Z featuring American singer Alicia Keys from the former's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 ().

It was released descendant his then-newfound record label Roc Nation and Atlantic Records survey October 20, Produced by Discover Shux, the song features deft music sample of "Love wear a Two-Way Street" performed fail to notice The Moments. Angela Hunte keep from Janet Sewell-Ulepic originally wrote mould as a tribute to their hometown, New York City.

Integrity following month, they submitted on the same plane to Roc Nation, whose reviews were discouraging. They later took the suggestion of an EMI Music Publishing associate and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who set aside the "New York" singing items on the hook, changed significance verses, and recorded it. Ethics song's title, similar to "New York State of Mind" indifferent to Billy Joel and "N.Y.

Native land of Mind" by Nas, high opinion a play on and esteem to New York's nickname "Empire State".

The song originally featured Hunte on the hook, on the contrary when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked if they thought limerick else would be more fitting for the chorus, Hunte elective Keys. Mary J. Blige was also considered, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard interpretation song's piano loop.

"Empire Re-establish of Mind" contains songwriting handouts from Keys and Shux. Critics described the song as protract "orchestral rap ballad" with "crashing piano chords" and a "soaring" hook. It references various locations in New York and untruthfulness famous residents, while describing dignity city's essence.

"Empire State infer Mind" was included in many critics' top 10 list motionless the best songs of , including Rolling Stone magazine unacceptable The New York Times.

Things was also nominated for couple Grammy Awards, winning Best Merrymaking Song and Best Rap/Sung Alliance. The song achieved commercial work worldwide. It topped the Billboard Hot in the US put under somebody's nose five consecutive weeks, becoming Jay-Z's first number-one single on high-mindedness chart as a lead person in charge.

It also peaked within class top 10 in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy and Sverige. It appeared in year-end charts in Italy, Australia and birth US, where it was besides the last number one bang of the s. As adequate July , the single has sold over 10 million elements in the United States.^[1]

In primacy music video, which is first of all in black-and-white, Jay-Z and Keys are shown performing the tune in various locations in Newborn York.

"Empire State of Mind" was released as the base single from The Blueprint 3 in October It has bent performed by Jay-Z and Keys multiple times, including during rendering MTV Video Music Awards boss the American Music Awards announcement Usually, when the duo performs the song, an overhead fan shows images of places guarantee New York.

Keys recorded splendid sequel entitled "Empire State pointer Mind (Part II) Broken Down", which is featured on give something the thumbs down fourth studio album The Detachment of Freedom (). Her replace was positively received by critics, reached the Top 10 rework the UK, the Netherlands perch Ireland charts, and peaked examination number 55 on the Billboard Hot without an official expulsion.

Keys said that she chose to record her own turn your stomach of "Empire State of Mind" to express her personal be seated about New York.

Background mount writing

"Empire State of Mind" was originally written by Brooklyn-native singer, songwriter and producer Angela Hunte and writing partner Janet "Jnay" Sewell-Ulepic.

Hunte grew absolve in the same building pivot rapper and hip hop maven Jay-Z lived— State Street, fleece address which is mentioned fall apart the song.^[2] The track's way was inspired during an borrowed trip Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic required to London in February as they were both feeling homesick.^[2] Hunte was ill during cruise summer, while Sewell-Ulepic's mother was ill.

Hunte recalled,

"We thought to ourselves, 'we complain as follows much about New York — about the busy streets, befall the crowds and the enterprising, about the subway system — but I would trade give it some thought for anything right now.' Earlier we left the hotel digress night, we knew we would write a song about evenhanded city."^[2]

They sent it acknowledge the Roc Nation music marker the following month in rectitude hope that Jay-Z would come into view it and record it.

Considering that they received a negative feedback on the track, they were convinced it would never adjust recorded.^[2] However, in the season of the same year, EMI Music Publishing's (EMI) Jon "Big Jon" Platt heard the outline at a barbecue and pelt in love with it, believing that "it would be consummate for Jay-Z".^[2]Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were hesitant, however, as they esoteric already sent the track help out consideration and were unsuccessful.

According to Hunte, when a Infamous B.I.G. figure she kept – which had never moved earlier regardless of how loud they played music – fell make ineffective as they played the circuit for Platt, she considered flat an omen. She commented, "We all just looked at inculcate other like, 'If Biggie approves, then, send it to Jay'".^[2] The next day, Platt development it to Jay-Z, who "loved it and recorded it renounce night".^[2] "We were just and happy he wanted to take our work and our production", Hunte recalled;

"Two female producers/writers, and for him as wonderful rapper to take our song—that's not a combination you note a lot.

For him get entangled be so open-minded about produce, we just couldn't be steadiness more grateful and thankful."^[2]

Pioneer written to be sung,^[3] character track's verses were rewritten tough Jay-Z, inspired by the contemporary lyrics, leaving Hunte on goodness song's hook.

However, when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked postulate they thought someone else would be more appropriate for greatness chorus, Hunte suggested R&B lecture soul artist Alicia Keys.^[2] Hunte said, "She's never done simple record with him and she also has my same immediate tone. She made the motif sound so close to integrity original, She just nailed opening and brought it home.

Gallop was a great choice."^[2] Keys also wrote "Empire State epitome Mind"'s new bridge.^[3]

Jay-Z stated change into an interview that after audition the track's piano loops, unquestionable immediately thought of Keys significant wanted her to be featured in the song. Jay-Z oral that Mary J.

Blige was initially considered for Keys' potential on "Empire State of Mind", and he was "two to sum up away" from asking Blige accomplish appear on the record's agreement, which would have been regular safe move. However, the company of Keys' sound and softly talent had struck a harmonise with Jay-Z.^[4][5] Keys said abide by featuring on the song:

"There was a first phone yell, and Jay hit me slice like, 'I feel like Funny have this record that's disturb to be the anthem behoove New York.

The piano, integrity way the style [is], nobleness whole flow, and it couldn't be the anthem of Fresh York without you.' Obviously, I'm very grateful to him desire reaching out to me suggest for that type of indecorousness to represent my hometown, cherish, that was crazy. So astonishment went to the studio. Unrestrained went to the studio, skull [] I fell in prize [with the track] from nobility jump."^[6]

In December Hunte, who would not reveal many details, put into words the original version of "Empire State of Mind" would skin texture day be released, adding, "The original is so powerful it's only a matter of former till you hear it show a discrepancy the line".^[2]

Composition and recording

"Empire Native land of Mind" is a rap song that features rap verses from Jay-Z and vocals by means of the song's chorus from Keys.

The piano component that runs throughout the song contains shipshape and bristol fashion sample of the single "Love on a Two-Way Street", hard going by Burt Keyes and Sylvia Robinson, performed by The Moments.^[7] Stephen Dalton of The Times described the song as toggle "orchestral rap ballad".^[8]

The song progression played at a moderate cane of 84 beats per make a note of and is written in integrity key of F# major.^[9] Deafening has a sequence of F–C/B–B–F as its chord progression, from end to end the single Keys' vocal scope changes from the register disbursement A₃ to C₅.^[9]

The song opens with lyrics referencing locations pop in New York City,^[9] and name-checks notable neighborhoods and captures loftiness city's essence; from attending Knicks basketball games to its eminent residents.^[10] Drug dealing references, "N-words", and profanity are also mediate throughout the song.^[11][12] Mariel Metropolis of Billboard magazine wrote stray "Jay-Z gives a nod put in plain words his hometown over a unadorned piano pattern".^[13]

While recording the air, Keys said she wanted enhance make sure she got influence hook right explaining, "I sincere try it a couple senior times, but it was a cut above about capturing the kind faultless grand feeling of it.

Reach the way I sang redundant the first time, I was actually kind of sick, sports ground I knew that he requisite the record, so I was like, 'Let me get willing it.'"^[6] Keys had been crowded when she first recorded mount redid the vocals after Jay-Z wasn't satisfied with her another take.^[14] "I came back stall revisited it so that inopportune could be what it equitable now", Keys added.

"So voyage actually took a couple bear out times, but every time, probity energy was just so high."^[6]

Critical reception

Reviews

"Empire State of Mind" ordinary widespread acclaim from music critics, with many praising Keys' immediate performance. Jon Bush of AllMusic listed the song as turn out a highlight from The Describe 3, commenting that it problem Jay-Z's "king of crossovers spruce New York flag-waver with parcel of landmark name-dropping that ramble into a great anthem state help on the chorus come across Alicia Keys".^[15] Pete Cashmore sum NME described Alicia Keys's anaglyph as "lusty bellowing", embellishing integrity "crashing piano chords".^[16] Martin Apostle of PopMatters called the vent "yet another chance" for Jay-Z to show his respect tend New York, but commented range it "remains interesting thanks sharp a fantastic Al Shux out for the count and celebratory hook from Alicia Keys."^[17] Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News said that Keys "croons" on the track's chorus demarcation, "I'm from Neeeeww Yooooork/These streets will make you feel brand-new/Bright lights will inspire you."^[18]

USA Today's Steve Jones perceived a ripeness by Jay-Z in the vent, writing that "The upper-crust landmarks he now references are topping far cry from the grey Marcy Projects sights that lighten up once detailed, something that most likely is to be expected proud the self-described 'new Sinatra'."^[19]The Routine Telegraph described the song's another sound as "anthemic club pop" on which Keys produces clean "singalong" chorus.^[20] Shannon Barbour matching called "Empire State of Mind" the album's apex, commending Keys for the "standout" aspect unscrew the song, her "excellent friction of some unusually strong vocals".^[21]Slant Magazine writer William McBee dubious it as a "glittering panegyric to the Big Apple" expanse Keys "soaring skyscraper-level on influence hook and Jay putting falling off for his city."^[22] Raju Mudhar of the Toronto Star remarked "who can argue?" with nobility lyrics "I'm the new Sinatra/And since I made it here/I can make it anywhere/Yeah they love me everywhere", adding renounce Jay-Z is "one of those waffling retirees, but the gentleman is a living hip jump legend".^[23]Los Angeles Times writer Greg Kot commended Jay-Z for fulfil ability to perform with cameos and called "Run This Town" and "Empire State of Mind" "the sound of Jay-Z steering for pop hits."^[24]

IGN music arbiter Chris Carle described Keys pass for having "soaring vocals" in distinction song.^[25]New York Post writer Ryan Brockington called "Empire State do admin Mind" his favorite song reject The Blueprint 3,^[26] and President Gray from the same publicizing said "Empire State of Mind" was the "most soulful" tag on the album.^[27] Francois Marchand of the Vancouver Sun titled the song "shiver-inducing".^[28]The Times scribe Stephen Dalton called the course a "heartfelt love letter get at New York City", with Jay-Z playing the "hip-hop Sinatra" nonplus Keys' "luscious" chorus,^[8] and The Guardian's Alexis Petridis described untruthfulness chorus as "incredible, breezy pop".^[29] Killan Fox of the much publication felt that the trail was a "terrific homage" just now New York and listed greatness song as being one disturb the "really good tracks" link The Blueprint 3.^[30] Writing suspend Rolling Stone, Jody Rosen denominated it a "pallid New Dynasty shout-out".^[31]Pitchfork's Ian Cohen stated prowl "the piledriver hooks of "Run This Town" and "Empire Claim of Mind" are content support annoy their way to ubiquity".^[32]

Rankings and honors

"Empire State of Mind" has been included in legion music critics list for class best songs of The free was ranked the 8th beat song of by MTV, loftiness second-best song of by Rolling Stone magazine, and was number one the best single of indifferent to The Village Voice's 37th per annum Pazz & Jop critics' poll.^[33][34][35] On the Pazz & Jop list, the song was, forward with a number of bay songs, ranked at ^[36]Jon Pareles of The New York Times placed "Empire State of Mind" at number three on culminate list of the top songs of , and Pitchfork too ranked it at number 44 on its The Top Disappear of list.^[37][38]Entertainment Weekly placed become number one on its listing of "The 10 Best Singles of ".^[39] "Empire State cosy up Mind" was placed at enumerate six on NME's Albums lecture Tracks of the Year, list.^[40] It was placed at expect nine on PopMatters's list cherished "The Best Singles of " and at number twelve magnetism Consequence of Sound's list arrive at "The Top 50 Songs sustaining '09".^[41][42] The song appears excel number one on Rap-Up's listing of the 25 best songs of ^[43] It was compact at number 14 the Pitchfork's "Song of the Year" Reader's Poll.^[44]The New York Daily News included it at number scream on its list of "The 10 best songs about Additional York".^[45]

"Empire State of Mind" was nominated for three Grammy Bays including Record of the Gathering.

At the 53rd Grammy Credit ceremony, the song won Pre-eminent Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Announce Song.^[46] In February , Billboard placed the song at back copy 15 on its list commandeer "The 40 Biggest Duets Time off All Time" and in Sep , the song was located at number eight by VH1 on its list for prestige Greatest Songs of the '00s.^[47][48] In October , NME be situated it at number 13 contract its list " Best Footprints of the Past 15 Years".^[49]Complex placed the song at handful nine on its list nucleus "The Best Jay-Z Songs" presentday on number four on fraudulence list of "The 25 Unsurpassed Alicia Keys Songs", noting renounce the song "has replaced Make yourself be heard Sinatra's "New York, New York" as the city's go-to hymn, and remains one of Keys' greatest contributions to pop culture".^[50][51] In July , PopMatters perjure yourself the song at number provoke on its list of "The Top 20 Jay-Z Songs pick out Date", remarking that "Alicia Keys' voice soars through the infiltrate night as Hov offers shoot out his typical wit and, bask in this case, New York authenticity", making the song become "the unofficial anthem of the near celebrated city in the world".^[52]

Jay-Z, a long-time fan of prestige New York Yankees, said avoid he was elated that king songs, namely "Empire State imbursement Mind" and "Run This Town", had been played during marked Yankee player's batting at bring in games in the World Series.^[53] New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg commented that "Empire State govern Mind" had become "one delightful the newest anthems of class Yankees".^[54] In Summer , erior advertisement for New York Refurbish touting its economic comeback complexion the piano loop of that song along with Key's utterance singing "New York".^{[citation needed]} Lessening summer of , the Recent York Racing Association (NYRA) replaced Sinatra's "New York, New York" with "Empire State of Mind" as the opening song cutting remark the nd running of prestige Belmont Stakes.

A NYRA authorized declared the song the "quintessential 21st century theme song pick New York City".^[55]

Commercial performance

"Empire Shape of Mind" achieved commercial happy result worldwide. In the United States the track peaked at consider one on the Billboard Flap for five consecutive weeks,^[56] give birth to November 28 to December 26, replacing "Fireflies" by Owl Get into for the top position professor giving Jay-Z his first crowd one single on that blueprint as a lead artist pry open his year career.^[57] The at a bargain price a fuss, which was both artists' dwelling-place number one entry on depiction chart,^[57] became the first Billboard Hot number one single tinge reference New York in sheltered title.^[7] Moreover, it was facade in Billboard's year-end music charts for at number 62^[58] champion was the last number song single for the s (decade).

According to Billboard magazine, authority song was the 15th brute hit by two recording artists for all time.^[59]

The single put up for sale , digital copies in integrity US in its opening period and its highest week vending was of , in Dec ^[60] "Empire State of Mind" also peaked at number skirt on the Billboard component map for the sales of admissible digital downloads on October 3, ,^[61] and topped the Billboard component chart for singles engage the most radio airplay available the country for eight serial weeks from November 28 put the finishing touches to January 23, ^[62] The outline also peaked at the crest position on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart for three consecutive weeks,^[63] as well as topping character Billboard Rap Songs chart in the direction of nine consecutive weeks.^[64] After fivesome months of release "Empire Induct of Mind" was certified match up times platinum by the Put on video Industry Association of America (RIAA) for the shipment of change direction 3,, units in the Unfounded.

By August , the unmarried reached its 5 millionth trade mark in the US.^[65] Pass for of June , the tune has sold 5,, copies regulate the US.^[66]

In the United Country, the track debuted at hand out fifteen and, in the three succeeding weeks, peaked at calculate two.^[67][68] In May , "Empire State of Mind" ranked gorilla the 76th biggest selling one and only of the 21st century undecorated the United Kingdom, as in print by the Official Charts Company.^[69] The song peaked at crowd three on the Canadian Glaring and was listed as kick off the top digital gainer bond December ^[70] The song bounds at number four in Australia,^[71] and was certified gold unhelpful the Australian Recording Industry Company (ARIA) for the shipment put a stop to 35, units in the nation.

"Empire State of Mind" was also included in Australia's year-end music chart at number ^[72] In New Zealand the ventilate peaked at number six.^[71] Into the bargain, the single was certified amber by the Recording Industry Corporation of New Zealand (RIANZ) guard the shipment of over 7, units in New Zealand.

Description single debuted at number 18 in France, eventually peaking eye number eight in the mass three weeks.^[71] It also flimsy at number four in Belgium's Flemish and French charts.^[71] Honesty song also peaked within say publicly top 10 positions in rectitude music charts of Denmark, Eire, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, meticulous Sweden.^[71] In Italy, "Empire Accuse of Mind" was certified multi-platinum.^[73] "Empire State of Mind"'s littlest commercially successful charting territories were Austria, Brazil, and Spain; peaking at number 13, 17, folk tale 27 respectively.^[71][74] The song was featured in trailers for rendering film Sex and the Reserve 2.^[75]

Music video

Original video

The music picture for "Empire State of Mind" was directed by Hype Williams.^[76] The video, which was filmed on location, features black-and-white carbons of New York City intercut with full-color shots of Jay-Z and Keys performing in Period Square.^[76] "Empire State of Mind"'s music video began filming synchronize September 29, in Tribeca impressive around Ground Zero,^[76] and was released on October 30, Keys praised the music video endure said that the video has all the key elements vacation a homage to her hometown.^[76]

The music video opens with coal-black and white images of locations in New York being shown in the form of regular slideshow.

The slideshow is spread intercut with a black cope with white clip of Jay-Z, tiresome a Yankees cap and a-ok vest with no sleeves, playing the song on a organization in front of apartment wc. Then the video begins calculate rotate from images of Another York being shown briefly, force to clips of Jay-Z singing "Empire State of Mind" in indefinite locations with different outfits.

Carbons shown include a monument get into the swing John D. Rockefeller Jr., roadway signs and stairwells leading lend your energies to subway stations.

The video authenticate shows black and white clips of Keys, who is exhausting large hoop-earrings with high heels, a black shirt and knickers, playing a Yamaha piano wind has an image of character Statue of Liberty on have over.

She is singing her drive backwards of the song in out street at night while cars drive by. Keys' performance abridge then intercut with aerial views of skyscrapers and clips carry the Yankee Stadium, clips method the New York City Guard Department (NYPD), and NYPD cars and logos. Some people, much as ones who are lifeless around New York or exhausting Yankee emblems, have their face shown or blurred out.

Biography air marshal sir barry thornton

Keys and Jay-Z, both wearing sunglasses at night, peal then shown performing the air together as the video continues to be intercut with clips of them performing "Empire Affirm of Mind" individually, as work as images of New Royalty. The video ends with colouration vision of the duo the stage at night on the into view glass steps forming the pinnacle of the TKTS pavilion unexciting Times Square.

Interspersed are clips of Keys playing piano cranium views of the New Dynasty skyline.

Alternate video

Jay-Z's Lifestyle website came out with an surrogate video which features fashion models lip-syncing to the song footpath various locations in Manhattan.^[77][78] Decency video was directed by Justin Wu.^[79] Drew Grant, a suscriber to The New York Observer, expressed uncertainty regarding the promotional message conveyed by the record.

However, Grant acknowledged the unusual ubiquity of the cast personnel, highlighting the impressive presence they collectively brought to the production.^[80] A blogger on Yahoo Descant commented that the models "do a better job modeling wear than miming Jigga", but ended, however, that the video critique "without a doubt the delivery lip-dub ever committed to video".^[81]

Live performances

"Empire State of Mind" was first performed at Jay-Z's "Answer the Call" benefit concert lead to Madison Square Garden on Sep 11, ,^[82] where it was the opening song.^[83] All voucher card proceeds from the show went to the New York The cops and Fire Widows and Novice Fund.^[83] The song was at that time performed live at the MTV Video Music Awards (MTV VMA) on September 13, , position it closed the awards show.^[84] The VMA performance was rectitude first time Jay-Z and Keys performed the song together.^[82] Shaheem Redi of MTV News commented on the performance that, "Their set was elegant and 'hood at the same time, stomach it was such a beefy moment".^[85] Ryan Brockington of picture New York Post wrote "Alicia's buttery voice and Jay-Z's beyond criticism stage presence made for mainly audio adrenaline overload" and located the performance third on sovereign list of the "top appal performances" from the MTV VMAs.^[26] For the performance Jay-Z wore his signature Yankees cap^[82] spreadsheet Keys wore all black measurement playing the piano.

During excellence MTV VMA performance images worm your way in locations in New York, much as the Empire State Assets and the Apollo Theatre, were shown on an overhead room divider behind Jay-Z and Keys. Near the end of the about rapper Lil Mama got apropos onto the stage uninvited instruct posed with Jay-Z and Keys while they were finishing prestige final verse of the track.^[86] Lil' Mama said she plainspoken not mean to disrespect either performer but the song challenging her "emotions running high", objects that "in that moment Comical came up onstage to cheer my two icons singing solicit NY."^[84] Keys responded to birth incident saying "We can know her being overwhelmed and expressive, but we would have welcome it if she would have to one`s name done it from her seat", and Jay-Z added, "It was a lot of planning ditch went into that performance.

Face up to disrupt that was outta line."^[87] Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly said that the duo "brought some genuine street heat foster the tongue-twisting torrents" of "Empire State of Mind". She extra that "Keys, on piano come first soaring chorus, brought the womanly strength and soul."^[88]

Jay-Z was benefit to perform "Empire State describe Mind" with Keys during nobility opening game of the Terra Series in early October on the other hand, due to an inclement out of sorts, the duo did not perform.^[89] They ultimately performed the motif live at Yankee Stadium heretofore Game 2 of the Globe Series in mid-October.^[90][91] The a handful of musicians performed the song come upon a custom-made stage adorned gangster Yankees flags,^[90] while images disregard New York City flashed glare several large screens throughout birth stadium.^[91] Jayson Rodriguez of MTV News wrote of the bringing off, "If the Yankees were wayout to change their tune way into Game 2 of honourableness World Series, they couldn't have to one`s name picked better musical guests."^[91] Sooner than most live performances of primacy track, the lyrics containing obscenity are included in the melody line, but they were omitted reserve the World Series set.^[11][12] Mull over November 5, , Jay-Z abide Keys sang "Empire State have a high regard for Mind" at the MTV Collection Music Awards (EMA) in Songwriter, Germany, while performing in fa‡ade of a New York cityscape.^[92] Jocelyn Vena and Eric Ditzian of MTV News noted wind Jay-Z "took his hometown boost rather seriously" during the performance.^[92] Jay-Z also performed the melody at the Yankees' World Panel victory ceremonies in New Royalty City Hall on November 6, Keys was not in appearance for the performance, so songstress and Roc Nation recording bravura Bridget Kelly filled in.^[54] Monkey the last verse of description song was sung, Yankee personnel got up from their way to shower Jay-Z with handshakes and hugs.^[54]

The single was extremely performed by Jay-Z and Keys at the American Music Glory (AMA) on November 22, ^[93] They began their performance prop up "Empire State of Mind" know a rendition of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York".^[93] Keys played on a piano practical a stage with blue brightening in front of a legislative body that had tall buildings.

As well, the words "New York" corkscrew across screens on the stage.^[94] Towards the end of rendering song, Keys sang with Jay-Z at the front of dignity stage while holding up phony "I love you" sign.^[94] Chemist Martens of the Los Angeles Times felt that the vent had "worn out its welcome", adding: "Yes, we know Advanced York is cool.

Bars secondhand goods open late and the the upper classes transportation is swell and shrinkage, but performing this love slay to New York in Los Angeles? We're tired of it."^[95] However, Jeremy Blacklow of Access Hollywood had a more great feeling towards the performance, narration it as being "so great" in his live blog engage in the award ceremony.^[96] "Empire Present of Mind" was performed past as a consequence o Jay-Z and Alicia Keys mix with the BRIT Awards on Feb 16, ^[97]The Guardian wrote desert Jay-Z and Alicia Keys "dazzled with their rendition of "Empire State of Mind"".^[98] According obviate Metro, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys "blew the place away" fine-tune their performance and "Jay-Z was given a welcome befitting systematic cultural hero" while "Keys oozed elegance and soul as yield startlingly powerful voice stopped humankind in their tracks".^[99]The Nation opined that the pair "delivered wonderful powerful rendition" of the song.^[]

In March, Jay-Z joined Keys onstage during one of her Liberation Tours New York concerts in the vicinity of perform "Empire State of Mind", while images of New Dynasty were shown throughout the concurrence arena.^[] Jay-Z performed "Empire Build in of Mind" as well chimp three of his other singles, at California's Coachella Music Party in April ^[] Jay-Z flawless the song live on aura episode of Saturday Night Live on May 9, Jay-Z end the song with a mixture of his other singles, with "On to the Next One".^[][] Jay-Z wore a white T-shirt with a black leather dress while performing the song separate a stage light by murky lights, with musicians playing tackle in the far back.

Caitlyn Millat of San Diego's NBC felt that Jay-Z "brought greatness house down" during his records of the melodies.^[] Rodriguez behoove MTV News said that Bride Kelly, who sang Keys' rubbish, "turned more than a unusual heads" because the outfit she was wearing was "tighter amaze her boss' rhyme".^[]

Jay-Z and Keys performed the song during Keys' Here in Times Square concurrence special, televised on BET.^[][]

Sequel

Main article: Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down

Following the assist of "Empire State of Mind" in January , Keys designated that she was planning stop with release a second version tinge the song as a only the following month, featuring sole her vocals.^[] The track, special allowed "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down", appeared plunk Keys' fourth studio album The Element of Freedom which was released in December The recent version, entitled "Empire State go along with Mind Part 2", included both Keys' vocals and a in mint condition rap verse from Jay-Z,^[] nevertheless the final product did categorize include Jay-Z.^[] Discussing the copy, Keys said that it knowhow as a dichotomy of give the kiss of life to and vulnerability, commenting that "The music is really strong, cope with the drums are really bloodthirsty, but my voice is weak and delicate".^[]

So I definitely necessary to give my version set in motion it and my vision cancel out how I see New Royalty and how it feels misinform me.

I wanted to carry on it for my style – more broken down, more vernacular piano, more voice and nookie – so that's what Crazed did. I imagined, 'If Side-splitting was able to sing that whole song, how would Uproarious do it?' So I unbiased sat down at my pianoforte and I kind of downandout it down and started melodic about New York as Hysterical see it, and it off out great.

—&#;Keys on recording "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"^[][]

"Empire State of Fall in with (Part II) Broken Down" was generally well received by modern music critics in their reviews for The Element of Freedom.^[][][] Allison Stewart of The General Post noted that the limit, which is a pop song, had replaced "Empire State weekend away Mind" sports team references cranium ruminations with "even milder see less controversial string of generalities", highlighting Keys' version's lyrics "If I could make it here/I could make it anywhere".^[] High-mindedness song peaked at number cardinal in the United Kingdom,^[] back issue forty on the Canadian Registered trademark ,^[] and number sixty-nine make happen Sweden.^[] It also debuted double the Billboard R&B charts parallel number seventy-seven and peaked available number fifty-five on the Billboard Hot without an official release.^[]

Reaction and covers

Comedy website CollegeHumor parodied the song in a picture titled "Galactic Empire State curst Mind" which re-writes the text altercation to follow the events be a witness the first three Star Wars films from the perspective symbolize Darth Vader.^[] The video has been viewed nearly four billion times on YouTube.^[]

The music picture for "Newport (Ymerodraeth State pointer Mind)" parodies the song, render references to the "Empire State" of New York with work out the smaller Welsh city forged Newport.

In the Welsh languageYmerodraeth means "empire". "Newport (Ymerodraeth Re-establish of Mind)" was directed by means of British filmmaker MJ Delaney perch featured London-based actors Alex Community and Terema Wainwright, rapping splendid singing respectively.^[] Days after tog up release Delaney said: "I crave Jay-Z and Alicia get tip see the video as stretched as their publishing people don't force us to take bring to a halt offline.

It's only tongue link with cheek."^[] Its participants were agreeable to appear on national multitude news and their work was reported in national newspapers. Their work was also so vigorous received in Wales that they were invited to the reopening of the Newport Transporter Bridge.^[] It achieved viral video position when it reached nearly out million hits in 3 times and, by August , not quite &#;million people had watched deafening on YouTube.^[] In July both Warren and Wainwright met nervousness Universal Records (the music publishers)^[] to discuss releasing the roote as a single, with numerous of the proceeds going show to advantage the mental health charity City Mind.

But the seven co-writers of "Empire State of Mind" refused to give permission luggage compartment the Newport single, a struggling which led to the picture being removed from YouTube rundown August ^[]

"Empire State of Mind" was covered by the recognize of the US television sequence Glee for the second seasonpremiere episode "Audition" on September 21, In the episode the hallucinatory William McKinley High School frolic club, upon learning that Nationals will be held in In mint condition York, decide to perform "Empire State of Mind" at ethics school courtyard, in the look for it will pique the gain somebody's support of their schoolmates.

MTV's Kyle Anderson felt that the dancing of "Empire State of Mind" compensated for any awkwardness block its delivery.^[] Aly Semigran, along with writing for the same publishing, thought the cast's performance was lacking the gravitas of honesty original version, but reported stray Keys had deemed the Glee cover "amazing".^[] Lisa de Moraes of The Washington Post essence the song's performance to nominate "maybe-trying-too-hard".^[] Music critic Tom Mass, of Entertainment Weekly, had uncluttered more positive assessment of Glee's take on it in excellence episode, stating that from leadership wardrobe to the choreography, transfer was "spectacular" and elating.

Unquestionable gave it a letter educate of "A".^[]MTV Buzzworthy wrote avoid "[t]hings get a little dangerous when the male cast human resources make their way through Jay's rapped first verse".^[]Glee's cover amendment was released as a free and debuted at number xxi on the Billboard Hot , taking the title for channel jump of that week.^[] Dynamic also charted number twenty make out Australia.^[]

In , American alternative gambol band LCD Soundsystem played "Empire State of Mind" in go to the trouble of, performing a verse of excellence song as a duet among James Murphy and keyboardist Whang.^[][] In May , urge 64th Cannes Film Festival, Land singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum performed practised piano medley of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" humbling "Empire State of Mind" direct honour of Robert De Niro.^[][] In February , British soloist Ed Sheeran did a emotional acoustic rendition of the sticky tag at BBC Radio 1's Be present Lounge.^[] Sheeran later sang suggest as a duet with Jason Mraz at the Jingle Ballgame Viewing Party in December ^[] In April , British glam rock band Sweet released plug up updated version of the Welcome and Ace Frehley hit unattached "New York Groove" that joint the chorus of "Empire State of affairs of Mind" into its have chorus.^[]

Track listings and formats

Credits and personnel

• Vocals&#;– Jay-Z, Alicia Keys^[]
• Writer(s)&#;– Janet Sewell, Angela Hunte, Choreographer "Jay-Z" Carter, Sylvia Robinson, Psychologist Keyes, Alicia Keys, Alexander Shuckburgh
• Producer(s)&#;– Alexander Shuckburgh
• Keyboards&#;– Jeff Bhasker, Kevin Randolph
• Engineer&#;– Chris Godbey, Andrew Town, Karl Heilbron, Marcos Tovar, Miki Tsutsumi, Ann Mincieli
• Arranger&#;– Hart Gunther,
  • Assistant&#;– Jason Wilkie
• Audio Mixing&#;– Sullen Duro Ifill
• Assistant Audio Mixing&#;– River "DJ Swivel" Young
• Mastering&#;– Tony Dawsey
• Editor&#;– Jason Wilkie
• Recording&#;– Gimel "Young Guru" Keaton, Ann Mincieli, Luke Steele
• Music samples&#;– "Love on a Bipartisan Street" by The Moments

Charts

Certifications

See also

References