Jay-Z and Alicia Keys Have an Empire State of Mind

Song of the Day

Nothing puts me in more of a mood to visit New York City quite like Jay-Z and Alicia Keys do in their song "Empire State of Mind." It makes me realize that NYC really is the place to be and then I start itching to visit.

Everything about Jay-Z's song rings true and it's very clear how much growing up in New York City means to him. He sings about the city so effortlessly, knows it so well, and is so passionate about it. This is definitely one of my favorite songs from The Blueprint 3.

I also love that I didn't recognize Alicia Keys in the song at all the first time I heard it. While she's always had a beautiful voice, she sounds even more mature in "Empire State of Mind."

Alicia's part in the song is the most moving, I feel. "In New York/Concrete jungle where dreams are made of/There's nothing you can't do/Now you're in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new/Big lights will inspire you/Lets hear it for New York, New York, New York."

They're so right about the lights inspiring and the streets making you feel like new. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys could make anyone want to visit the Big Apple!

Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) - Jay-Z