"Empire State of Mind" is a song recorded by American rapperJay-Z and American singer-songwriterAlicia Keys, for the former's eleventh studio albumThe Blueprint 3 (2009). Produced byAl Shux, the song features a musicsample of "Love on a Two-Way Street" performed bythe Moments.Angela Hunte and Janet Sewell-Ulepic originally wrote it as a tribute to their hometown,New York City. The following month, they submitted it to Roc Nation, whose reviews were discouraging. They later took the suggestion of anEMI Music Publishing associate and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who kept the "New York" singing part on thehook, changed the verses, and recorded it. The song's title, similar to "New York State of Mind" byBilly Joel and "N.Y. State of Mind" byNas, is a play on and tribute to New York's nickname "Empire State". "Empire State of Mind" was released as the third single fromThe Blueprint 3 on September 1, 2009, byRoc Nation andAtlantic Records.
The song originally featured Hunte on the hook, but when Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were asked if they thought anyone else would be more appropriate for the chorus, Hunte suggested Keys. Fellow New York-based musicianMary J. Blige was also considered, but Jay-Z chose Keys after hearing the song's piano loop. "Empire State of Mind" contains songwriting contributions from Keys and Shux. Critics described the song as an "orchestral rap ballad" with "crashing piano chords" and a "soaring" hook. It references several locations in New York and its famous residents, while describing the city's essence.
"Empire State of Mind" was included in multiple critics' top 10 list of the best songs of 2009, includingRolling Stone magazine andThe New York Times. It was also nominated for threeGrammy Awards, winningBest Rap Song andBest Rap/Sung Collaboration. The song achieved commercial success worldwide. It topped theBillboard Hot 100 in the US for five consecutive weeks, becoming Jay-Z's first number-one single on the chart as a lead artist. It also peaked within the top 10 in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy and Sweden. It appeared in 2009 year-end charts in Italy, Australia and the US, where it was also the last number one hit of the 2000s. As of July 2024, the single has sold over 10 million units in the United States.[1]
In the 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 the2009 MTV Video Music Awards and theAmerican Music Awards of 2009. Usually, when the duo performs the song, an overhead screen shows images of places in New York. Keys recorded a sequel entitled "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down", which is featured on her fourth studio albumThe Element of Freedom (2009). Her version was positively received by critics, reached the Top 10 in the UK, the Netherlands and Ireland charts, and peaked at number 55 on theBillboard Hot 100 without an official release. Keys said that she chose to record her own version of "Empire State of Mind" to express her personal feelings about New York.
"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 up in the same building whereJay-Z lived—560 State Street, an address which is mentioned in the song.[2] The track's creation was inspired during an overseas trip Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic made to London in February 2009 when they were both feeling homesick.[2] Hunte was ill during that summer, while Sewell-Ulepic's mother was ill. Hunte recalled,
"We said to ourselves, 'we complain so much about New York — about the busy streets, about the crowds and the pushing, about thesubway 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."[2]
They sent it to theRoc Nation music label the following month in the hope that Jay-Z would like it and record it. When they received a negative response on the track, they were convinced it would never be recorded.[2] However, in the summer of the same year,EMI Music Publishing's (EMI) 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".[2] Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic were hesitant, however, as they had already sent the track for consideration and were unsuccessful. According to Hunte, when aNotorious B.I.G. figure she kept – which had never moved before regardless of how loud they played music – fell over as they played the track for Platt, she considered it an omen. She commented, "We all just looked at each other like, 'If Biggie approves, then, send it to Jay'".[2] The next day, Platt sent it to Jay-Z, who "loved it and recorded it that night".[2] "We were just so happy he wanted to honor our work and our production", Hunte recalled;
"Two female producers/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."[2]
Originally written to be sung,[3] the track's verses were rewritten by Jay-Z, inspired by the original lyrics, 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 suggestedR&B andsoul artistAlicia Keys.[2] Hunte said, "She's never done a record with him and she also has my samevocal tone. She made the song sound so close to the original, She just nailed it and brought it home. It was a great choice."[2] Keys also wrote "Empire State of Mind"'s new bridge.[3]
Jay-Z stated in an interview that after hearing the track's piano loops, he immediately thought of Keys and wanted her to be featured in the song. Jay-Z said thatMary J. Blige was initially considered for Keys' part on "Empire State of Mind", and he was "two seconds away" from asking Blige to appear on the record's chorus, which would have been a safe move. However, the combination of Keys' sound and piano talent had struck a chord with Jay-Z.[4][5] Keys said of featuring on the song:
"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. The piano, the way the style [is], the whole flow, and it couldn't be the anthem of New York without you.' Obviously, I'm very grateful to him 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 track] from the jump."[6]
In December 2009 Hunte, who would not reveal many details, said the original version of "Empire State of Mind" would one day be released, adding, "The original is so powerful it's only a matter of time till you hear it down the line".[2]
"Empire State of Mind" is a hip-hop song that features rap verses from Jay-Z and vocals during the song's chorus from Keys. The piano component that runs throughout the song contains asample of the 1970 single "Love on a Two-Way Street", written by Burt Keyes and Sylvia Robinson, performed byThe Moments.[7] Stephen Dalton ofThe Times described the song as an "orchestral rap ballad".[8]
The song is played at a moderatetempo of 84 beats per minute and is written in thekey ofF♯ major.[9] It has a sequence of F♯–C♯/B–B–F♯ as itschord progression, throughout the single Keys'vocal range changes from the register of A♯3 to C♯5.[9]
The song opens with lyrics referencing locations in New York City,[9] and name-checks notable neighborhoods and captures the city's essence; from attending Knicks basketball games to its famous residents.[10] Drug dealing references, "N-words", andprofanity are also present throughout the song.[11][12] Mariel Concepcion ofBillboard magazine wrote that "Jay-Z gives a nod to his hometown over a simple piano pattern".[13]
While recording the song, Keys said 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.'"[6] Keys had been congested when she first recorded and redid the vocals after Jay-Z wasn't satisfied with her original take.[14] "I came back and revisited it so that it could be what it is now", Keys added. "So it actually took a couple of times, but every time, the energy was just so high."[6]
Music critics commended Alicia Keys for her chorus line.
"Empire State of Mind" received widespread acclaim frommusic critics, with many praising Keys' vocal performance. Jon Bush ofAllMusic listed the song as being a highlight fromThe Blueprint 3, commenting that it is Jay-Z's "king of crossovers ... 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".[15] Pete Cashmore ofNME described Alicia Keys's cameo as "lusty bellowing", embellishing the "crashing piano chords".[16] Martin Andrew ofPopMatters 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."[17] Jayson Rodriguez ofMTV News said 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."[18]
USA Today's Steve Jones perceived a maturity by Jay-Z in the song, writing 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'."[19]The Daily Telegraph described the song's modern sound as "anthemic club pop" on which Keys produces a "singalong" chorus.[20] Shannon Barbour ofAbout.com called "Empire State of Mind" the album's apex, commending Keys for the "standout" aspect of the song, her "excellent display of some unusually strong vocals".[21]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."[22] Raju Mudhar of theToronto Star remarked "who can argue?" with the lyrics "I'm the new Sinatra/And since I made it here/I can make it anywhere/Yeah they love me everywhere", adding that Jay-Z is "one of those waffling retirees, but the man is a living hip hop legend".[23]Los Angeles Times writerGreg Kot commended Jay-Z for his ability to perform with cameos and called "Run This Town" and "Empire State of Mind" "the sound of Jay-Z cruising for pop hits."[24]
IGN music reviewer Chris Carle described Keys as having "soaring vocals" in the song.[25]New York Post writer Ryan Brockington called "Empire State of Mind" his favorite song fromThe Blueprint 3,[26] and Tyler Gray from the same publication said "Empire State of Mind" was the "most soulful" song on the album.[27] Francois Marchand of theVancouver Sun called the song "shiver-inducing".[28]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,[8] andThe Guardian's Alexis Petridis described its chorus as "incredible, breezy pop".[29] 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" onThe Blueprint 3.[30] Writing inRolling Stone, Jody Rosen called it a "pallid New York shout-out".[31]Pitchfork'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".[32]
"Empire State of Mind" has been included in multiple music critics list for the best songs of 2009. The single was ranked the 8th best song of 2009 by MTV, the second-best song of 2009 byRolling Stone magazine, and was voted the best single of 2009 byThe Village Voice's 37th annualPazz & Jop critics' poll.[33][34][35] On the 2010Pazz & Jop list, the song was, along with a number of other songs, ranked at 226.[36]Jon Pareles ofThe New York Times placed "Empire State of Mind" at number three on his list of the top songs of 2009, andPitchfork also ranked it at number 44 on its The Top 100 Tracks of 2009 list.[37][38]Entertainment Weekly placed it number one on its list of "The 10 Best Singles of 2009".[39] "Empire State of Mind" was placed at number six onNME's Albums and Tracks of the Year, 2009 list.[40] It was placed at number nine onPopMatters's list of "The Best Singles of 2009" and at number twelve onConsequence of Sound's list of "The Top 50 Songs of '09".[41][42] The song appears at number one onRap-Up's list of the 25 best songs of 2009.[43] It was ranked at number 14 the 2009Pitchfork's "Song of the Year" Reader's Poll.[44]The New York Daily News included it at number ten on its list of "The 10 best songs about New York".[45]
"Empire State of Mind" was nominated for threeGrammy Awards includingRecord of the Year. At the53rd Grammy Awards ceremony, the song wonBest Rap/Sung Collaboration andBest Rap Song.[46] In February 2011,Billboard placed the song at number 15 on its list of "The 40 Biggest Duets Of All Time" and in September 2011, the song was placed at number eight byVH1 on its list for the 100 Greatest Songs of the '00s.[47][48] In October 2011,NME placed it at number 13 on its list "150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years".[49]Complex placed the song at number nine on its list of "The 100 Best Jay-Z Songs" and on number four on its list of "The 25 Best Alicia Keys Songs", noting that the song "has replacedFrank Sinatra's "New York, New York" as the city's go-to anthem, and remains one of Keys' greatest contributions to pop culture".[50][51] In July 2013,PopMatters placed the song at number six on its list of "The Top 20 Jay-Z Songs to Date", remarking that "Alicia Keys' voice soars through the city night as Hov offers up his typical wit and, in this case, New York authenticity", making the song become "the unofficial anthem of the most celebrated city in the world".[52]
Jay-Z, a long-time fan of theNew 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 the2009 World Series.[53] New York MayorMichael Bloomberg commented that "Empire State of Mind" had become "one of the newest anthems of the Yankees".[54] In Summer 2012, an advertisement for New York State touting its economic comeback features the piano loop of this song along with Key's voice singing "New York".[citation needed] In summer of 2010, theNew York Racing Association (NYRA) replaced Sinatra's "New York, New York" with "Empire State of Mind" as the opening song at the 142nd running of theBelmont Stakes. A NYRA official declared the song the "quintessential 21st century theme song for New York City".[55]
"Empire State of Mind" gave Jay-Z his first number one single on theBillboard 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 theBillboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks,[56] from November 28 to December 26, replacing "Fireflies" byOwl City for the top position and giving Jay-Z his first number one single on that chart as a lead artist in his 14-year career.[57] The song, which was both artists' fourth number one entry on the chart,[57] became the firstBillboard Hot 100 number one single to reference New York in its title.[7] Moreover, it was included inBillboard's year-end music charts for 2009 at number 62[58] and was the last number one single for the 2000s (decade). According toBillboard magazine, the song was the 15th biggest hit by two recording artists for all time.[59]
The single sold 205,000 digital copies in the US in its opening week and its highest week sale was of 360,000 in December 2009.[60] "Empire State of Mind" also peaked at number one on theBillboard component chart for the sales of legaldigital downloads on October 3, 2009,[61] and topped theBillboard component chart for singles with the most radio airplay throughout the country for eight consecutive weeks from November 28 to January 23, 2010.[62] The track also peaked at the top position on the R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart for three consecutive weeks,[63] as well as topping theBillboard Rap Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks.[64] After five months of release "Empire State of Mind" was certified three times platinum by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for the shipment of over 3,000,000 units in the US. By August 2012, the single reached its 5 millionth sales mark in the US.[65] As of June 2014, the song has sold 5,513,000 copies in the US.[66]
In the United Kingdom, the track debuted at number fifteen and, in the two succeeding weeks, peaked at number two.[67][68] In May 2012, "Empire State of Mind" ranked as the 76th biggest selling single of the 21st century in the United Kingdom, as published by theOfficial Charts Company.[69] The song peaked at number three on the Canadian Hot 100 and was listed as being the top digital gainer on December 12.[70] The song peaked at number four in Australia,[71] and was certified gold by theAustralian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for the shipment of 35,000 units in the country. "Empire State of Mind" was also included in Australia's 2009 year-end music chart at number 64.[72] In New Zealand the song peaked at number six.[71] Furthermore, the single was certified gold by theRecording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) for the shipment of over 7,500 units in New Zealand. The single debuted at number 18 in France, eventually peaking at number eight in the following three weeks.[71] It also peaked at number four in Belgium'sFlemish andFrench charts.[71] The song also peaked within the top 10 positions in the music charts of Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, and Sweden.[71] In Italy, "Empire State of Mind" was certified multi-platinum.[73] "Empire State of Mind"'s least commercially successful charting territories were Austria, Brazil, and Spain; peaking at number 13, 17, and 27 respectively.[71][74] The song was featured in trailers for the filmSex and the City 2.[75]
Aerial views of skyscrapers in New York at night are shown throughout the video.
The music video for "Empire State of Mind" wasdirected byHype Williams.[76] 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 inTimes Square.[76] "Empire State of Mind"'s music video began filming on September 29, inTribeca and aroundGround Zero,[76] 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.[76]
The music video opens with black-and-white images of locations in New York being shown in the form of a slideshow. The slideshow is then intercut with a black-and-white clip of Jay-Z, wearing a Yankees baseball cap and a vest with no sleeves, performing the song on a street in front of apartment buildings. Then the video 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 a monument toJohn D. Rockefeller Jr., street signs and stairwells leading tosubway 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 aYamaha piano that has an image of theStatue of Liberty on it. She is singing her verse of the song in a street at night while cars drive by. Keys' performance is then intercut with aerial views of skyscrapers and clips of theYankee Stadium, clips of theNew York City Police Department (NYPD), and 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 color vision of the duo performing at night on the red glass steps forming the roof of theTKTS pavilion inTimes Square. Interspersed are clips of Keys playing piano and views of the New York skyline.
Jay-Z's Lifestyle blog came out with an alternative video which features fashion models lip-syncing to the song in various locations inManhattan.[77][78] The video was directed by Justin Wu.[79] Drew Grant, a contributor toThe New York Observer, expressed uncertainty regarding the promotional message conveyed by the video. However, Grant acknowledged the remarkable ubiquity of the cast members, highlighting the impressive presence they collectively brought to the production.[80] A blogger onYahoo Music commented that the models "do a better job modeling clothes than mimingJigga", but concluded, however, that the video is "without a doubt the greatest lip-dub ever committed to video".[81]
"Empire State of Mind" was first performed at Jay-Z's "Answer the Call" benefit concert inMadison Square Garden on September 11, 2009,[82] where it was the opening song.[83] All ticket proceeds from the show went to the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Fund.[83] The song was then performed live at the 2009MTV Video Music Awards (MTV VMA) on September 13, 2009, where it closed the awards show.[84] The VMA performance was the 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, and it was such a powerful moment".[85] Ryan Brockington of theNew 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.[26] For the performance Jay-Z wore his signature Yankees cap[82] 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 theApollo Theater, were shown on an overhead screen behind Jay-Z and Keys. Towards the end of the performance rapperLil Mama got up onto the stage uninvited and posed with Jay-Z and Keys while they were finishing the final verse of the track.[86] 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."[84] Keys responded to the incident saying "We can appreciate her being overwhelmed and inspired, but we would have appreciated it if she would have done 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."[87] Leah Greenblatt ofEntertainment Weekly said that the duo "brought some genuine street heat to the tongue-twisting torrents" of "Empire State of Mind". She added that "Keys, on piano and soaring chorus, brought the feminine strength and soul."[88]
Jay-Z was due to perform "Empire State of Mind" with Keys during the opening game of the2009 World Series in early October 2009 but, due to an inclement weather, the duo did not perform.[89] They ultimately performed the song live atYankee Stadium before Game 2 of the 2009 World Series in mid-October.[90][91] The two musicians performed the song on a custom-made stage adorned with Yankees flags,[90] while images of New York City flashed across several large screens throughout the stadium.[91] 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."[91] During most live performances of the track, the lyrics containing profanity are included in the song, but they were omitted for the World Series set.[11][12] On November 5, 2009, Jay-Z and Keys sang "Empire State of Mind" at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) in Berlin, Germany, while performing in front of a New York cityscape.[92] Jocelyn Vena and Eric Ditzian of MTV News noted that Jay-Z "took his hometown pride rather seriously" during the performance.[92] Jay-Z also performed the song at the Yankees' World Series victory ceremonies inNew York City Hall on November 6, 2009. Keys was not in attendance for the performance, so singer and Roc Nation recording artistBridget Kelly filled in.[54] As the last verse of the song was sung, Yankee members got up from their seats to shower Jay-Z with handshakes and hugs.[54]
The single was also performed by Jay-Z and Keys at theAmerican Music Awards (AMA) on November 22, 2009.[93] They began their performance of "Empire State of Mind" with a rendition of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York".[93] Keys played on a piano on a stage with blue lights in front of a backdrop that had tall buildings. Also, the words "New York" scrolled across screens on the stage.[94] Towards the end of the song, Keys sang with Jay-Z at the front of the stage while holding up an "I love you" sign.[94] Todd Martens of theLos Angeles Times felt that the song had "worn out its welcome", adding: "Yes, we know New York is cool. Bars are open late and the public transportation is swell and all, but performing this love letter to New York in Los Angeles? We're tired of it."[95] However, Jeremy Blacklow ofAccess Hollywood had a more positive feeling towards the performance, describing it as being "so great" in his live blog for the award ceremony.[96] "Empire State of Mind" was performed by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys at the2010 BRIT Awards on February 16, 2010.[97]The Guardian wrote that Jay-Z and Alicia Keys "dazzled with their rendition of "Empire State of Mind"".[98] According toMetro, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys "blew the place away" with their performance and "Jay-Z was given a welcome befitting a cultural hero" while "Keys oozed elegance and soul as her startlingly powerful voice stopped everyone in their tracks".[99]The Nation opined that the pair "delivered a powerful rendition" of the song.[100]
In March, Jay-Z joined Keys onstage during one of herFreedom Tours New York concerts to perform "Empire State of Mind", while images of New York were shown throughout the concert arena.[101] Jay-Z performed "Empire State of Mind" as well as three of his other singles, at California'sCoachella Music Festival in April 2010.[102] Jay-Z performed the song live on an episode ofSaturday Night Live on May 9, 2010. Jay-Z performed the song with a medley of his other singles, including "On to the Next One".[103][104] 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'sNBC felt that Jay-Z "brought the house down" during his performances of the melodies.[103] Rodriguez of MTV News said that Bridget Kelly, who sang Keys' part, "turned more than a few heads" because the outfit she was wearing was "tighter than her boss' rhyme".[105]
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 as a single the following month, featuring only her vocals.[108] The track, entitled "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down", appeared on Keys' fourth studio albumThe Element of Freedom which was released in December 2009. The original version, entitled "Empire State of Mind Part 2", included both Keys' vocals and a new rap verse from Jay-Z,[109] but the final product did not include Jay-Z.[110] Discussing the record, Keys said 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".[108]
So 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"[111][112]
"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" was generally well received by contemporary music critics in their reviews forThe Element of Freedom.[113][114][115] Allison Stewart ofThe 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' version's lyrics "If I could make it here/I could make it anywhere".[116] The song peaked at number four in the United Kingdom,[117] number forty on the Canadian Hot 100,[118] and number sixty-nine in Sweden.[119] It also debuted on theBillboard R&B charts at number seventy-seven and peaked at number fifty-five on theBillboard Hot 100 without an official release.[120]
Comedy websiteCollegeHumor parodied the song in a video titled "Galactic Empire State of Mind" which re-writes the lyrics to follow the events of the first threeStar Wars films from the perspective ofDarth Vader.[121] The video has been viewed nearly four million times on YouTube.[122]
The music video for "Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind)" parodies the song, replacing references to the "Empire State" of New York with of the smallerWelsh city ofNewport. In theWelsh languageYmerodraeth means "empire". "Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind)" was directed by British filmmakerMJ Delaney and featured London-based actors Alex Warren and Terema Wainwright, rapping and singing respectively.[123] Days after its release Delaney said: "I hope Jay-Z and Alicia get to see the video as long as their publishing people don't force us to take it offline. It's only tongue in cheek."[124] Its participants were invited to appear on national television news and their work was reported in national newspapers. Their work was also so well received in Wales that they were invited to the reopening of theNewport Transporter Bridge.[124] It achievedviral video status when it reached nearly a million hits in 3 days and, by August 2010, nearly 2.5 million people had watched it onYouTube.[124] In July both Warren and Wainwright met withUniversal Records (themusic publishers)[125] to discuss releasing the track as a single, with some of the proceeds going to the mental health charity Newport Mind. But the seven co-writers of "Empire State of Mind" refused to give permission for the Newport single, a situation which led to the video being removed from YouTube on August 10.[126]
"Empire State of Mind" was covered by the cast of the US television seriesGlee for thesecond seasonpremiere episode "Audition" on September 21, 2010. In the episode the fictional William McKinley High Schoolglee club, upon learning that Nationals will be held in New York, decide to perform "Empire State of Mind" at the school courtyard, in the hopes it will pique the interest of their schoolmates. MTV's Kyle Anderson felt that the choreography of "Empire State of Mind" compensated for any awkwardness in its delivery.[127] Aly Semigran, also writing for the same publication, thought the cast's performance was lacking the gravitas of the original version, but reported that Keys had deemed theGlee cover "amazing".[128] Lisa de Moraes ofThe Washington Post found the song's performance to be "maybe-trying-too-hard".[129] Music critic Tom Stack, ofEntertainment Weekly, had a more positive assessment ofGlee's take on it in the episode, stating that from the wardrobe to the choreography, it was "spectacular" and elating. He gave it a letter grade of "A".[130]MTV Buzzworthy wrote that "[t]hings get a little dicey when the male cast members make their way through Jay's rapped first verse".[131]Glee's cover version was released as a single and debuted at number twenty-one on theBillboard Hot 100, taking the title for biggest jump of that week.[132] It also charted number twenty in Australia.[133]
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
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