The single has been commercially successful in the United States. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Jay-Z's first number-one single on the chart as a lead artist. "Empire State of Mind" reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart on October 4, 2009. The song also reached number 2 in the Irish Singles Chart on September 25, 2009 with no official release.
Alicia Keys has recorded an answer song to 'Empire State of Mind' titled 'Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down', it features on the album The Element of Freedom and has charted within the top 30 of the UK Singles Chart.
"Empire State of Mind" is an anthemic hip hop song with influences of electropop and orchestra pop. It features a sample of "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments. The title is a reference to New York's eponym "The Empire State", and may also be a reference to Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind". Jay-Z's former rival Nas also titled one of his songs "N.Y. State of Mind". The song is an anthem to Jay-Z's hometown, New York City. The song also mentions NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and teams New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.
"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 — 560 State Street, an address which is mentioned in the song — where Jay-Z lived. However, they never collaborated on a song before.
The creation of the track was inspired during an overseas trip of Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic to London in February, both feeling nostalgic. 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."
It was reported that fellow New York MC Nas, who himself has a song called "N.Y. State of Mind", was supposed to be featured on the song but declined because of a busy touring schedule, an ongoing divorce case with his ex-wife Kelis, and his ongoing work with Damian Marley on their collaboration album titled Distant Relatives.
Jay-Z stated in an interview that after hearing the piano loops, he immediately thought of Keys and wanted her to be featured. 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.'" Keys later recorded the sequel of the song called "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down", which is included on Keys' fourth studio album, The Element of Freedom. Contrary to previous reports, the sequel does not feature Jay-Z.
The song received airplay from numerous radio stations and gained a huge number of downloads, specifically after the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. The song was released as the third single from the album to Rhythmic Airplay on October 19, 2009, the same day as Alicia Keys's single "Doesn't Mean Anything". The song was featured on episode 12 of the third season of Gossip Girl titled "The Debarted". It was also featured on WWE Monday Night Raw for a Madison Square Garden episode shot there.
Empire State of Mind
Jay-Z Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (dímelo)
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's
Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whippin' pastry
Cruisin' down 8th St, off-white Lexus
Drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais
Sittin' courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high five
Nigga, I be Spike'd out, I could trip a referee (come on, come on, come on)
Tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from
In New York (ayy, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (yeah) (okay)
Now you're in New York (ah-ha, ah-ha, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new (new)
Big lights will inspire you (come on) (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (you're welcome, OG) (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh) (I made you hot, nigga)
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though
But I got a gang of niggas walkin' with my clique though
Welcome to the melting pot, corners where we sellin' rock
Afrika Bambataa shit, home of the hip-hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
For foreigners it ain't fair, they act like they forgot how to act
Eight million stories, out there in the naked
City is a pity, half of y'all won't make it
Me, I got a plug, Special Ed, "I Got It Made"
If Jeezy's payin' Lebron, I'm payin' Dwyane Wade
Three dice Cee-lo, three-card Monte
Labor Day Parade, rest in peace Bob Marley
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade (come on, come on, come on)
Long live the king, yo, I'm from the Empire State that's
In New York (ayy) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (that boy good) (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
(Welcome to the bright lights, baby)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)
Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
So they can step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is
Lined with casualties, who sip the life casually
Then gradually become worse, don't bite the apple, Eve
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you're in style
Into the winter gets cold, en vogue, with your skin out
City of sin, it's a pity on a whim
Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them
Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route
"Hail Mary" to the city, you're a virgin
And Jesus can't save you, life starts when the church end
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
MDMA got you feelin' like a champion (come on, come on, come on)
The city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien
In New York (ayy, oh) (uh, yeah)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)
One hand in the air for the big city (uh)
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin' pretty (uh)
No place in the world that could compare (nah)
Put your lighters in the air everybody say
"Yeah, yeah" (come on, come on, come on)
"Yeah, yeah" (I'm from New York)
In New York (uh, yeah) (ohh)
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
New York (yeah), New York (uh)
The lyrics to Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" pay homage to New York City, celebrating its energy, culture, and iconic landmarks. The opening lines establish Jay-Z's roots in Brooklyn, but he's moved on to Tribeca, living alongside actor Robert De Niro. Though he's made it big, he still represents the hood. He declares himself the new Sinatra, asserting his dominance in the music world. He reminisces about his past in Harlem, where he used to buy drugs and hang out on Broadway, even stopping at McDonald's. He also references his former home in Bed-Stuy, the stomping grounds of fellow New York rapper, The Notorious B.I.G.
Jay-Z's lyrics capture the vitality of New York City, calling it a concrete jungle where dreams come true. In the second verse, he describes the melting pot of cultures that make up the city, praising its contributions to hip hop and referring to homegrown DJ Afrika Bambaataa. He also nods to the prevalence of crime and drugs, mentioning the dangers of the in-crowd and the transformation of innocent girls into sinful women. Despite these challenges, Jay-Z sees the hope and potential in the city.
The chorus repeats the iconic phrase "concrete jungle where dreams are made of" to capture the essence of New York: a place where anything can happen. The song praises the city's lights and energy, which inspire and uplift its inhabitants. Through his lyrics, Jay-Z is paying tribute to his home and reminding the world of the magic of New York City.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Expressing agreement or affirmation
Yeah, I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca
I have moved from Brooklyn to Tribeca
Right next to De Niro, but I'll be hood forever
I live next to De Niro, but my roots will always be in the streets
I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I am a new version of Sinatra, and because I achieved success in New York
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
I have the ability to succeed anywhere, and I am loved everywhere
I used to cop in Harlem, hola, my Dominicanos (dímelo)
I used to buy drugs in Harlem, greeting my Dominican friends
Right there up on Broadway, brought me back to that McDonald's
Right on Broadway, I reminisce about going to McDonald's
Took it to my stashbox, 560 State Street
I took the drugs to my hiding place at 560 State Street
Catch me in the kitchen like a Simmons whippin' pastry
You can find me in the kitchen, cooking like a pro
Cruisin' down 8th St, off-white Lexus
Driving down 8th Street in an off-white Lexus
Drivin' so slow, but BK is from Texas
Driving slowly, but representing Brooklyn, which is known for its toughness
Me, I'm out that Bed-Stuy, home of that boy Biggie
I am from Bedford-Stuyvesant, the hometown of the legendary rapper Biggie
Now I live on Billboard and I brought my boys with me
I am now a successful artist on the Billboard charts, and I have brought my friends along
Say what up to Ty-Ty, still sippin' Mai Tais
Say hello to Ty-Ty, who is still enjoying Mai Tais
Sittin' courtside, Knicks and Nets give me high five
Sitting in the front row at basketball games, getting high fives from the Knicks and Nets players
Nigga, I be Spike'd out, I could trip a referee
I am wearing a lot of Spike Lee's clothing line and could easily anger a referee
Tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from
My attitude clearly indicates that I am from
In New York (ayy, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
In New York, expressing excitement
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
A cityscape where dreams can come true
There's nothin' you can't do (yeah) (okay)
There's nothing you can't achieve
Now you're in New York (ah-ha, ah-ha, ah-ha) (uh, yeah)
Now that you're in New York, expressing excitement
These streets will make you feel brand new (new)
The streets will give you a fresh start
Big lights will inspire you (come on) (okay)
The bright lights will motivate you
Let's hear it for New York (you're welcome, OG) (uh)
Let's show our appreciation for New York
New York (yeah), New York (uh) (I made you hot, nigga)
New York, the city I made famous
Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game
Find me with OG at a Yankees game
Shit, I made the Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can
I made the Yankee hat more popular than the Yankees themselves
You should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though
I am loyal to the Yankees, but I am not affiliated with the Crips gang
But I got a gang of niggas walkin' with my clique though
I have a group of friends who always support me
Welcome to the melting pot, corners where we sellin' rock
Welcome to the diverse city where we sell drugs on street corners
Afrika Bambataa shit, home of the hip-hop
This is the birthplace of hip-hop, influenced by Afrika Bambataa
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
Different types of taxis in the city, call one if needed
For foreigners it ain't fair, they act like they forgot how to act
For foreigners, it's unfair, they don't know how to behave
Eight million stories, out there in the naked
The city has eight million stories to tell, in all its rawness
City is a pity, half of y'all won't make it
The city can be ruthless, most of you won't succeed
Me, I got a plug, Special Ed, 'I Got It Made'
I have a connection, like Special Ed's song 'I Got It Made'
If Jeezy's payin' Lebron, I'm payin' Dwyane Wade
If Jeezy is paying LeBron James, then I am paying Dwyane Wade
Three dice Cee-lo, three-card Monte
Playing Cee-lo with three dice, or the three-card Monte gambling game
Labor Day Parade, rest in peace Bob Marley
Celebrating the Labor Day Parade and remembering Bob Marley
Statue of Liberty, long live the World Trade (come on, come on, come on)
Honoring the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center
Long live the king, yo, I'm from the Empire State that's
Long live the king, I proudly represent the Empire State which is
In New York (ayy) (uh, yeah)
In New York, expressing excitement
Concrete jungle (yeah) where dreams are made of
A cityscape where dreams can come true
There's nothin' you can't do (that boy good) (okay)
There's nothing you can't achieve, expressing praise
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
Now that you're in New York, expressing excitement
(Welcome to the bright lights, baby)
(Welcome to the city's vibrant nightlife)
These streets will make you feel brand new
The streets will give you a fresh start
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
The bright lights will motivate you
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
Let's show our appreciation for New York
New York (yeah), New York (uh)
New York, the city we all love
Lights is blinding, girls need blinders
The bright lights are blinding, girls need to focus
So they can step out of bounds quick, the sidelines is
So they can avoid getting caught up in bad situations, the sidelines are
Lined with casualties, who sip the life casually
Filled with people who casually indulge in destructive lifestyles
Then gradually become worse, don't bite the apple, Eve
Then they slowly deteriorate, just like Eve biting the forbidden apple
Caught up in the in-crowd, now you're in style
Getting caught up in the popular crowd makes you trendy
Into the winter gets cold, en vogue, with your skin out
When winter comes and it gets cold, it's trendy to still show off your skin
City of sin, it's a pity on a whim
The city is full of sin, and it's a shame how easily people fall into temptation
Good girls gone bad, the city's filled with them
Even good girls can be influenced to become bad in this city
Mommy took a bus trip, now she got her bust out
A mother went on a bus trip and now she's showing off her body
Everybody ride her, just like a bus route
Everybody is taking advantage of her, just like they would with a bus route
"Hail Mary" to the city, you're a virgin
She prays for forgiveness, but the city corrupts her innocence
And Jesus can't save you, life starts when the church end
Even Jesus can't save you here, people start truly living when they leave the church
Came here for school, graduated to the high life
Came to this city for education, ended up living a luxurious lifestyle
Ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight
Athletes and rappers are obsessed with fame and attention
MDMA got you feelin' like a champion (come on, come on, come on)
Taking MDMA makes you feel invincible
The city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien
The city is always awake, so you might need to take sleeping pills to rest
In New York (ayy, oh) (uh, yeah)
In New York, expressing excitement
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
A cityscape where dreams can come true
There's nothin' you can't do (okay)
There's nothing you can't achieve
Now you're in New York (uh, yeah)
Now that you're in New York, expressing excitement
These streets will make you feel brand new
The streets will give you a fresh start
Big lights will inspire you (okay)
The bright lights will motivate you
Let's hear it for New York (uh)
Let's show our appreciation for New York
New York (yeah), New York (uh)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alexander William Shuckburgh, Alicia J Augello-Cook, Shawn C Carter, Angela Hunte, Bert Keyes, Sylvia Robinson, Janette Sewell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theharshtruthoutthere
@@susanarsoniadou To every soul OUT THERE:
All prayers from Righteous SOULS aka Born again Christians, have power. Sinners prayers GOD hears not. Unless we REPENT and born again and LIVE HOLY, GOD hears none of our prayers. Prayers have power, but these must come from Changed hearts.
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
Psalms 119:155 “Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.”
(Many souls(unsaved souls), believe falsely and pray in vain).
Mankind is filled with UNSAVED SOULS (WICKED SINNERS).
That`s why there`s a calling to REPENTANCE and to BORN AGAIN:
Luke 5:32
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
John 3:7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
@kingbeef396
This song makes me feel like anything is possible.
@lyr1c180
In New York☝️
@sheepdavis
It's not
@nicholedoten6506
Less chance of 86n in the land of opportunity
@extrm161
https://youtu.be/o1D2q_YAxwQ
Only for real hip hop head's 👆
@nievescamacholara2549
@@palabrasb otsrwei nuevo yo ok
@wx_av3937
Whos listening in 2024 ?? 😂🗣️
@Your_fav_vr_guy
Me
@eddiesguitar7831
heyyy
@user-ds7rd8yq7d
Me