It peaked within the top 10 in many countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Italy and Sweden. The song achieved commercial success worldwide. It was also nominated for three Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

It contains references to various locations in New York and its famous residents, while describing the city's essence.Ī critical and commercial success, 'Empire State of Mind' was included in multiple critics' top 10 list of the best songs of 2009, including Rolling Stone magazine and The New York Times. The song was described by critics as an 'orchestral rap ballad' with 'crashing piano chords' and a 'soaring' hook. 'Empire State of Mind' contains songwriting contributions from Keys and Shux.

Blige was also considered for the part, but Keys was chosen after Jay-Z heard the song's piano loop. 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. The song's title, similar to New York State of Mind, is a wordplay and tribute to New York's nickname (Empire State) and could also be a reference to the Empire State Building in Manhattan, New York City. They later took the suggestion of an associate of EMI Music Publishing and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who kept the 'New York' singing part on the hook, changed the verses, and recorded it. The following month, they submitted it to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation, whose reviews were a discouragement. It was originally written by Angela Hunte and Janet Sewell-Ulepic as a tribute to their hometown, New York City. Produced by Al Shux, the song features a music sample of ' Love on a Two-Way Street' performed by The Moments. ' Empire State of Mind' is a song performed by American rapper Jay-Z featuring American singer Alicia Keys from the former's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009).

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