Music by Angela Hunte and Jane't Sewell-Ulepic

Originally Performed by Jay-Z

"Empire State of Mind" is a song performed by American rapper Jay-Z and featuring vocals by American singer Alicia Keys that was written by Angela Hunte and Jane't Sewell-Ulepic. Produced by Al Shux, Angela Hunte and Jane't Sewell-Ulepic, it was released as the third single from Jay-Z's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009), by his Roc Nation label in October 2009. The song was written as a tribute to both artists' hometown, New York City, and features music samples of "Love on a Two-Way Street" performed by The Moments. The following month they submitted the song to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, whose reviews were a discouragement. Following an incident that Hunte and Sewell-Ulepic describe as an omen, they 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 as a single.

    Release Date: 2009