Social Trends: Alicia Keys & Jay-Z Tease New Collab

Alicia Keys and Jay-Z are set to release a new collaboration soon, following the success of their previous hit ‘Empire State of Mind’ which recently surpassed a billion streams on Spotify.

The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing anticipation for the upcoming song.

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“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). It was released on October 20, 2009. Produced by Al Shux, the song features a music sample of “Love on a Two-Way Street” performed by The 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 Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, whose reviews were discouraging. 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 song’s title, similar to “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel and “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas, 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.