While “New York, New York” is a more general story of “come up” and ambition, “Empire” delves into Jay Z’s biography.

Lyrically, “New York, New York” and “Empire” bolster New York’s foundational myths of opportunity, freedom, and mobility-and the assumption that good things come to those who hustle. And what’s that song about? The fulfillment of that dream.” He grew up in Hoboken, staring out across the great water to the Emerald City, dreaming of succeeding there. “He also felt a strong bond with the lyrics. “ felt it was a hit and he wanted hits, especially at this point in his career,” says James Kaplan, author of Frank: The Voice and Sinatra: The Chairman. “What song has come out in the past 10 years that feels more celebratory, more like an anthem, or more aspirational than ‘Empire State of Mind’”?Īs intended, “Empire” earned a reputation as the 21st century “Theme from New York, New York.” The song from Martin Scorsese’s 1977 flop of a film only became the theme to New York, New York when Frank Sinatra began performing it in 1980. “It just sounds like a victory,” says Carl Chery, Head of Urban Music at Spotify. It was a victory for its creators, and for the city it repped.

After its release earlier that fall, the instant hit ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 by November 26th, and remained there for five consecutive weeks. Jay Z and Alicia Keys’s cinematic record impacted New York like no hometown anthem had in years. The city was buzzing with pride, and seemingly every cab, bodega, radio station, and bar was bumping the same infectious song: “Empire State of Mind.'

And on November 4th, the new Yankee Stadium was christened with the team’s first World Series win in nearly a decade. The Great Recession, which caused 8 million Americans to lose their jobs and 2.5 million businesses to close their doors, was ending. Earlier that year, a charming state senator from Illinois, who had campaigned on messages of hope, became the first African American president of the United States. Where were you the first time you heard 'Empire State of Mind'? For most New Yorkers, it was in the fall of 2009, a time that signaled the promise of better days ahead.

Jay z empire state of mind video