“Empire State of Mind”, Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt2oKbZKWEw
When it comes down to trying to describe the New York “attitude” and “swagger” to any human being not originating from New York, Jay-Z’s single, “Empire State of Mind” does the job excellently. What man can better describe what it truly means to be from New York during the 20th century than Shawn Corey Carter, formally known as Jay-Z? Jay-Z, born on December 4th, 1969 from the heart of New York, Brooklyn, has become one of the greatest selling musicians of all time, having sold over 100 million records while simultaneously acclaiming 21 Grammy Awards. “Empire State of Mind” is a single from Jay-Z’s 11th album, The Blueprint 3 that was released including the single in late October 2009 by Jay-Z’s recording label, Roc Nation. The song begins which smooth lyrics rapped by Jay-Z that state:
Yeah, I’m up at Brooklyn, now I’m down in Tribeca
Right next to DeNiro, 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
Musical lyrics like these acknowledge Jay-Z’s origins from Brooklyn, New York while looking deeply into the last two lines of that rap verse, we can see the positive, presumptuous, overconfident attitude which Jay-Z owns. This strong sense of self-confidence is a modest approach to describing the attitude and swagger which inhabitants of New York possess. Following along with the song, as we enter the beautiful chorus sung and harmonized by Alicia Keys, we are faced with lyrics that state:
Tell by my attitude that I most definitely from
In New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothing you can’t do
Now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York
These lyrics effectively depict the meaning and power that the big city possesses. Ever since the origins of New York, New York City was known for being a capitalistic enterprise where the possibilities for fame and fortune are endless. Alicia Keys’ beautiful singing portrays the feeling that New York City emits over its inhabitant; the amazing idea of endless possibilities, the place where dreams really come true and become an actuality.
I personally have a connection to this song because I always knew that if you ever want to attempt to bring your dreams to real life, New York is the place to try. After hearing this marvelous song by Jay-Z, every single time I enter the big city, I am overtaken by the “big lights [that] will inspire you” and make me believe that since I am from New York, I possess a slight brag and bluster that distinguishes me from others. Additionally, every time I am at famous tourist locations in New York City including Times Square or the Empire State building, “Empire State of Mind” immediately pops up within my mind.
December 18, 2017 at 5:09 pm
When we were assigned this topic, which involved writing about a music video which pertained to New York City in some way, I originally thought of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind”. After reading your analysis and interpretation of the song, I viewed the well-known song in a new light. The lyrics do not merely state the endless opportunities in New York City, but also the feeling of greatness and power that is possible for New Yorkers to experience. I also appreciated your personal connection to the song as a kid with a dream, which pertains to most of us students. I agree that the song reminds me of tourist locations in New York City as well, and in a sense, serves as an anthem for the greatness of Manhattan.
December 19, 2017 at 1:26 am
Alan, I think your contemporary music video post is concise and shows the brilliance of Jay-Z. I agree that Alicia Keys and Jay-Z make a good duo in making music, especially about New York City. I too remember when the song came out and listening to it over and over until I knew every lyric. The song is empowering and it puts me in a certain mood when I listen to it again. However, I would have to say that Nas is a better lyricist, but with that being said, Jay-Z still delivers heartfelt lines and a brilliantly memorable song.
December 22, 2017 at 10:40 am
Good job with the music posting assignment. When were assigned this assignment, I wanted to use “Empire State of Mind,” but I didn’t since you used it already. This song really brings back memories. I felt really nostalgic listening to it again. I remember the emotions running through me because this song really makes me happy to be a New Yorker. Especially with Alicia Keys, she really imprinted a powerful impression in my mind of what it feels like to be in the big city. I liked the song back then and I still like it today. It’s one of those songs that I won’t get sick probably ever.