<Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Music video </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> "Empire State of Mind" on YouTube </Td> </Tr> <P> "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 . </P> <P> The single was supposed to feature Hunte on the song's hook, but when Hunte and Sewell - Ulepic were asked if they thought anyone else would be more appropriate for the chorus, Hunte suggested Keys . Mary J. Blige was also considered for the part, but Keys was chosen after Jay - Z heard the song's piano loop . The song was viewed as being an "orchestral rap ballad" and has pop - rap musical styles . It contains references to various locations in New York and its famous residents, while describing the city's essence . Profanity is present throughout the song and, although it is usually included during live performances, it was omitted during the performance at Game 2 of the 2009 World Series . </P>

Who sings empire state of mind with jay z