![]() ![]() ![]() I really don’t think I would be wrong to say this song, along with many others off of The Blueprint III, Jay-Z’s new album, are in part a commemoration of the election of Barack Obama into the White House. Themes of poverty are prevalent, and as we continue to face a recession, the situations of people living in Harlem certainly can’t be getting much better. I suppose, in a general sense, yes it has, as triumph and tragedy are common themes in record. History plays a role in the impact of the song/s (however you decide to look at it) but I wouldn’t exactly say it has repeated itself. What’s being said in his verses is that this country has come a long way, and though not everything here is perfect, the things you can do here are limitless the promise of freedom “will make you feel brand new big lights will inspire you.” Now a black man is the richest artist and the country and has more #1 records than Elvis Presley. This is a nation where, not too long ago, black children were being shot with fire hoses for protesting for their rights. The same theme is presented really: “Lets hear it for” this cultural “melting pot.” Simply put, the “Empire State of Mind” double take could be the modern national anthem. Alicia Keys gives us a touching “Broken Down” version of the song that makes us appreciate being alive. Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” has the upbeat, in your face, “I’m a superstar” Hip-Hop beat that makes people want to carpe diem. Not only, however, are we given this contrast of success versus hopelessness in lyric, but in musical style as well. ![]() Afterall, being so close that you “could trip a referee” at a Knicks game isn’t cheap. I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the picture painted with contrasting lyrics like this, and others like “On the avenue, there ain't never a curfew, ladies work so hard Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God.” The audience is provided with examples of the struggles of grand scale poverty in New York, but also glimpses into the glamorous lives these celebrities rose into. ![]() Staying true to their roots, Jay-Z and Keys “keep it real” in reminiscing on certain aspects of the New York lifestyle, pointing out the juxtaposed situations that so closely coexist in the “concrete jungle where dreams are made of.” The significance of the luxury lived by “ball players, rap stars, addicted to the limelight” against the tragedy of people “sleep(ing) tonight with a hunger for more than an empty fridge” is clear here in America, it is very simply, make it or break it. Questioning the pragmatism of this recent chart topper is more or less futile. This song (part one, a rap by Jay-Z part two, a broken down piano driven soul song by Alicia Keys) may hail New York, but as the epicenter of all things American, the Empire State is in a sense the hometown of everyone living from Los Angeles to Boston. Though it is modern music, Empire State of Mind would have held meaning to an American more than 90 years ago. The two (one of which is the highest paid recording artist of the year) speak softly to the grim reality that some face when they seek it, and celebrate their success in being able to live it. 31 at a ceremony in Los Angeles that will be broadcast on CBS.Critique of Empire State of Mind (Parts 1 & 2)Įmpire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys is a reflection on the American dream. Winners of the Grammys, the highest honours in the music industry, will be announced on Jan. Producer Quincy Jones, who had been tied with Jay-Z for most nominations before Tuesday, has received 80 Grammy nominations over his lifetime. McCartney's Grammy nomination total climbed to 81 on Tuesday with two nods for best rock album 'McCartney III' and best rock song for 'Find My Way.' Grammy awards 2022 full nomination list: Jon Batiste leads with 11 nods, Justin Bieber gets 8Įarlier this year, Beyonce set the record for most Grammy wins by a woman with 28 over her career. Jay-Z has won 23 Grammys overall, including the best rap album award in 1999 and honours for songs 'Crazy in Love' with his wife, Beyonce, in 2004 and 'Empire State of Mind' with Alicia Keys in 2011. He made guest appearances on DMX song 'Bath Salts' and Kanye West's 'Jail,' which also earned Jay-Z a nod for West`s album 'Donda.' The three latest nominations for Jay-Z came for collaborations with other artists. Rapper Jay-Z rose to the top of the list of artists with the most Grammy nominations on Tuesday, hitting a lifetime total of 83 that put him just ahead of former Beatle Paul McCartney. ![]()
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