Jay-Z's Keys To NYC
Posted Mon 2 Nov 2009 7:14PM GMT by Johnny Famethrowa in Touching The Void
It's difficult to argue with any of the opening lines on Jay-Z's spectacular new single, "Empire State Of Mind". "I'll be hood forever / I'm the new Sinatra / And since I made it here / I can make it anywhere" he roars, before Alicia Keys arrives to deliver perhaps the most inspired vocal line of her career. It's just a shame she finds herself in the rather awkward position of being bent over a piano in leather leggings during rush hour in Times Square. Surely only Hova, the Big Apple's unofficial mayor, could pull that off?No doubt, this is a triumphant moment for Jay, recalling not only his best work but also Nas' seminal "New York State Of Mind", with an iconic, skyscraping video to illustrate this unbeatable city. While critics have hardly been falling over themselves to praise his new album, "The Blueprint 3", most recognise this track as being a true return to form. "I really felt the energy of New York all through it. It felt classic, it felt so good", said Keys about the recording, before concluding: "I think we are both are really happy with how it came out." They should be...
