While the death or life of hip-hop is debated back and forth artist like Jay-z keep on making great music. Who would have thought that one of the hottest songs/albums of the year would have been recorded by a 40 year old rapper. Empire State of Mind tells the truth about New York, and if you have lived there for any amount of time you would understand. I read that Jay received the key to New York as a result of this song. Funny Jay-z  story - I wento his record release party for his first album in New York and he was wearing slacks and a beige mock turtleneck. Alicia Keys is the cherry on this sundae and cannot be forgotten when speaking of this record.