I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here
I can make it anywhere, yeah, they love me everywhere
This certainly isn't Jay-Z at his best - his flow has been smoother, his songs more anthemic, his lyrics more complex - yet once Alicia Keys comes in with that soaring hook, all those flaws goes out the window. Perhaps there's a bit of over-inflation here - shit, I made the Yankee cap more famous than a Yankee can, ok... - but there's no denying that "Empire State of Mind" is supremely catchy and inspiring. Jay-Z's ode to New York is so full of pride and genuine love that you can't really knock it. The pristine production, the spot-on sample by The Moments, and Keys' pitch-perfect sing-along chorus transcend the track from schmaltz to something you feel inspired by and can nod your head to. The jury is still out on the Jigga Man being the new Sinatra, but it's safe to say that Jay-Z has equaled Sinatra on a stunning portrait of a city.
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