The Blueprint 3’s third single is a love song to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' home city of New York, which is also known as “the Empire State.” The title alludes to the Billy Joel ballad, “New York State of Mind,” and Nas‘ “N.Y. State of Mind.”

“Empire State of Mind” stands as one of Hov’s most successful singles. It was the first Jay-Z-lead single to ever top the Billboard “Hot 100,” sitting at #1 for five consecutive weeks (also being the last number #1 in the 2000s). It has been certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over 5.5 million in the United States. The track was nominated for three Grammy Awards, winning “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.”