It occurred to me recently that it is really ironically stupid of New York City, and its fave sons of the moment, the Yankees, to adopt Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” as it’s unofficial theme song, practically usurping Ol’ Blue Eyes “New York, New York”.
Yep. Stupid.
Now, I like “Empire State of Mind”. I thought it was one of the better songs off of BP3. On the other hand, I have argued that the song would only be considered maybe slightly above-average, if not for the monstrously epic Alicia Keys hook. Personal opinion of the song aside however, it seems awkwardly odd that NYC, MLB and local news stations, would be so willing to endorse this song at every possible moment during the Yankees’ championship run.
On the surface, it may seem as if the constant use of the song might signal a change in the attitude of mainstream and corporate America. We should be happy that they would be willing to accept a rap song as an anthem, even if it cost them whatever licensing fees Mr. Carter/Roc Nation/Atlantic was sure to demand. Even a song that, while praising New York’s virtues in its chorus, exposes New York’s flaws in its verses. And that, my friends, is my point.
I contend that adoption of “Empire State of Mind” proves that the ignorance that mainstream and corporate America has had toward hip-hop music and culture, is still alive and well.
One one hand, there are always plenty of critics, the Rush Limbaughs, O’Reillys, Michael Steeles of the world, who have little to no respect for, or comprehension of, the intricacies of the culture, cherry-picking instances of negativity, selectively misinterpreting lyrics or simply not caring to do any research at all before stating an opinion as unfounded fact. They simply criticize blindly.
But in this case… well.. maybe they should have.
(Quick disclaimer. I am an advocate of hip-hop and a strong supporter of the full spectrum of lyrical content. I will emphatically argue on behalf of hip-hop and rap music to any critic. I do not support those who blame life’s negativity on art, music or film. I’m not that guy. I’m all for Jay rhyming about his past endeavors. More power to him. However…)
“Empire State of Mind”’s first verse is at best a portrayal, and at worst, an actual verbal bit of autobiographical nostalgia where Jay-Z is fondly remembering his drug pushing days, to the point where he is shouting out areas and specific locations where he conducted his illegal activities.
But here is Mayor Bloomberg, calling the song “one of the newest anthems of the Yankees”, and guarding the event, countless NYPD officers and officials, lovingly supporting his performance at the end of the Yankees’ tickertape parade. The same Mayor and NYPD that combat drug dealers and associated violence on a daily basis, in some of the same spots that Jay-Z reminisces over. This is the same city that did not catch Jay-Z during those times, and allowed those activities to finance the embryo of the music career that got him where they applauded him the other day.
(Again, I am 150% supportive of Jay, and what he’s done with his life. He is a musical force unlike any other, a respected and respectable businessman and I admire his career. So it’s not me personally. I’m just saying.)
The third verse reminds listeners that New York City is a tough place for a young woman to make it, and that very often, though they might come to NYC to further their education, the city easily turns them into whoring sluts.
Let’s hear it for New York?
Oh, but the hook of the song is so powerful, so uplifting, so inspirational. It’s easy to be blinded by the crescendo of AK’s power and passion. And so, here he is, front and center, with network television carrying the song in it’s entirety, even the part where he reminds folks that he singlehandley made the Yankee hat more famous than any player on the storied franchise behind him could, the same storied franchise that a million plus came to celebrate.
Ironic.
Look, it’s a good song. It’s a great hook. There are rumors that a “Part 2″ is in the works. Bring it on! It’s just that the subject material in general does not exactly portray New York in its best light. Which is fine, because it’s the truth. But anthem material? No. And again, rather ironic that the NYC big dogs didn’t realize it. Couldn’t Jay have whipped up some more relevant lyrics as a “modified” version for the occasion?
Well, in the end, I guess it was a good look for Mr. Carter. The fact that the timing of the release, and again, that chorus, worked so well in Jay-Z’s favor, was thanks to a bit of slick planning, some luck, and typical mainstream ignorance, all combining to amplify this particular song to a level that, in my humble opinion, just really isn’t deserved.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Ironic isn’t!?!? Enjoyed the post. Keep em coming, “you’re sick for this one” Mr. Faces!
Thank you sir.
i had similar thoughts while the series was airing. i think the song is not appropriate to be an anthem. like you said, the chorus makes everything sound so glorious. no surprise there- we do live in a hook/ringtone age. i don’t even want to get into that last verse. there is certainly nothing glorious about it!
Totally agree Ms. Lovely. My guess? The Alicia Keys, Pt. II version might be the one that gets used more in the future, if at all.
The fact that you have devoted a whole article to the song suggests something. It’s easy to demean it, but people have responded to it as it strikes many a chord (No pun intended).
You’re trying to analyze a song that people in large numbers across the country and the world can relate to. Why? The song recognizes people’s optimistic ambition, but also the negative realities of life and living in any major city. One side of the song wouldn’t work without the balance and recognition of the other.
Although, having said all that and much more importantly…it’s a damned good song. It raises people’s spirits and there’s nothing wrong with that in a recession.
I also enjoy the fact that some don’t like it much or complain about ‘Hippy Hop music.’ It’s akin to hearing some ‘granddad’ (Hannity, Limbaugh yawn etc) compare and complain about rap/hip hop (or rock and roll) with their own preferred musical taste, which isn’t offensive noise.
Should Jay Z modify his song’s lyrics? No, you take it, watch it listen to it as intended. Didn’t wider audience come to him and accept him in the mainstream. You could always get Pat Boon to record it like he did Little Richard’s Tutti Fruitti.
The only change is a generational one Daddio! How very Rock and Roll!!! Is there’s a change in Corporate America? …Not really, they just see a demographic opening!!
Article by Manny Faces
Manny Faces continues his ascension up the urban music recognition ladder, having become known among the industry and to the public as a producer, remixer, DJ, radio personality and the driving marketing force behind his own progress. Through MP3, vinyl and CD releases, his remixed versions of popular songs have appeared on radio, mixtapes and in clubs throughout the world. His latest endeavor, Birthplace Magazine, is on its way to becoming the premier online source for New York area hip-hop.