Alicia Keys Reveals That Jay-Z Rejected First Recording For “Empire State of Mind”

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys

Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” is arguably New York City’s anthem. The song, which features R&B songstress Alicia Keys, soared at the top of the Billboard charts and was heard on virtually any and everything that was relative to the ‘concrete jungle’ that is New York City. One could argue that if it were not for Jay-Z’s keen sense of perfection, the song would not have been as successful as it has been.

During a recent taping for an upcoming episode of VH1’s “Storytellers,” R&B singer Alicia Keys explained that her original recordings for the New York ballad “Empire State of Mind” were originally turned down by Jay-Z. Keys told the Metropolis Studios audience, including XXL reporter Carl Chery, that she was congested during the first round of recordings, leading Hov to ask her to re-record her vocals. Keys admitted that she was initially annoyed by the request, but made her way back to the studio to re-record. The episode of “Storytellers” is scheduled to air on November 11^th. Maybe Jay-Z’s wife, being a singer herself, was able to notice Keys’ congestion and recommended that her husband request the singer to re-record.

Tonight the Knowles-Carter camp will be hosting President Obama and 40 guests at Jay-Z’s 40/4o club. Jay-Z and Beyoncé have been avid supporters of the President since 2008. The couple toured across the nation advocating for the President and challenging the youth to register to vote and support then-Senator Obama. This election year, they’re taking their support to another level by hosting a fundraiser to support the President at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club on September 18. The price for a ticket at this event is $40,000/ticket. The event is slated to host 100 people, which will generate $4,000,000 for the Obama Campaign- if all tickets are sold.