The song ‘Empire state of mind’ by Jay Z featuring Alicia keys relates to the modern day aspiration of the American dream. Released in 2009, this popular song falls in line with the idea that America is the ” land of the free” with endless opportunities. Despite being a tribute to New York, this song strongly correlates to the American dream. With unending witty word play such as; ’empire state of mind’ and ‘concrete jungle where dreams are made of’, Jay Z and Alicia emphasize that one should act like they stand as tall as the empire state building. The line “lights will inspire you” evoke the idea of the city as a beacon of hope and possibility, aligning with the Founding Fathers understanding of the American Dream as a pursuit of prosperity and fulfillment.

Concrete jungle (Yeah) where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do (Yeah, okay)
Now you’re in New York (Aha, aha, aha; uh, yeah)
These streets will make you feel brand-new (New)
Big lights will inspire you (Come on) (Okay)
Let’s hear it for New York

The chorus above, resonates with me. Growing up, I’ve been taught to view America as the a place full of opportunity. A place to come and make one’s dreams come true especially in a place such as new York which is a melting pot of cultures; with immigrants and first-generation Americans coming from all parts of the world in search of a better life. The song is also quite nostalgic as I listened to a lot of Alicia keys and Jay Z growing up (prominent musical figures in my household). The song feels like a celebration of the American dream.

Welcome to the meltin’ pot, corners where we sellin’ rock
Afrika Bambaataa shit, home of the hip-hop
Yellow cab, gypsy cab, dollar cab, holla back
For foreigners, it ain’t fair, they act like they forgot how to act
Eight million stories out there in the naked
City, it’s a pity half of y’all won’t make it
Me? I gotta plug Special Ed, “I Got It Made”
If Jeezy’s payin’ LeBron, I’m payin’ Dwyane Wade
Three dice cee-lo, three-card Monte

Jay Z pays tribute to the diverse cultures within New York and in turn America. He talks about starting with nothing and creating success for himself unlike the millions of immigrant Americans who fail to break free from the cycle of organized crime by referencing the ‘Naked city’. This juxtaposes the allure of the city with its harsh realities, suggesting that the pursuit of the American Dream is not without its obstacles and hardships. Jay Z raps about his immense his success against his odds through references to the rapper Jeezy and ‘Three card monte‘.

Jay Z goes on to say “what sticks out to me about the record is the aspiration and hope—that there’s a place where you can become something. But you have to be aware that there’s a downside to living in New York, or any major city. You can get sidetracked and swallowed up, which is why the third verse is the way it is. I’ve seen it happen so many times. But if you can overcome the trappings, you can be successful.”