Language: "N***a I be spiked out/I could trip a referee" "I made you hot n***a" "S**t I made the Yankee hat/more famous than a Yankee can" "But I got a gang of n***as/walking with my clique though" "Afrika bambaataa s**t" Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: "Corners where we selling rock/home of the hip hop" "MDMA got you feeling like a champion/the city never sleeps better slip you a Ambien"
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Jay-Z's love letter to the Big Apple; some drug references.
The themes of this music are: bragging, chasing your dreams, city life, drugs, gangs
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Sex:
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Language:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of "Empire State of Mind" (CD single) was written by Jacqueline Rupp
Parents need to know this single is milder than most rap songs and cleaner than most of Jay-Z's other works. There are a few questionable traits to the song, however, that make it best for teens and up. First, there's the use of the N-word, plus a few other expletives. Then there are the references to drugs and drug dealing found in a few spots on the single. Overall the track balances out the good with the bad of the city that never sleeps, dropping names and neighborhoods while throwing out warnings about the trappings of urban life.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the media's definition of success. Rappers often like to brag about their money and their status, just like Jay-Z does on this track. Do you think these rags-to-riches tales can be inspiring to listeners or confusing? Can everyone expect to go from hustling on the streets to being a multi-millionaire?
- What do you think of music that uses the N-word? Do you think it's acceptable to use the word in rap songs? If so, does repeatedly hearing the word in music desensitize you to the effects of the racial slur?
- Families can talk about New York City. How has the city been portrayed in film and music and on television? Why do you think NYC has been the subject of so much attention? What are your impressions of New York? Do you think there are other cities that compare to it? Also, does all the media attention make New York appear even more important and grand than it actually is, or are artists just picking up on the city's natural vibe?
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More on "Empire State of Mind" (CD single)
What’s the Story?
It's no surprise that EMPIRE STATE OF MIND is a song all about the trials and triumphs of New York City. After-all, rapper Jay-Z is a native of the town, as is his guest on the single, Alicia Keys. With a sampling from the old-school "Love on a Two-Way Street" by The Moments and grand chorus by Keys, this song pays tribute to Jay's birthplace and the town where he first learned to rhyme and hustle. The song follows in a musical tradition of celebrating the Big Apple, with this single playing at most Yankees home games when Derek Jeter comes up to bat.
Is It Any Good?
Although "Empire State of Mind" has the same bravado you'd expect from Jigga, there's also a sentimental tone seldom heard from the rap superstar. This is Jay-Z's love song to his town. "Yeah I'm out that Brooklyn, now I'm down in Tribeca, right next to DeNiro, but I'll be hood forever, I'm the new Sinatra, and since I made it here, I can make it anywhere." But the rapper isn't blinded by this love affair and pays equal attention to the hardships found in the city. Alicia Keys's vocals add a power to the single that is difficult to resist. Her siren's call about the infinite possibilities of the city are enough to tempt listeners into booking a trip to the city ASAP.
Music Details
Released on: 11/1/2009
Parental advisory: Yes, Edited version available: Yes
Parental advisory: Yes, Edited version available: Yes
Our Members Say
See all 15 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
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I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
75% Bad
This is a song where jay-z brags about his money and talks about his mom being a prostitute. Alot Of Sexual Refrenses. The Swearing is not that bad they say the f- word once and say the n-word twice. not as bad as the sexual content. and talking about getting drunk.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- Negative role models
Ok....
I think that jay-z is great music. LUV HIM. but he uses sexual content in each of his songs, BRAGS about his money and does what ever he wants to make people grow up to be like him. ask your son if he/she likes jay-z. second, ask him/her if she wants to be rich when she grows up. and last Where Did She Get It From? Just saying that jay-z Can be a horrrrible role model
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
great
song sounds great JAY-ZS still on a hot streak just like lebron king james
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
I purchased this single, and was dissapointed to find I don't particulary like Jay-Z. Alicia Key's had a good voice and rhythm, but Jay-Z was all out of time. Not my favourite rap. Few drug, sex references.
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