News

Jay-Z Set To Release 'Empire State Of Mind'

• 23rd Oct 2009

JAY-Z returns to the UK on November 4 to headline at his SOLD OUT show at Alexandra Palace. This marks his second record-breaking sell-out show in London in a matter of weeks and ties in with the release of his new single, ‘Empire State Of Mind’, with fellow New-Yorker – Alicia Keys. Out on November 2 via Roc Nation, it features production by UK beat-maker – Shux. The phenomenal track which nods to New York has already spent four weeks residing inside the UK top 5, alongside the no.1 smash hit ‘Run This Town’ giving JAY-Z two singles in the top 10. It’s the second single proper to be lifted from the UK Gold-certified album – THE BLUEPRINT 3, which stormed the charts at number four when it was released last month. In America, the album debuted at the top of the Billboard chart selling over 456,000 copies in the first week. With that grand entry, his 11th chart-topper, JAY-Z surpassed Elvis Presley as the solo act with the most # 1 albums in the history of Billboard.

THE BLUEPRINT 3 is the last chapter of the “Blueprint” series. Its release date paid homage to the date of the original “Blueprint,” Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Recognizing the events of that date, JAY-Z staged the historic ANSWER THE CALL charity concert at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and concert merchandise benefited the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit Fund and the wildly successful sold-out concert featured artists Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Kanye West, John Mayer, Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Kid Cudi and Memphis Bleek.

Continuing the momentum, he also brought his live show to British shores for a string of dates joining Coldplay in Manchester, Glasgow and two nights at Wembley Stadium whilst also treating some lucky 3,500 fans to an exclusive one-off headline show at London ’s Roundhouse. Tickets sold out after just 20 seconds when they went on sale.
Since 1995, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter has dominated the rap industry and set trends for a generation. Now in 2009, he personifies the “American Dream. Founder and chairman of, Rocawear, he is also co-owner of the NJ Nets, 40/40 sports clubs, co-owner of Carol’s Daughter skin line and Translation Advertising. After three successful years as President and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, where he fostered the careers of international stars Rihanna, Ne-Yo and Kanye West, JAY-Z entered into a partnership with Live Nation to form Roc Nation. JAY-Z became the first non-athlete to enter into a major footwear co-venture with his S. Carter line for Reebok and in addition, continues his philanthropic work through his Water For Life initiative and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation. Over his career, the multiple Grammy and award winner has sold more than 40 million albums and sold out arenas across the world.