Jay-Z and Alicia Keys to Record 'Empire State of Mind 2'

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are reportedly recording a sequel to their blockbuster single 'Empire State of Mind.' The long overdue collaboration originally appeared on Jay's 'Blueprint 3' album and resulted in a song so big it received more press during the World Series than the first game, and prompted an uninvited Lil Mama to hop onstage during their duet performance at the VMA's.
The divine power of the track doesn't stop there. Jay and Keys recently tapped famed music video director Hype Williams for the track's video. It debuted Friday to much critical acclaim, with Keys herself deeming it a masterpiece. "The way it's put together, it is so New York," the singer said. "You totally get it and understand it. It's artistic. It's hard. It's beautiful. It's, like, everything. And definitely getting to be in the middle of Times Square on my piano [with] Jay, representing our home city, is a triumph. It was unbelievable." View the video here.

Need there be more reason to explain why a sequel 'Empire State of Mind' track is in the works? A rep for Keys revealed the creatively-titled 'Empire State of Mind 2' will feature a new verse from Jay and will appear on Keys' forthcoming album, 'The Element of Freedom,' which is currently scheduled for a Dec. 15 release.