The internet is in a frenzy after R&B singer Alicia Keys hinted at a possible collaboration with rap icon Jay-Z, suggesting a reunion of the dynamic duo.
All the buzz started when Alicia Keys posted a short video to her social media accounts. The video shows her walking up to Jay-Z and standing next to him, both of them wearing knowing smiles. The caption read, “1 Dream, 1 Song, 1 Billion Streams.” This is a reference to their legendary hit Empire State of Mind, which has recently surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. Furthermore, adding to the mystery, Alicia Keys concluded her post with “What’s next…?”
Empire State of Mind was released on October 20, 2009, as a part of Jay-Z’s eleventh studio album, The Blueprint 3. According to Genius, the track is a love song to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ home city of New York, which is also known as “the Empire State.” The title alludes to the Billy Joel ballad, New York State of Mind and Nas’ N.Y State of Mind.
“Empire State of Mind stands as one of Hov’s most successful singles. It was the first Jay-Z-lead single to ever top the Billboard “Hot 100,” sitting at No. 1 for five consecutive weeks (also being the last No. 1 in the 2000s). It has been certified 5x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over 5.5 million in the United States. The track was nominated for three Grammy Awards, winning “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.”
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What to expect from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
Although the details of what their next move would be are unclear, fans are awaiting and analysing every hint. Could a new song be on the horizon? Perhaps an entire collaborative album? People are eager to find out.
With Empire State of Mind enjoying brand new popularity, the timing seems perfect for another collaboration.
1 Dream. 1 Song. 1 Billion streams 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you! We love you. What’s next….👀🤫 pic.twitter.com/r1wftG2IA7
— Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) June 15, 2024
