Jay-Z Almost Picked Singer Mary J. Blige Over Alicia Keys for song "Empire State of Mind"

When Jay-Z was in the process of crafting what would become one of the most iconic tributes to New York City—his 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind”—he was nearly moments away from making a very different decision that could’ve changed the song’s legacy. According to a 2010 interview with the Miami Times, the Brooklyn rap mogul revealed that his original choice to sing the song’s unforgettable hook wasn’t Alicia Keys—it was R&B legend Mary J. Blige.

Jay-Z shared that he was “just two seconds away” from calling Blige, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, to lay down vocals for the anthem’s chorus. Known for her gritty emotion and soulful delivery, Blige seemed like the perfect match to embody the heart and hustle of New York City. And given her long-standing musical relationship with Jay-Z, the collaboration would’ve felt organic.

However, as he reflected further, Jay-Z pivoted. He decided to go in a different direction and reached out to Alicia Keys instead. That decision would prove monumental.

Alicia Keys brought more than just her voice to the table. Her signature blend of soulful vocals and classical piano added an uplifting and powerful tone to the record. The result? A timeless anthem that resonated deeply with New Yorkers and fans worldwide. "Empire State of Mind" soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural milestone—arguably one of the greatest modern odes to a city.

Though Mary J. Blige didn’t end up on the record, Jay-Z’s decision didn’t come from a lack of admiration. In fact, it was the weight of Blige’s legendary status that made the choice so difficult. Still, the pairing of Jay-Z’s lyrical homage and Alicia Keys’ melodic grace became the perfect storm, solidifying “Empire State of Mind” as a career-defining moment for both artists.

In hindsight, fans can only imagine how different the song might have sounded with Blige’s iconic voice—but there’s little doubt that Jay-Z made the right call. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of instinct—and a little hesitation—to strike gold.