Download Alicia Keys' "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"

FULL, CDQ, Track off upcoming album, The Element Of Freedom *TIBS FAV.™

It's amazing how Alicia Keys can single-handedly make me want to visit New York. Her Part II version of "Empire State Of Mind" (the original currently #1 on Billboard.. shouts 2 splash) comes without the rumored verse from Jay-Z, and considering I'm not a big fan of his to begin with, that's a good thing for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the new version as Keys uses the same, wonderful chorus and strikes a lyrical balance in her verses between spotlighting New York City and making the song appealing to a wider audience. I remember reading that the first one was so great because it is a song for the dreamers. In fact, Alicia may have said that herself in an interview. Nevertheless, I agree; the second one follows suit. It's more of an R&B production that benefits from an awesome series of kicks and added percussion during one last chorus from Alicia Keys. Keys' vocals are also worth noting; her unique voice is something I've never seen a complaint about and it rings clearly here. So while the song will resonate deeply for New Yorkers (especially in the 2nd verse), it's just an overall powerful record that people everywhere will enjoy just as much as the original, which rose to the top of the charts for the strong, anthemic quality that is similarly reflected in Part II.

Down below, R&B continues to filter through picking up for an unusually slow afternoon in hip hop. Looks like the whole Kellz album leaked as the first track for Untitled is one for the clubs. Kellz messes w/ autotune a lil' too heavily on this one, making "Crazy Night" another example in the 'Miss' column for tracks with autotune (shouts 2 UHTN). Joe and Tim & Bob link up for one that may grow on me and up and comer Mishon delivers a holiday song. Maybe it's just that time of year when R&B hits the soul a little bit better?

Nevertheless a trio of videos concludes the post with episode four of the highly entertaining Summit Boot Camp featuring Lupe Fiasco and Kenna leading it off. Also included is behind the scenes footage at Kid Sister's album release party and Clipse speaks about their upcoming album w/ MTV. Enjoy!

Lupe Fiasco & Kenna: Summit Boot Camp (Ep. 4)

Kid Sister 'Ultraviolet' Release Party

Clipse Talk 'Till The Casket Drops'

Album in stores 12.08

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~ Sgt. Tibs