Alicia Keys reveals why she wrote her answer song 'Empire State of Mind (Part II)'
It was in response to Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind'
The amazing Alicia Keys joined Jordan and Perri on KISS Breakfast to talk about her brand new song 'Lifeline', which comes from the new film The Color Purple. The singer also took part in the Quiz That Gets Quicker, and revealed the real reason she decided to write her iconic song 'Empire State of Mind (Part 2) Broken Down'.
Back in 2009, 'Empire State of Mind' was a huge hit for Jay-Z, featuring Alicia Keys, however, here in the UK it's Alicia's answer song, 'Empire State of Mind (Part 2) Broken Down', also became a massive hit, and Alicia revealed the real reason she wrote the song.
"'Empire State of Mind’ was actually Jay’s record first and I was on the hook," Alicia explained. "After all of that happened, I realised, you know what? This song is crazy and it's going insane, I have to have a version that I can sing. What am I going to do? I can't just sing the hook every show?!"
So with that in mind, Alicia decided to release 'Part Two', which reached Number 4 in the UK, and also saw worldwide success. The 'Fallin'' singer explained: "So that was what provoked the feeling of creating the Part Two. So the Part Two is what we call 'broken down' and I then, just played keys on it and then eventually at the end it started to go into the sonic that you know.
"I remember that the UK went crazy for 'Broken Down' and at one point, like in America, it was like all about the me and Jay version, in the UK I never heard the Jay version EVER! Y'all just took my version and (it) went crazy."
She added: "But it was amazing, that was really cool."
Alicia also did the Quiz That Gets Quicker, but didn't do too well, only getting a dubious one out five, after she was quizzed on some very British questions, such as when is a roast dinner eaten and what does 'chinwag' mean?
When can you hear Jordan and Perri on KISS Breakfast?
You can catch Jordan and Perri every weekday on KISS FM UK between 7am and 11am.
Take a look through tours coming up in 2024:
Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan will be bringing his 'The Great Divide' Tour to the UK this autumn, where he will be performing in Glasgow, Manchester and London. See the full list of dates and how to get tickets.
Hits Radio Live 2026
Hits Radio Live 2026 has now been announced at bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on Friday 20th November 2026 and Co-op Live in Manchester on Saturday 21st November 2026. Manchester has now sold out, but you can still buy tickets for Hits Radio Live Birmingham. Buy tickets now!
The Script
To celebrate their new album, Irish band The Script are visiting Ireland, the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia with 'The Man In The Arena Tour' from October 2026 to April 2027. The band will play dates in the UK in November!
Tinie Tempah
Tinie Tempah announced 'The Night's Not Dead – UK Tour 2026' for November and December 2026. The singer will be taking in five dates across the UK, including Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow, Bristol and London.
Gnarls Barkley
It's been a massive 20 years since the release of Gnarls Barkley's breakthrough hit 'Crazy'. Now after the duo released their first new album in 18 years, called 'Atlanta', they will be embarking on their 'To Whom It Still Concerns' Tour in December.
Emeli Sandé
As the 15th anniversary of Emeli Sandé's debut album 'Our Version of Events' approaches in February 2027, the singer has announced she will be going on a huge tour across the UK and EU, starting in January 2027 and ending the UK leg in February 2027.
'ALL STARS – The Music of ABBA'
A huge new UK tour has been announced for 'ALL STARS – The Music of ABBA'. The performances, which will unite four well-known performers, Samantha Mumba, Duncan James (Blue), Antony Costa (Blue) and Una Healy (The Saturdays), will include several shows starting in Croydon, in February 2027, and continuing until 11th April in Southampton.
James Blunt
Following the release of his sun-soaked single 'Tastes Like Summer', James Blunt announced a tour across the UK next year, and tickets are now on sale. The singer will be starting in Leeds on Friday 26th March, with dates across England, Scotland and Wales, ending the following month, on Thursday 8th April, in Brighton.
Chase & Status
Chase & Status have announced three UK dates starting at Manchester's Co-op Live on Friday 19th March 2027, continuing on to Birmingham's Utilita Arena, and finishing in London at The O2 Arena on Friday 2nd April 2027.
Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams has announced a huge tour with several UK dates in April and May 2027. The singer will be performing in Manchester, Glasgow and London.
Hear'Say Vs Liberty X
Starting in Bournemouth on 20th April 2027, Hear'Say Vs Liberty X will play at venues across the UK, ending with one night in Sheffield on 12th May.
David Guetta
In June 2027, fans will get the chance to see David Guetta's iconic Monolith show in London. The performance sees the French DJ perform in front of a huge illuminated monolith, showing visualisations bringing the performance to life on stage.
Sam Fender
The 'Seventeen Going Under' singer will be performing at five locations across the UK on his 'Proper Massive Stadium Tour', starting with two homecoming gigs in Newcastle in June, followed by Cardiff, London (two dates), Edinburgh and Manchester (two dates).
Harry Styles
On Thursday 10th September, the singer delighted fans by revealing some MORE UK dates, for his 'Together Together' tour which wrapped in the UK in July 2026! He will be returning for three more UK dates in August 2027.
Now read:
Alicia Keys wows fans at major train station with performance of several hits 🎶
Tate McRae releases second album 'Think Later'
Nicki Minaj drops her album 'Pink Friday 2' 💅