Al Shux, the British producer behind the 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind,” has shared his reaction to the track’s prominent role in New York’s recent NBA championship festivities.
The New York Knicks secured their first NBA title in 53 years last week, prompting widespread street celebrations across the city. Crowds sang along to the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys anthem, which features a sample from The Moments’ “Love on a Two-Way Street.”
Al Shux, who created the original beat in London, described the scenes as surreal. “I started getting sent videos of people singing it after the games; there’s the one where everyone's singing it in the street [after the Finals win],” he said. “It’s fucking sick to see people loving the song, especially younger people who maybe didn't know it the first time around.”
The producer noted the song’s quick path to recording after Jay-Z requested the stems. He expressed ongoing gratitude for its lasting impact. “This record was a big reason for getting my life and career going,” Shux added.
