Mastering the Soulful Anthem
"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" is Alicia Keys' solo answer to the massive Jay-Z hit. Unlike the original, this version is stripped back, relying heavily on piano and vocal texture. It requires a blend of conversational lower tones and powerful, resonant belting in the chorus.
The song sits comfortably in a Mezzo-Soprano range but is accessible to Tenors and Sopranos who have good control over their chest-dominant mix. The emotional delivery is just as important as the pitch accuracy here.
AI Coach Tip: Vowel Shaping
On the chorus phrase "New York," drop your jaw to modify the vowel towards "Aw" (Nu-Yawk). This creates more space in the throat and helps you sustain the note without sounding shrill or pinched.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Register Control)
The song begins in F# Major with the iconic line "Grew up in a town..." This section sits lower (around F#3), which can tempt singers to be overly breathy. While you want a soft texture, ensure your vocal cords are connecting properly to maintain resonance.
The Trap: Losing energy at the end of phrases. Alicia Keys has a very rhythmic delivery; make sure you don't trail off too early on the verses.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Belt)
The energy lifts significantly here. You are belting around B4 and C#5. This requires good breath support from your diaphragm.
- Placement: Aim the sound forward into the "mask" of your face to get that bright, ringing quality.
- "Concrete jungle where dreams are made of": This line is a mouthful. Practice speaking it in rhythm first before singing it to ensure your diction doesn't get muddy.
Phase 3: The Runs and Riffs
Alicia Keys is a master of R&B riffing. Throughout the bridge and the outro, she adds melismatic runs. These are usually based on the pentatonic scale.
Don't just slide between notes. The AI Coach detects pitch separation, so practice these runs slowly on a specific vowel (like "No" or "Mum") to get clean delineation between the steps before speeding them up.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody consistently hits a C#5 in the chorus. In the ad-libs and background vocals, the range extends higher, but C#5 is the target for the lead vocal.
Vocally, yes. The Jay-Z version has a repetitive hook, whereas "Part II" requires you to carry the entire song with dynamic changes, verses, and a bridge that demands more stamina.
The verses will be very comfortable for you, but the chorus might sit in your "break." You can transpose the song down -2 or -3 semitones in the Singing Coach AI app to make the belt more accessible.
