Jay-Z to Kickstart Baseball's World Series With New York Anthem

3 weeks ago 27th Oct 11:42

Rapper Jay-Z has landed the gig of a lifetime - he'll perform New York anthem Empire Stae Of Mind to kick-off baseball's World Series between his beloved Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies.

The song has been played at the Yankees Stadium during the team's play-off run and now Jay-Z will perform the track with Alicia Keys there on Wednesday (28Oct09).

Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee.

He says, "Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee."

Jay-Z, who namechecks the team in the song, admits he's thrilled the song has become an unofficial New York anthem.

He adds, "It's about inspiration, it's about hope - I think that's what connects with people. The song connects outside of New York. Every night I play it, there's a monster response, no matter if we're in Providence (Rhode Island) or whenever."