Hello Brooklyn 2.0

Album: American Gangster (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In an interview with MTV news, Jay-Z described this collaboration with Lil' Wayne as more of a conceptual song than a back-and-forth lyrical exercise: "[Wayne's camp] sent the record and it was done," Jay elaborated. "So it wasn't like a collaboration thing. It was done already. Gee [Roberson] and [Kyambo] 'Hip Hop' [Joshua], who came from Roc-A-Fella and went on to do great things - I'm very proud of them - manage Wayne. That whole thing came through them. It's more of a great record than a lyrical slugfest. It's more a creative, great record than 2 guys spitting."
  • This samples The Beastie Boys "Hello Brooklyn," from their 1989 album Paul's Boutique. In the same interview Lil' Wayne said: "The song has a sample on there that says, 'Hello Brooklyn.' I made it so that I'm talking to a woman and the woman has the traits of the actual place [where the song is set]. I say, 'She love B.I.G. but she like Tupac, and every time I say, 'Jay-Z,' she say, 'It's the Roc.' Me not being from Brooklyn, I think it's cool because you always wanna know what an outsider thinks of your place."
  • Lil' Wayne added that this track was actually intended for his album Tha Carter, Vol. 3. He said: "It was produced by my homeboy Big D a long time ago. Jay heard the song some type of way, and when he heard it, he said, 'Ask the homie if I can get this.' When I was asked the question, I told them it wasn't even a question - he's got it. Everybody in the world knows how I feel about Jay. He's the king, utmost respect."

Comments: 1

  • Chris from Corte Madera, CaThis is a great song. One of the best off the album. I love at the end of the song, Jay says: (talking to brooklyn)"We got some victims catch, so in a couple years baby Ima bring you some Nets." Talking about his ownership of the New Jersey Nets and their potential move to Brooklyn. thats a great line, no one can top Jay.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Annie Haslam of Renaissance

Annie Haslam of RenaissanceSongwriter Interviews

The 5-octave voice of the classical rock band Renaissance, Annie is big on creative expression. In this talk, she covers Roy Wood, the history of the band, and where all the money went in the '70s.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."