Hands down, New York has created monumental soundtracks that have cemented the city’s place in music history. Many of our favorite musical legends have created timeless tracks that are an ode to the beloved city. Each record is a love letter to everyone who navigates the city known as the “Concrete Jungle.” Let’s take a look at the songs that make us fall in love with New York City all over again.
Suggested Reading
Frank Sinatra – “New York, New York”
We can’t talk about the city’s historical anthems without giving a proper nod to the legendary Frank Sinatra for his groundbreaking 1977 classic, “New York, New York.”
The Notorious B.I.G. – “Juicy”
The Notorious B.I.G.’s breakout hit “Juicy” was a musical game-changer. Sampling Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit,” the record became one of the most iconic anthems celebrating success and perseverance. From Brooklyn to the world, “Juicy” remains a timeless classic we all love.
Mobb Deep – “Shook Ones”
Capturing the gritty essence of New York, Mobb Deep’s timeless record “Shook Ones” will always remain a staple among hip-hop lovers.
Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys – “Empire State of Mind”
No matter what U.S. city you live in, everyone is a New Yorker when we sing along to Alicia Keys’ opening chorus lines:
“New York/ Concrete jungle where dreams are made of/It’s nothing you can’t do/ Only in New York“
Bad Bunny – “NUEVAYoL”
New York is home to immigrants of all nations, so no matter what flag you wave, when this Bad Bunny record spins, everybody is going to bailar.
The Diplomats – “Dipset Anthem”
Nothing says New York more than this record. The Diplomats delivered a hustler’s anthem in the early 2000s with “Dipset Anthem,” a track that instantly had everyone in their feels.
Fat Joe & Terror Squad – “Lean Back”
From every club to every stadium, when Fat Joe raps “Lean Back,” you already know what time it is– and you know exactly what to do, too!
Bobby Shmurda – Hot N***a
Bobby Shmurda’s hit record “Hot N***a” had us all doing the two-step, and we loved it. But when Bobby threw his hat up, where did it go? The world may never know.
DMX – “Ruff Ryders Anthem”
When DMX dropped “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” everyone wished they were part of the Ruff Ryders clique as they rode the streets of Yonkers.
Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz – “Déjà Vu (Uptown Baby)”
Taking the nostalgia Uptown, nearly 30 years later, Peter Gunz and Lord Tariq still have the whole city rocking to this iconic record.
50 Cent- “I Get Money”
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson represented New York for everyone hustling to get to the money with the club banger “I Get Money.”
Ja Rule – “New York”
We can’t talk about anthems without mentioning one of New York’s greatest, courtesy of rapper Ja Rule. The record’s impact runs deep— so much so that the city’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani used it to celebrate his win in the 2025 New York City mayoral election.
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