All of Jay-Z’s four chart-toppers have been collaborations, but this is his first No. 1 as a lead or co-billed vocalist. His prior chart-topping entries came as a featured vocalist on Mariah Carey’s “Heartbreaker” (1999), his now-wife Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” (2003) and Rihanna’s “Umbrella” (2007).
“Empire State of Mind” is also Keys’ fourth overall No. 1, as she previously scaled the list with her debut single “Fallin’“ (2001), her duet with Usher, “My Boo,” (2004) and “No One” (2007).
Owl City’s “Fireflies” slipped to No. 2 — again — swapping places with “Empire State of Mind,” now having spent two single-week stints at the top of the list. Another recent No. 1, Jason DeRulo’s “Whatcha Say” held at No. 3 and Iyaz’s “Replay” remained at No. 4.
Country group Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” jumped 17 to No. 5, in the wake of its performance of the song on last week’s Country Music Assn. Awards, where it also won two prizes. Lady Antebellum is also the first country group to reach the top 10 since the Dixie Chicks peaked at No. 4 with “Not Ready to Make Nice” in March 2007.
Britney Spears’ “3” rebounded two to No. 6, “Down” by Jay Sean featuring Lil Wayne fell two to No. 7, and Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A.” was also down two, to No. 8.
Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” fell two to No. 9. Rookie singer Ke$ha logged her first top 10 hit as her debut single “Tik Tok” rose four to No. 10.
The top debut was “Give It Up To Me” by Shakira featuring Lil Wayne, the second single from the Latin songstress’ upcoming album “She Wolf,” due November 23. The track entered the Hot 100 at No. 58. The title tune, meanwhile, fell four to No. 52 in its 18th week.
