Move over, Manhattan – Brooklyn is the real home for music in New York City. For over 150 years, Brooklyn has been at the forefront of modern music, offering performance space and creative inspiration to generations of artists including local legends like Notorious B.I.G., Carole King, Barbra Streisand, Jay Z and many more. We’re even home to America’s oldest performing arts center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, dating back to 1861. The borough itself has inspired countless songs that celebrate Brooklyn’s unique rhythm and undeniable cool factor. From hip-hop anthems to indie rock jams, these are the 9 best songs about Brooklyn.
“BROOKLYN’S FINEST” BY JAY Z FEAT. NOTORIOUS B.I.G.
Featuring two of the greatest rappers of all time – both Brooklyn natives – this track is all about local pride. Driving it home, Jay Z says, “I’m from Marcy / I’m varsity,” right before Biggy says, “My Bed-Stuy flow’s malicious.”
“BROOKLYN ZOO” BY OL’ DIRTY BASTARD
Bed-Stuy native and never-forgotten member of the Wu Tang Clan, ODB solidified his connection to the borough with “Brooklyn Zoo”, where the MC celebrates an unbreakable spirit he developed growing up here.
“NO SLEEP TILL BROOKLYN” BY THE BEASTIE BOYS
This three-man rap group was a ‘90s sensation, and they celebrated their wild-touring lifestyle with this track. The late Adam Yauch (aka MCA) reps his Brooklyn hometown and declares the party goes on ‘til the tour bus finally rolls into the borough.
“BROOKLYN ROADS” BY NEIL DIAMOND
Boston Red Sox fans love Neil Diamond for “Sweet Caroline” but his roots are actually here in Brooklyn. This song takes listeners back to Diamond’s childhood when he lived, “Two floors above the butcher / First door on the right / And life filled to the brim / As I stood by my window / And looked out on those Brooklyn Roads”.
“BROOKLYN BABY” BY LANA DEL REY
Lana Del Rey brings her ethereal voice to this critically-acclaimed 2014 track. Poking fun at NYC cliches, the indie artist cleverly pays homage to old-school Brooklyn, weaving in mentions of Lou Reed, the Beat generation, and jazz music.
“BROOKLYN” BY STEELY DAN
Steely Dan keeps things light with some piano and long-winded, soulful singing on this classic track. Telling the story of a man hustling his way through financial and dating problems, the song by the American jazz rock band explores the borough and its occasional “tough love” charm.
“BROOKLYN BOUND” BY THE BLACK KEYS
A gritty blues jam from The Black Keys’s debut album, this song laments a love-hate relationship that’s worth crossing boroughs saying, “Well I hate to leave you, hate to put you down / But that way you love darling / Oh I’m Brooklyn bound”.
“BROOKLYN” BY MOS DEF
Homegrown rapper Mos Def, now Yasiin Bey, begins this song with the hook from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” switching out Brooklyn for the City of Angels. He goes on to rap about the whole borough with specific shout outs to Bed Stuy, Canarsie, Red Hook, Bushwick, and Coney Island.
“CONEY ISLAND BABY” BY LOU REED
One of the coolest singers of all time, Lou Reed looks back on a life of lost love, two-bit friends, and falling in love with Brooklyn over and over again. He closes the tune singing, “Coney Island baby / Man, I swear, I’d give the whole thing up for you.”