As the unofficial theme song of New York City, Jay-Z & Alicia Keys’ hit from 2009 “Empire State of Mind” celebrates the city that was attacked on September 11th, 2001. So it was only right that Jay and Alicia perform this song to close out the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on September 13th, since the VMAs actually took place in New York instead of its usual local, Los Angeles. The performance was perfect until, Lil Mama crashed the party. Take a look at this clip, and then take time out to remember those whose lives were forever changed in the Empire State.