Angela Hunte: The Real Story Behind “Empire State of Mind,” “Party Done” & Learning to Walk Again
Published: October 19, 2026
Duration: 1:22:39
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Angela Hunte helped write an anthem the world knows. Behind the music is a story of rejection, recognition, motherhood—and a health crisis that changed everything.
In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, Angela shares the unexpected journey behind “Empire State of Mind”: writing it while homesick in London, its initial rejection, Lady Gaga’s interest, and why she believed Alicia Keys should sing the hook instead of her.
From growing up between Brooklyn and Trinidad to finding her place in the music industry, Angela takes us inside a career...