The 2010 VMAs will be hitting a television near you on September 12 at 8 p.m., and one of the nominees is Alicia Keys and Jay-Z, for “Empire State of Mind.”

The infectious single earned a nomination for Best Collaboration at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, and recently Alicia Keys discussed how Jay-Z approached her to appear on what is doubtlessly one of the biggest hits of the year.

“He was just like I feel like I have this record that’s going to be the anthem of New York,” said Alicia. “I’m like yeah, he’s like the piano, the way, the style, the whole flow….it couldn’t be the anthem of New York without you.”

Kind words from the master of rap.  But Jay-Z had something right, because the single is an incredible hit, and Alicia does kill it on the hook.  And for that, we’re thankful.  Alicia proved to be in a thankful mood as well.

“Obviously I was very grateful for him reaching out to me, and for that type of ability to represent my home town like that,” said Alicia. “It was crazy, we went to the studio, he it played for me, and I fell in love.”

It’s fitting that “Empire State of Mind” is being nominated for a VMA this year, as the duo premiered the song at the 2009 MTV VMA show.

You can download “Empire State of Mind” right here.  Other Alicia Keys downloads are here, and Jay-Z tracks are here.