Jay-Z & Alicia Keys to Perform at VMAs

Start spreading the news. Alicia Keys will join previously announced performer Jay-Z on stage at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

The New Yorkers will perform their collaboration “Empire State of Mind” for the first time together at the 26th annual show, airing live September 13 at 9 p.m. EST from New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. The dedication to the Big Apple can be heard on Jay-Z’s new album The Blueprint 3 and in VMA promos.

Keys’ longtime producing partner Kerry “Krucial” Brothers broke the news on Twitter. “Alicia Keys will be performing w/ Jay-Z,” he wrote.

Krucial also revealed that the R&B singer will have new music hitting the airwaves soon. “Her single will come out after the VMAs.”

Alicia Keys’ fourth studio album is expected before the end of the year.