In our project, we delve deeper into the history behind iconic lines featured in Alicia Key’s soundtrack for Hells Kitchen on Broadway. As CUNY students, our objective is to learn more about the history of our city to better understand how our own identity is shaped by the city and our individual cultures. During the filming process of our project, we were able to explore parts of the city that, although were close in proximity, we had never before visited, such as Gramercy park, the Empire State Building, and Broadway as a whole. Additionally, we engaged in deep reflection as we analyzed the lyrics and connected it to our personal experiences and lives as native New Yorkers and students. Through our work, we ultimately hope other students can reflect and connect to New York City, as well as gain insight on how New York shapes them individually as they develop as students.
Completing the project allowed us to explore the way art served as a foundation for the historical areas we visited. Art comes in all shapes and forms, showing up through the landscapes surrounding Gramercy park, the people commuting to and from Broadway, and the environment around the Empire State Building. Additionally, we tied in those experiences with the musical aspect of Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway, adding another element of art to our analysis.
