These New York Covers Are Making Us Feel The Nostalgic Feels

The gorgeous and talented Beyoncé may be Jay Z's better half, but his first love will always be New York City. The Brooklyn-raised rapper's lifelong romance with the city is evident in his musical tributes, from "Empire State of Mind" to "Brooklyn Go Hard." Even the choice of his stage name is a nod to the J and Z subway lines. But, Jay Z is just one of many musicians who are inspired and shaped by life in the Big Apple.

In its latest issue, New York magazine pays tribute to eight musical legends — including Barbra Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Dylan — who honed their sounds while living in New York. Jay Z's photo was taken in the early days of his career, when the then-29-year-old was still known as "Jazzy" around his 'hood Bed-Stuy. The fresh-faced Hova sported a Cincinnati Reds cap and a slick leather jacket — a far cry from his swaggy gold chainz and slogan tees of late.

Click on for a peep of the eight gorgeous covers, and head over to Vulture for an in-depth analysis of the 100 NYC songs that shaped pop culture. Don't mind us — we'll just be right here, blasting "Empire State of Mind" one more time. (New York)