"A Star Is Born" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Jay-Z from his eleventh studio album The Blueprint 3 (2009). The song, produced by Kanye West, Kenoe and No I.D., features a verse from American rapper J. Cole, Jay-Z's protege and the first artist to be signed to his Roc Nation label. In the song, Jay-Z recognizes rappers who have risen to fame in the last decade, such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne, T.I., Eminem and 50 Cent . Notably, Jay-Z also gives shout-outs to Mobb Deep, Nas and two artists whom he had previously insulted on his 2001 song "Takeover".

After graduating from college, J. Cole sought to attract the attention of Jay-Z in the hopes of working with him. Following several efforts, including increased social networking activity and seeking internships at recording studios, J. Cole was finally contacted by Jay-Z and invited to contribute to his eleventh studio album The Blueprint 3 (2009). Cole also subsequently signed a recording contract with Jay-Z's record label Roc Nation.

The duo's The Blueprint 3 collaboration came in the form of "A Star Is Born", which features verses from the two rappers. The song was produced by Kanye West, Kenoe, and No I.D. and incorporates samples of the 1977 song "Touch Me" by R&B group Mother Freedom Band. It was originally slated to have two verses performed by Jay-Z and one by J. Cole, but the former added a third verse during a recording session. Cole wrote his verse for "A Star Is Born" in about 45 minutes in the studio. Its chorus is performed by R&B singer Tony Williams; an early version of the song featured vocals from both Williams and hip hop recording artist Kid Cudi, but only the former's contributions were ultimately used in the final mix. Williams himself was not aware of the prominence of his vocals on "A Star Is Born" until his friend Omar Edwards approached him and complimented his performance on the song.

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