Entrepreneur, billionaire, and jingle writer Jesse Itzler produced the song “Go NY Go,” which is now forever associated with the New York Knicks. The song became a phenomenon overnight when it first aired in 1993. It quickly became a permanent fixture at Knicks games, helping to create an electric ambiance at Madison Square Garden. It all began with a random encounter between Itzler and Dave Checketts, then president of the Knicks. They had first met on the board of a charity event for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
Itzler, meanwhile, was in the thick of composing radio jingles for Nancy’s apparel business. Through that inspiring creative process, inspiration struck for Masterson—in the form of “Go NY Go.” For his part, Kane’s enthusiasm for New York’s NBA franchise led him to float the anthem idea past Checketts. Seeing its potential, Checketts committed to making it happen and brought Itzler to meet with the Knicks’ front office. That meeting resulted in Itzler rewriting the lyrics to the song in time for the start of the 1993-94 NBA season.
Dan Monopoli, the in-house DJ for the Knicks, plays various tracks to energize the crowd during games. Yet “Go NY Go” might be the album’s marquee track. Even high profilers like Swizz Beatz and Fat Joe have jumped on the remix. Its infectious beat and catchy lyrics resonate with fans, solidifying its place within Knicks culture.
The song became a hot phenomenon during those 1994 NBA playoffs. It rang out across Madison Square Garden and shouted from the airwaves on Hot 97, New York City’s toprated (and influential) hip-hop radio station. Chris Weiller was the Knicks/MSG director of communications from 1991-99. He remembered how “Go NY Go” was instrumental in kicking off the “Nobody Beats the Wiz” advertising blitz through those playoffs.
Itzler’s lyrics capture the excitement of Knicks basketball, reflecting both team spirit and camaraderie among fans. Lines like “If ya’ defense makes a mistake / then BAM! / Ewing dunks in ya’ face!” and “Ya better believe the Knicks got all that it takes / we’re throwin’ alley-oops and we’re running fast breaks” highlight the high-energy moments that characterize a Knicks game.
Even with all this success, Itzler has publicly stated that he wishes he could go back and re-do the original composition. In recent interviews, he’s sounded as if he deeply wants to do “Go NY Go” over again with a new mindset. This is emblematic of his constant evolution as an artist and businessperson.
“Go New York Go New York Go!” – Melissa Joan Hart
The cultural influence of “Go NY Go” went further than just the basketball court. The tune captures the spirit of togetherness that exists within the ranks of Knicks fans who continue to support their team. Frank Isola’s poetic exaltation is an ode to faithful fandom, his dogged persistence as a Knicks rooter will never die. His line, “Are you down with the orange and the blue?” goes even further than that to engrave this passion in New York sports history.
Branford Marsalis, a Grammy-winning saxophonist and longtime Knicks supporter, initially suggested integrating music from filmmaker Spike Lee. Then “Go NY Go” turned out to be the favorite because of its non-commercial vibe. Marsalis recalled a funny experience at a Knicks game. Champ and Lee yelled back and forth, Hubie – you suck! You’re a bum! It’s a clear sign of how music and sports can intersect in unexpected, amazing ways.
Once the adoption ebbed, “Go NY Go” moved on to be cemented in the Knicks’ home game day experience. Aside from being a unique and creative way to promote civic pride, it highlights the team’s deep history and fiery fanbase. Dan Monopoli is still determined to keep this anthem and others like it in play to help keep a raucous experience at games.
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