ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ESTELLE
Monday, October 8, 2007

ESTELLE - Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)
The UK’s multiple award-winning artist Estelle is back with ‘Shine’ - her new album, set for release in February 2008. She is the first artist signed by John Legend, to his new ‘Homeschool Records’ label. The singer/rapper/producer is highly respected and loved across the pond and it’s about time she gets some shine in the U.S. Estelle’s new album features collaborations with Wyclef Jean, will.i.am (he produced “Wait A Minute”), Swizz Beats, Mark Ronson and Kanye West, as well as a stand out duet with John Legend.

John Legend & Estelle
“I have known John for a while now…We worked on my first album ‘18th Day’ before he was signed. He featured on ‘Hey Girl’, played piano on ‘Free’, and appeared in the video. As I went to do my second album I asked him to help exec-produce it. As I progressed with it, I left my label and he said he’d sign me… and here we are today! We always make great songs together. While I like and listen to a lot of musicians - there aren’t many that I respect on a level to help me write songs or upgrade/push me as an artist… but John is one of them.”
John Legend continues: “I’m thrilled to be a part of Estelle’s career. This album is truly an accomplishment. She will be one of the most of exciting breakthrough talents of 2008. Mark my words.”
This song has been on heavy rotation since I got it last week. I Love it! For more info on Estelle, make sure you check out her myspace page.








72 Comments
1.
☆Megan☆
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Hm, that was different. Something I could get used to. Those UK artists are different.
2.
☆Megan☆
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I think every UK female rapper is gonna remind me of Floacist, whatever her name is.
3.
SUPERstarshine
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I thought she was my girl Brandy upon first glance.
4.
McSalty
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Yeah I love this song. Her singing voice is nice and I can dig the rap flow too. Can’t wait to hear more from her.
5.
Greatestloveofall
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I like what I’m hearing. She reminds me of the rapper who used to be in Floetry and a bit like Monie Love, too!
6.
mzcarmeldelight
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
gurl gots skillz.
7.
Michology
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
my girl estelle doin it big in the us ……lovin the new look….carry on reppin it for the UK..U KNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO LOL
8.
chi chi
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
wow Eselle,s going big. I remember seeing her when she used to do warm ups at gigs back in 1997, she’s been working hard…
9.
TeTe(Another hit..BarryBonds!)
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
cant listen right now but if JOHN LEGEND says the chick is good then im sure she is…
10.
ladytroublesome
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I don’t like it. Thought my speakers were fucked up for a minute there.
11.
JoRo
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I remember seeing her perform in London ages ago. Her older songs are really good too especially “1980″ and “Free”. Her new stuff sounds nice too!
12.
U.C.Y
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
She looks like a mix between Missy and Brandy
13.
TeTe(Another hit..BarryBonds!)
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
@11,yeah sort of…..in the first pic,i was thinkin a mix of Monica & Heather Headley.
14.
☆Megan☆
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
11.
She remind me of a mixture between Heather Headley and Shareefa.
15.
Lula Pear
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
11.
U.C.Y
Monday, October 8, 2007
She looks like a mix between Missy and Brandy
————————————————————————————
of course this would come up…and I’m not saying you’re insulting her, only that America is so obsessed with looks… she’ll find that out and sadly probably be consigned to neo-soul limbo…
Anywhoooo, I finally got to hear it…there is something very peculiarly infectious about her voice, but the beat and her singing sound like something Amerie would do if she could sing as well lol
16.
afrobabe
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
i hope she makes it in the US 1980 is my tune.
17.
Victor
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I like the song, she’s really representing with her new project. As said earlier, check out Free and 1980. Check out more of our UK acts, Kano, 4hero!!!.
18.
dctrinigyal
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I’M NOT REALLY FEELING IT
19.
dctrinigyal
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I WAS THINKING SHE LOOK LIKE MISSY AND SHEREEFA
20.
BC
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Didn’t like that at all. The music is a little too choppy for my taste. It kinda interrupts the groove.
21.
V DOT DIZZLE
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
ZOOP ZOOP estelle keep reppin UK “put da zoom zoom on u “lol love da new tings hold tight n gud luck fam
22.
N DA WORDS OF WENDY WILLIAMS
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
LURVES IT!!!!! OWWWWW!!!! Her features reminds me of Heather Headley…
23.
GOD is good!
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Yeah she reps the UK get me!!!
London!!!!
24.
ESTHER
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Ypp Beautiful Estellee doin it bigg …Reppin 4 us black british Africanss u knoo how is dunnn!!! styloo der r mush better Uk black Artists dt are better dan her but i guess we have to strt somewere right!!!
25.
Chanté
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Her first album was siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick!! Damn shame she wasn’t known in the US for this album, it was amazing. I def remember when John was playing the piano at the end of her first video “Free”. And if y’all ain’t noticed, she’s at the very end of John’s video “Save Room”. I have newfound respect for John for signing her, this is proof that he knows talent when he sees it. UK artists are so bringing the heat. This chick, Floetry and Ms Dynamite are the real deal! I can’t wait for the album.
26.
sourmama
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
check out the artist Shystie if you wanna hear a really talented female UK rapper.
27.
Chanté
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
test
28.
Chanté
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I have newfound respect for John for signing her, this is proof that he knows talent when he sees it. UK artists are so bringing the heat. This chick, Floetry and Ms Dynamite are the real deal! I can’t wait for the album.
29.
Chanté
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
AND that sista can sing AND rhyme…….her debut was SICK, if you’ve never heard it you mos def should.
30.
Kenyanpebbles
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
lol i love her accent”step your ass to the dancefloor”
31.
DIAMONDS&PEARLS
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Im sorry that Im not as supportive for the UK artists being from the UK myself but I dont like Estelles music, Im sorry but I can neva get into it…
32.
__ ♥ . Ki . .
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
ummmmmmmmm not feelin it . .
33.
Forest
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
She’s cool, but the States need to get up on OMAR stat!
34.
thickems
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I like it……Is that her rapping? If so, she sounds a lot like Natalie Stewart (Floerty).
35.
Chanté
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
^^^^^^ That’s her, she’s a singer and a rapper.
36.
pittbboi
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Don’t get me wrong, as I RARELY play the race-card, and I DO love me some Joss Stone and Amy Winehouse…but it’s ABOUT TIME we got to hear from some BLACK UK up-and-comers.
I’ve been knowing about Estelle here in the States since 2004, back when the only US Network that would show her some love was LOGO (leave it to the gays to be the first to recognize talent no matter what! lol). Her stuff is eclectic and hot. And while she’s not as “mainstream” as Joss Stone and Amy Winehouse, it’s about time she got her shine, because Sista Estelle is HELLA talented and slept on here in the US.
37.
LONDON GURL
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
yeee tru sey nd manii mre artists r doin it big in da UK ..DA gospel group G force..mutya buena…shystie..jamelia(she aint reeli al dat)..da sugababes(group) ect nd manii mre!!
38.
Leeta
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
yeah this is nice and different for my ears..very creative..
39.
LONDON TOWN
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
yerr tru sey der is alot ov talent in da UK by da way guyss look outt 4 meee in yearss to comee..membaa dis namee ARAMIDE !!
40.
Jodie
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Haha!! Real UK talent !! You Knowww !!
41.
hillybilly
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
highly respected and loved across the pond????????
ASK ME I`M FROM FL but i`ve been in UK for 2years
i would say she is like Tweet in the US
she got talent but she can`t control it well
one more example
If u are rihanna of the moment would you go back again to do a song with murda mook?
well thats hopw her career goes and definately white folks(70% album buyer) would be scared to be fans
42.
ms. dyme
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
i like her. She making a great first impression just from the listening to this song and she’s talented indeed. I hope she garners more success in the states.
43.
MzTrici
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
The beginning of this song sounds like a sample of “I put a spell on you and now you’re mine…”
44.
BabyP!
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Love Estelle! repping UK! Free and 1980 are tunageeeee!! Bout time she got a little recognition but i think she gonna find it hard cos we all know at the end of the day the US look out for their own! HOWEVER mayb wiv John backin and dope collabs she’ll rise through!
BRAP ESTELLE!
45.
B
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
hahahahahaha
Estelle came and gangstered the game!!!
Well done sis.
Open the door for Ty, SOS, Iceberg Slimm, Damage ahll a dem mans dere’ hhahaha
Fuck Amy Joss Lilly an dem, wot about D Influence, Mica Paris, dont forget Omar Don E Jounior Bascome
Lets break down the doors and flood the market with decent creative music hahahahaha
lets make the playing field more level.
Buff people compare you Estelle to Floatry because they have no frame of reference to anything else, don’t worry your about to be big bout ya! scene!
46.
Babycheif_fl
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I like it.
47.
MusicLOVER♡
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
This ish SUCKS Butt.
WTF is this?
Man…i agree; i thought my speakers were clogged too and this is a new laptop…
Now i have a headache.
48.
music » ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ESTELLE
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt [...]
49.
DSally
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
@33 Omar is the ish.
50.
taw
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
not feeling it…..
51.
myghettopoplife
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
So glad Estelle has got some much needed American attention if just for the producers who are now gonna be working with her, she’s a talented artist. I still get goosebumps on the strings from “1980″.
Keep reppin’ the UK girl!
52.
FallBackHaterz
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
Damn so many UK peeps up in here, its all good. Anywho big up London town =)
I remember seeing Estelle on CD:UK a few years ago, shes great. 1980 was my tune too. Go and youtube her tune ‘1980′ and ‘Free’, definately ace songs
This song is different, it’s growing on me…I can’t believe she’s going to the US…rep the UK gurl!
BTW, thanks CL I love the way y’all are giving shine to the black UK artists
Leona, Estelle, Cheri…your gonna be hearing about boyband Fundamental soon and they are fine as heck…and can sing
53.
shay
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
I like this girl…I saw her performing live on the Bravo channel she was great…
Loved her whole vibe…rapping and singing….
54.
briana ツ
Monday, October 8, 2007 /
it’s different, but i like it…remind me of goapele and res mixed together. her dress is crazy though! it’s screaming, “Look at my boobs!” lol
55.
gaydar
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
I like the rapping but the singing part is not hot.
56.
Bouga
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
I liked her first album. 1980 was the jam. lookinmg forward to the new album, it should be great.
57.
ReneetheDiva
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
I don’t know about that song…but I do know that top is terrible.
58.
Have Not Thought of a New User Name
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
I liked it.
59.
chelle_london
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
OMG Estelle! I know her! She’s so nice and sweet. I’m glad she’s gettin exposure over in the US! Brap UK Talent
60.
datdude
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
First time hearing her, and i think she’s dope, i usually don’t like UK rappers and she killed the flow and lyrics were on point. The people dat didn’t like it, don’t get the UK vibe, i am from the States but i feel it, the black hip hop UK artists have a Carib vibe, and since i’m Jamaican, i understand a little more.
61.
BRONX BOMBER
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
Wow Chante
You just gave me some education on the Save Room video.
All this time I thought that was Heather Headley at the end of the video.
Thanks
62.
LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
shes hot!
im adding HER on my MYSPACE
:]
63.
MUSIC JONES
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 /
I’m not mad at it… would like to hear more to make a final decision… on hot or not…
64.
September Child
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 /
Well done Estelle. Good tune. Representing the UK in a fine way. She doesn’t sound like Floetry at all. Once you have all heard more British artists you will begin to notice the difference. Respect is due Estelle.
65.
» VIDEO: JOHN LEGEND INTERVIEWS ESTELLE // 'CONCRETELOOP.COM' YOU BETTER ACT LIKE YOU KNOW!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 /
[...] posted about Estelle earlier this week in an Artist Spotlight feature and for the most part people were feeling her new song. Here is a video of John Legend interviewing [...]
66.
Jules
Thursday, October 11, 2007 /
I LOVE Estelle, finally she is breaking out into the North American scene. I really like this song! Please try to get the link for this song in the next New Music Review. I hope John Legend makes her blows her up.
67.
ME4LIFE
Sunday, October 14, 2007 /
She sounds like the two women in Floetry (Natalie and Marsha) all wrapped into one….I’m diggin how she’s equally talented at rappin’ and singing kinda like my girl Lauryn Hill…and as said before if John Legend backs her then she’s worth checkin for. But yea, with Floetry, Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone all coming out of the UK and being immensely talented I’m impressed. I dont know what they be cooking up out there but everybody seems to be right on point.
68.
Brandon
Friday, October 26, 2007 /
I’M SO HAPPY THAT ESTELLE IS COMING BACK!!!! HOPEFULLY TO THE U.S. NOW! I think that her partnership with John Legend, will.i.am, Kanye, and other famous American and International artists will help to insure her much success. I love her voice and her ability to not only sing, but to rap as well. As for the video: It was great, interesting, innovative, and fresh. Showed her personality. The song could’ve been a little more exciting, but I think it may be catchy enough to be a hit. I can’t wait for to get this song for my iPod and for the cd to come out!!!
69.
» VIDEO: ESTELLE - WAIT A MINUTE (JUST A TOUCH) // 'CONCRETELOOP.COM' YOU BETTER ACT LIKE YOU KNOW!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 /
[...] Check out the video for Estelle’s newest song, Wait A Minute (Just A Touch) produced by will.i.am. The U.K. singer is set to release her new album ‘Shine’ in February 2008 and as we told you earlier this month, she is the first artist signed by John Legend, to his new Homeschool Records label. Click here for more info on Estelle. [...]
70.
Nanz
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 /
Well im a U.K singer And i think dat its finally time dat us as black females finally get to show are real talent in America. we get overlooked all the time because they feel that are race wont sell.. But were da original soul singers and R&B singers. Not Joss Stone or Amy Wine house. Dont get me i love me some Amy but we really need to show you guys are talent man. We have to work extra hard to get were we want and Estelle in one of us tryna make it big. And shes doin it so im happy for her. She deserves to be huge
71.
Tom_Gurl
Thursday, November 1, 2007 /
Tune is siiick! Glad to see her breaking the US….Let em see we have talent…unlike Lady Sovereign who’s crap as all hell!!!! I know many are mentioning it, but ‘Free’ and ‘1980′ are big tunes!
Keep repping for the UK Estelle! She’s gonna blow the US!
72.
Estelle is back - The BN Village
Monday, March 3, 2008 /
[...] is back - 08-10-07, 04:38 PM » ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ESTELLE // ‘CONCRETELOOP.COM’ YOU BETTER ACT LIKE YOU KNOW! ther eis a link to her new song and sh eis now signed to john legends [...]