Estelle covers the new issue of Bleu Magazine and talks exclusively to contributing writer Lenox Magee, on how the UK does not know how to promote black artists. She also speaks out on her feelings to being compared to Lauryn Hill,
“I think they compare me to her (Lauryn Hill) because I’m dark-skinned and I sing and rap. But, if they’re saying the music is just as great, then compare me all day because I’ll be really happy about that.”
The Spring 2008 issue of BLEU Magazine will hit newstands on April 29th (the same day Estelle’s album hits stores).
You alright Estelle…..but, you ain’t no Lauryn Hill…Hell, you look more like Drew Hill.
This girl is not setting right with me…i dunno but i dont think she is gonna go far!
I have nothing against her,however she should watch how she speaks. She just seems like one of those girls who opens there mouth without thinking. I know some jamicain guys who say they dont like jamicain girls due to their attitude. i.e meaning being discrespectful to other girls,hating (ghetto) this is not to every1 jamicain girl but some that i know personally.Every singer has unique voice. When she spoke about that UK artist adela lady she shouldnt have said she couldnt sing. Because im really not into adele music but i think she has a nice soulful voice.
Second! Yay!!! I love Estelle!!!!
Estelle lookin fly!!
im definitely getting estelles album… when it hits stores down under.. feeling her song ‘american boy’…
she reminds me of a dark skinned version on the geico lizard…i’ve seen her vids she’s got a catchy tune, but nothing worthy of making history, sorry.
Its not fair to stereotype Jamaicans like that, we are an educated people, everyday normal people… Are all black people ghetto??(No…but according to the stereotype they are). I hate when people make comments on races like that, its very narrow minded. One or even ten bad experiences shouldn’t lead a person to think that all Jamaican’s are ‘ghetto’ people who puff on reefa day in and day out….
As for Estelle, it is true they don’t promote black artists in the UK…living in London all the true black talent is kept under wraps…. it’s terrible seeing as we have just as much talent as our white counterparts.
IM STILL TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT BEHIND THAT WHITE DRESS SHE WORE IN HER AMERICAN BOY VIDEO….SHE MIGHT HAVE TROUBLE SNAGGING ONE WITH A POINTED DRESS LIKE THAT-POKE!
I think she’s great! She’s beautiful as well IMO…
I think she represents herself as a black woman very well. She doesn’t seem superficial or shallow, unlike her American counterparts. Do your thing girl!!
I see what 3 is saying, I saw interviews of Estelle on tv and she didnt know how to talk diplomatically, I know shes from the “ghetto” but she should understand that there is a way to talk when your being professional, shes not the only one with bad speech Adele is the same and some other british musicians too. They need interview coaching!
I like Estell and after hearing clips of her album it sounds incredible, Its defnately an album I’ll be saving up to buy soon.
yeah i see what she means when she says Lauryn Hill but she aint on that level but they share the same talents.
As for that pic… It’s not great. Ive seen her look better!! But ive been playing her album all day so who cares…
I was saying the same thing when people on here was comparing her to Lauryn Hill. She don’t sound or look anything like her.
Ive just seen that Estelle now has braces in a CL previous post!!! WELL DONE BABES, SERIOUSLY GET DEM GRILLZ ON LOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is nuthin better than nice teeth on a woman
i dont want her to b a one hit wonder. hopefully we see more good stuff coming from her
Ok, actually… maybe a brain!!!! lol
But still in terms on appearance.. teeth are important….
she looks FAB!
tho, sadly…i kinda hafta agree with #2
Sorry but there’s now way she should be compared to Lauryn. Lauryn is beautiful, great singer and rapper. Great songwriter, producer. Estelle to me can’t even sing. American Boy has to be the most annoying song of “08″…………. plus she’s ugly and she run her mouth to much.
@8 sorry to say it, but you are under that “black” stereotype. it’s wrong but it’s the world we live in.
The fool who mentioned Jamaicans is truly a fool?! Where was that coming from? You jealous of Jamaicans…? It’s okay, many envy them. But on to Estelle. I like the fact that she tells it like it is. All of that self-censorship and moderating how one expresses themselves defeats the very purpose of making music: self expression! So with that being said, I give her two thumbs up and can’t wait to hear the album! I saw the recent picture of her wearing the braces and hope that is the only change that she makes. The whole comment made about her record company wanting her to add extensions if crap. Don’t do it Estelle!
I’m happy for her success and I’m glad she kept that mouth closed.
I hope she continues to be herself and dont focus so much on speaking diplomatically (@11). Dont change too much to make people like u, she’ll loose herself and people will still talk. Who cares how she talks, we elected a president who is an idiot and sounds like a fool, but we let him lead a country. Her singing voice is pleasant to the ears. Thumbs up from me.
umm she raps?
Unfortunately her look isn’t marketable….talentless folks like Britney Spears and Cassie will sell more because they have “the look”. Now, I don’t think Estelle is “the bomb” but I don’t think she can be mediocre and not have that look record labels bust ass for. Unfortunate but the reality.
Estelle is not Jamaican, so what is all of the Jamaican stuff about people?
Lmao at #1
I’m sure she’s a nice girl…I’ve not heard her sing or rap BUT there can be only one Lauryn Hill. Thanks.
She is gorgeous. seems saw her before on a celebrity and millioniare dating site like Wealthy Kiss.c o m or something where people are wealthy and they’re looking for companionship romance or love. But don’t know if it is her.
@23
You said Estelle’s look isn’t marketable…according to who? You?
Honestly whoever made that jamaican comment in the third post, is ill informed. And Estelle isnt even Jamaican, so where is the relevance in that comment? Im of Jamaican background and the make up of my friends is very diverse…and we all sometimes hate and even have the occasional ghetto outburst. You will not find a race that does not…nigerian, jamaican, italian, spanish, puerto rican, chinese, philipino, indian..they all have their hating tendencies and ghetto moments. My gawd, people stop attacking jamaicans lol.
And as for estelle, I love her music, i dont really see the lauryn hill comparison however, but i love her vybe and style. I am however, very disappoint in the fact that shes not sticking to her original statement of not selling out or not changing her image for record label or to suit the requests of others (ie. the braces she recently put on). I love Estelle for everything she stands for but if she did this due to the pressure to conform, then i might have to retract my fascination for her, as it would be on false pretenses.
She’s a fly lil’ roach!
oh ye, and i love the pics, very nice!
I really like Estelle. And I like those shots of her in the magazine.
it’s a shame she is going through these industry mandated changes (e.g. the braces post..), just to fit into a particular image. I really don’t want her to lose her unique swagger, because I like her music.
Marketable look eh is the reason why our generations best of 2000 cd is going to suck bc beauty is in mainstream music the determing factor in a lot of CAREERS
However the beauty doesn’t mean a legendary or long lived career in music I.e pattie labelle aretha glaydis all have long careers but always had their beauty ?’S
I think we need to clarify the lauryn hill comp. Estelle is not sayin she is comparin & I agree w her reasonin of y ppl do so n don’t worry I’d milk that compliment 2!
I THINK SOME PEOPLE ON HERE CAN’T READ, SHE SAID PEOPLE HAVE COMPARED HER TO LAURYN HILL, NOT THAT SHE THINKS SHES LAURYN HILL OR SOMETHING.
THIS CHIC IS DOPE LAURYN HILL OR NOT – WE DON’T NEED ANOTHER LAURYN HILL, SHES IN HER OWN LANE. PERIOD.
AND NOT CUZ SHES OUTSPOKEN AND REAL MEANS SHES GHETTO OR COCKY OR GOT A BAD ATTITUDE, SHE SAYS WHAT SHE FEELS , IF SHE THINKS CERTAIN WHITE UK ARTISTS CAN’T SING THEN SHE THINKS THAT, WHY SHOULD SHE BUTTER UP RESPONSES FOR THE SAKE OF DIPLOMACY?
BY THE WAY ESTELLE IS 28 WHICH MEANS SHES KINDA YOUNG AND SHE COMES FROM A CULTURE WHERE SHE WILL SPEAK HER MIND. SERIOUSLY DON’T YOU KNOW BRITISH PEOPLE ARE VERY SARCASTIC AND BLUNT? ESPECIALLY LONDONERS…
CL Team-
I’m really loving the whole “Glow in the Dark” theme of the site. It really gives the site that extra flavor that’s so easy to love.
But I have a question. What’s with all the glitches and whatnot? Everytime I log on, the page freezes up and the side bar disappears for about 30 seconds. No matter what computer I use, this happens. Also, sometimes, the comment section gets cut off, so I can’t really read what people have to say. I don’t understand what could be wrong. Other than that, CL is the best place on the web.
Stay Blessed!
Estelle isn’t Jamaican. She’s half Senegalese and half Grenadian. And as for the comparisons between her and Lauryn Hill, I really don’t understand it. Lauryn Hill can really blow and Estelle’s vocals is very mediocre, if that plus her rapping skills are just ok no where near Lauryn Hills standard. I do understand Estelle’s argument about UK black artists being under represented, but she really can’t hate on the likes of Adele, Duffy and Natasha Bedingfield they are very talent ladies; even more so than Estelle they can really sing. Sorry Estelle.
I think people that are hating out the gate “I wouldn’t compare her to Lauryn” etc. have only heard “American Boy.” I saw her perform in Detroit a couple weeks ago and have been checking for her other singles on “Shine” and she does remind me of Lauryn! “Magnificent” has a reggae feel to it and “Pretty Please” has a Motown 60′s feel to it…I won’t go on but check her out as an artist all around instead of judging based off hearing ONE of her MANY songs (“Shine” isn’t her first album) that doesn’t even showcase all her musical influences and talents. Thank you.
i just have to say this. People let’s be more knowledgeable about the distinction between race and ethnicity. For the idiot who wrote about people of different races including: nigerian, jamaican, italian, spanish, puerto rican, chinese, philipino, indian, please know that these are ETHNICITIES!!! I’m sorry it just urks the heck out of me when I read people talking about the nigerian race or the Spanish race. It sounds ridiculous. Dang get the terms right. Ok back to Estelle…
Estelle Has A Different Style, but will people accept it is the question? She is unique but it could be in a good way or in a bad way. In my opinion her two singles she have out now is pretty good but it’s not getting that much hype or promotion like that. To be honest she’s not really an attractive girl which can also be a downfall of her career.
I LOVE THE DOUBLE STANDARDS……..
Nobody says that Kanye and Jay-Z are “ghetto” when they speak how they feel but let a woman tell it like it is and all of a sudden she’s not LADY-LIKE, she’s “ghetto”, she can’t carry herself, and her ethnicity/origin and race are being stereotyped.
To the people who think she’s cocky, she’s NEVER said she was Lauryn. And have you listened to her latest album? Do you even know her career? This girl has been COMPARED TO LAURYN HILL for YEARS, she didn’t say SHE COMPARES HERSELF to Lauryn, she says she’s BEEN COMPARED. Because her music has substance, she’s dark-skinned and she sings and raps. Of course she’s not on her level, but they have similarities. Some of you people need to learn how to read and quit stereotyping Jamaicans…….what kind of retarded foolishness is this?
Estelle is one of the most talented girls in the urban music scene, among singers from all nationalities and races, PERIOD. Despites the fact that she’s not your “industry standard of beauty” she’s been signed by John Legend and is supported by Kanye and that speaks volumes cause they took her regardless of the fact that she wasn’t like the typical video girl and isn’t american.
Hate on the chick all you want but she’s not the average AIR-HEAD popstar, all the men and women who flaunt their bling but have NOTHING serious to say, so what she speaks about the UK not promoting black artists? Her comparison to Lauryn? The fact that she doesn’t want to change her image (how is she TOMBOYISH with her short cut when Rihanna never got those comments)?
She’s no PUPPET, GET OVER IT!
Go Estelle, I’ll buy your album!
PEOPLE GO TO YOUTUBE AND SEARCH FOR HER PAST SONGS
I THINK SHE HAD GREAT COMMERCIAL SONGS THAN THAT NEW ONE SHE GOT NOW
A SONG CALLED GO GONE
she enver said she is mrs hill
she just said it is great that people compare to her as she is that talented
ITS EXCELLENT TO SEE TALENT FINALLY COMING THROUGH
ESTELLE KEEP DOING YOUR THING
THESE COMMENTS AREN’T DOING ANYTHING TO YOUR FANBASE BACK AT HOME
DO US PROUD!
X UK’S REALIST X
who da hell wanna be jamaican… LMBAO!
PLEASE!!
…. weed smoking, loudtalking, arrogant muthfuckers…
Whoever said that needs to SDFU!!
real talk..!
I think 1,2,3,7 & 23 shows how ignorant some people are on concreteloop.
self hate
rude
unconstructive criticism
say nasty things
and sadly you can hide behind a posting nickname and the internet and free speech excuses
She’s in the butterzone
44, cause no american smokes weed (90% of the rap game), talks loud (ask lil jon), and is arrogant? bottomline is, you’ll find that everywhere, every place, and in every race. quit spreading ignorance will ya.
Weird how peps always wanna downgrade Jamaica and half of them have never even been there. As mentioned previously Estelle is not Jamaican maybe she uses some Jamaican patois in her lyrics but that is very typically in London with people of all backgrounds. You see although Jamaica is a small island it has been over exposed to the extent that people that have nothing to do with Jamaica know and use Jamaican patois throughout London. Its become part of british slang now. Besides all of this whose from where stuff is boring when will we learn ‘united we stand divided we fall’. Wake up people!
I love her CD! Can’t wait for it’s U.S. release!
II Like Estelle, but she is no lauryn Hill, HOWEVER HER COMMENT ABOUT BLACK ARTIST IN THE UK IS TRUE, THEY ARENT GIVEN A TIME OF DAY, BECOAUSE THEY R BLACK, FOR EXAMPLE: GIRLS LIKE ADELE AND AMY WHINEHOUSE WOULD GET MORE ATTENTION AND PRESS THAN A BLACK GIRL WHO SINGS THE SAME TYPE OF MUSIC. THEIR IS A WORD CALLED ‘ ACISM’ AND IT EXIST ALOT IN THE UK. iT IS EASIER FOR A WHITE SINGER TO GET A NUMBER ONE IN THE UK SIMPLE BECAUSE SHE IS WHITE AND THE MAJORITY CAN RELATE TO THEM.
What about other black UK artists? Craig David, he’s huge over there- even though he is half black. I don’t live over there so I really don’t know. Maybe what she says about not being promoted is true. She has to take charge of her own career- move out of the country or something.
************READ ME**********
WHAT DOES JAMAICAN HAVE TO DO WITH THIS?
There’s a difference between YARDIES and JAMAICANS… get it right, mofo.. hehehheehe.
Leave Estelle alone, she didn’t say she was Lauryn Hill, she was saying if thery’re comparing her to the queen, then she’s greatful.
she does have to watch her mouth in regards to the comments she made against UK artists Adele and Duffy. Yeah, the UK record execs don’t want black women to front black music, because it’s too much black for them, but Adele and Duffy aint trying to be black so let them get on.
When she was in the UK, Estelle was one of the only black women touring the pubs and clubs in london, and i don’t know how it goes in the US, but here, you have to do the mediocre shit to meet people, and what she needs to remember is that black female artists aren’t doing that anymore, except THE REAL HEAT, check them out, but Adele and Duffy have built up the ground work, they go to Camden Crawl and SXSW (i know it’s not london, but its valid to my point) and do all that shit. So watch your mouth Estelle, you don’t live here anymore and you don’t sound good saying it, while I get ur point, put it across better. Love you same way, girl.
That was long,
but that’s my point
Estelle isn’t cocky she’s just blunt..deal with it…she’s gonna be here a while!!!
I like Estelle, she is fast approaching one of my fav artist……
Agree on the UK Soul underpromoted thing. Im simply STUNNED that Mica Paris still isnt getting the love she deserves. Her voice is Amazing. I know she wasnt getting love in the US but hoped at the very least that the UK was giving her props. She’s doing little stuff here and there but she’s hardly getting the props she deserves.
Craig David is huge in the uk? Where is he? The last time i check he boycott A music Awards Show because he felt they didnt represent urban (or black) artist like him. In the Uk trying to be a sucesssful artist, when u r black is a losin game!! That country has too much closet racism.
The only reason adele and duffy r so sucessful because they r white, in other it wouldnt be that sucessul if they were black,like Estelle and Jamelia. the majority of people in the uk has no respect for black music ( especially Hiphop). They see it inferior to other music such as pop and rock.
My point is Estelle is correct when she said black artist rnt promoted in the uk.
WHERE THE HELL THESE JAMACAIN COMMENTS COME FROM? DON’T SLEEP ON ESTELLE, HER ALBUM IS THE SHIT! HERE IS A TASTE. SHE DOES REMIND ME OF LAUREN ON THIS TRACK.
NO SUBSTITUTE LOVE
http://www.zshare.net/audio/10987648b3831ab7/
BACK IN LOVE
http://www.zshare.net/audio/109877117d666c44/
I’LL BE BUYING IT! SHE DON’T NEED TO BE SOMEONE SHE’S NOT!
…I am so NOT interested in this girl!
Its terrible over in the UK for artists like herself (even tho shes found success now).
I love those shoes she has on in the cover…I got the same pair off of Karmaloop!!!