- Label
- Warners
- Release date
- 31st March 2008
- Genre
- Rap / R&B
- Buy this album
- Order CD
British rapper undergoes strong Stateside makeover
Estelle's status as a credible British rapper was sealed even before her homegrown singles 1980 and Free bothered the charts a couple of years ago - along with Wildflower, she was at the forefront of a wave of British women making critically-respected rap music. Between this and her last, poppier album, she caught the attention of some big US names - such as Kanye West, with whom she duets on Shine's lead single American Boy.
Shine features a lot more singing that you'd expect from this fiery, talented performer - her voice is smooth and rich, but as good a singer as she is, it's in rapping that she really excels. Tracks like More Than Friends and Come Over tease the listener with snippets and echoes scattered among the singing before she launches into her full flow. Her beats are well-made, chunky, relying more on basslines and funk than the glossy synth-soul that tarnishes a lot of modern R&B. Estelle oozes charisma and sex appeal on these fine tracks - she deserves to be immense.
More to try: Skitz: Countryman Roots Manuva: Brand New Second Hand Shystie: Diamond In The Dirt McKay: McKay
