West London’s Calling

Whether it is Lady Sovereign or M.I.A., English female rappers are out to dominate the hip hop world chock-full of bitches and hos. West London hip hop artist Estelle is stepping up with her fellow ladies to out-do her male counterparts with the sophomore effort Shine. Mixing hip hop, jazz, and R&B on her Atlantic Records debut, Shine ushers Estelle’s entrance into a man’s world.

Forget Lady Sov, Estelle is the real deal. She’s not one to spout nonsensical rhyming words in a crass English accent, but rather seduce listeners with her smooth silky voice. It’s something that hip hop audiences might not be comfortable with.  Her beats and lyrics aren’t typical to the English rap scene, but are a welcome addition to the genre. Minimal cursing, positive lyrics, and soaring choruses about love and lust fill the album.  Estelle calls for the lads across the pond to be her love on the track ‘American Boy’ featuring yank hit maker Kanye West.  The strong, funky deep beats play under her beautiful tone, and Kanye’s breakdown is nothing less than expected from Mr. West.  With guest appearance by John Legend and Cee-Lo as well, Shine rounds out well with more than a few nods in the bearing of Lauren Hill (pre-meltdown).

Most female hip hop artists feel the need to be more antagonistic to make up for the fact that they are a woman.  Estelle doesn’t, letting her femininity burnish throughout the album.  The title track ‘Shine’ confirms that Estelle is proud of her choices saying, “Oh this is my song/I’m just like you/I gonna fight to stay strong.”  ‘Shine’ also features the artist rapping, something that happens rarely on the album.  It just goes to show that Estelle is first class at everything she touches, and doesn’t plan on fading out any time soon.

Amy Dittmeier