Low-Life | UK Hip Hop Story | Est'elle

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Estelle - Free CD [V2]

Tracklist:
01. Free
02. Freedom
03. Change Is Coming

In July this year Estelle broke into the charts and into the hearts of the nation with her debut single “1980”. The young rapper from West London surpassed all expectations and achieved what some think is the unthinkable in UK Hip Hop and certainly is a rare feat – a commercial hit. No doubt her record label were quite pleased with themselves, especially when you consider the disappointing performance of other high profile signings previously tipped for the top.

The second single from the LP - Free is set to do well as well and could further establish her as a household name and further, cement her reputation as the UK’s leading female Hip Hop Soul artist. In tune with Estelle’s personality which is often perceived as exuding exuberant positivity, the song’s has a real Gospel type uplifting vibe and Free's motivational lyrics are a real call to the nation’s youth to do something with their lives. This is a message which I feel is useful to people and should be expressed by more people in a position to inform opinions. As Estelle sees it, they have been given the freedom to make their own choices in life, and for that they should be grateful. “Get out the house, do something with yourself / Put down the weed, prove something to yourself”, she commands. And when Estelle speaks you have to listen. On this track she is complemented on the mic by So Solid’s Megaman. The production featuring a double time hand clap which adds an urency is by Jimmy Hogarth with co arrangement by E-Boogie.

In the much praised Malcolm X-inspired video, Estelle preaches from a podium and is joined by a role call of friends and fellow artists in the urban scene, including Ty, Blak Twang, Jamie Scott, Raghav, Beverley Knight, Shystie, Ms Dynamite, Lemar, Natasha Bedingfield, JD from So Solid and Terri Walker. This helps her appeal to their fans as well as giving her the air of someone who s keen to knit together the community and hopefully build something strong together.

The second track Freedom enlists the skills of Talib Kweli on the mic. A coup as Talib is flying high with his stage performances and filming in the UK for the new Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy film. With this expansion of his career direction he may be suffering a bit of a backlash from hardcore Hip Hop fans, but he is rising like the proverbial shooting star in more mainstream circles and doesn't do a bad job here. The track also features the well hyped and soon-to-be-massive Kanye West protege John Legend. With regard to her collaborators Estelle can be quoted as saying, “Talib Kweli is a definite inspiration to me, and John Legend is just so talented, it’s crazy”. This is much more downbeat and again is delivered in an extremely emotional way with a piano backing from John Legend. Production is by hot Notts producer Joe Buhdha and utilises a sample from Eleanor Mills' 1976 Sugarhill release Telegram written by Tommy Keith.

Change Is Coming rounds off this release and also appears on the LP. It has a feel a bit like Paparazzi, or even Coolio's hit with all the background singing. Estelle shows off her singing skills alongside who I assume is her sister, as well as rapping and again uses her air time to continue speaking positive messages to the youth. The ploddy drums and production this time is from Thayod Ausar who makes use of a sample from the obscure Jack Nitzsche recording Funeral March composed by Chopin.

Overall this is a tasty release which is definitely aimed to do damage commercially and should repeat the chart performance of 1980. I feel 1980 was stronger in terms of production authenticity, but these tracks do the job for sure. Estelle's press predicts this will go top ten with all of the support she is receiving. Her last single went to Number 14 which is amazing for a first single from a UK Hip Hop artist. Free is on the Radio 1 A list four weeks in advance of release, and is also play listed on Choice, Capital, 1Xtra, Galaxy and Kiss. Free is released on 4th October and her debut album The 18th Day is out on 18th October. She's also just been confirmed as performing at the MOBOs on 30th September and is up for Best UK Newcomer.

Estelle has been confirmed to support The Roots on the following dates:

23rd November Glasgow Academy
24th November Nottingham Rock City
25th Manchester Academy
26th Bristol Academy
27th London Brixton Academy

She also plays her own gig with full live band on 18th October @ Islington Academy, 21 Parkfield Street, Islington, London N1
Doors open: 7.30pm
TICKETS: £10.00 Advance
ENQUIRIES: 0906 020 2999
BOX OFFICE: 0870 771 2000

on line: www.gigsandtours.co.uk :: www.ticketmaster.co.uk :: www.ticketweb.co.uk

Related links:

Video links:

And audio too for those that want:

http://www.estelleonline.net :: http://www.v2music.com