American Boy (Feat. Kanye West Album Version)

Don't you just love it when they say an artist "came out of nowhere?" Honestly, is there really such a thing ? Seemingly overnight, Estelle gained quite a bit of popularity with the American Boy single. This quirky collabo with Kanye West is a funky little number. (I'm not a big Kanye fan, but the two are very much in sync with the dialogue here. )Estelle comes from the U.K. and although this may be her biggest hit to date, as a full album "Shine" is her sophomore project. Collaborations include work with Wyclef Jean, Kardinal Offshall, and Hi-Tek. She has a beautiful voice and talent enough to shine on her own!

When it comes down to this past year, we really haven't heard much with a good style of R&B from overseas. While so much of the latest Soul songs have been feeling mostly flimsy from newcomers like American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and even legendary divas like Mariah Carey, there really is a whole lot more that could sound better. For newcomer Estelle, she really has shown that she has a dominant beat from Londowntown in the U.K.. Her debut single, American Boy from her first album Shine. The song is a very strong collaboration with rapper Kayne West and captures the R&B beat that I haven't heard as well as when I've heard from since The Brand New Heavies back in the 90's. The song is really one of those hidden surprises out there that radio hasn't yet picked up in America. I really hope audiences give Estelle a warm welcome, and I hope she makes really good songs for years to come.

Song: B 1/2+