From January 14 to 25 I will be counting down the ten new acts I expect big things from in 2008. As always, its tough to predict just who will break through and who will fade into obscurity once the year ends, but really, the point of this exercise is to get you pumped about the artists Im pumped about. Enjoy reading, and dont hesitate to point out how right or wrong I was to us when 2009 comes around.
Like just about every contemporary British R&B/hip-hop artist, Estelle is an unknown everywhere outside of her home base (no Craig David doesnt count because he blew it). Personally, I thought Estelle (nee Swaray) was all set to become the UK's ambassador for her scene back in 2004, when she dropped her brilliant single 1980 and solid debut album, The 18th Day, but the girl who many thought would become a massive pop star failed to connect after two Top 20 successes. Things are going to change, and likely because this time Estelle has some help from some very persuasive names. Scheduled for a May 2008 release on these shores through John Legends Homeschool label (an Atlantic affiliate), Estelles follow-up record, Shine, has everything it needs to become, as Popjustice puts it, her "Big New American album. Described as "right at home in the energy of New York, her newly adopted city, the West London-born singer/producer got off on the right track with the albums first single, last years jazz-inflected "Just A Touch (Wait A Minute). The surefire sign though that all bets are on Estelle this year is the line-up of names shes attracted: Legend (her albums executive producer), but also her tour mate Wyclef Jean, Cee-lo, Will.I.Am, Swizz Beatz, Kardinal Offishall (whose Black Jays International adopted Estelle as a member), the burnin hot Mark Ronson and the man with the Midas touch, Kanye West. And no surprises here, Yes assistance on the poppin electro-disco swagger of new single "American Boy will get that buzz a-buzzin around town and inevitably make her that superstar she was clearly born to be.
Estelle feat. Kanye West "American Boy
Like just about every contemporary British R&B/hip-hop artist, Estelle is an unknown everywhere outside of her home base (no Craig David doesnt count because he blew it). Personally, I thought Estelle (nee Swaray) was all set to become the UK's ambassador for her scene back in 2004, when she dropped her brilliant single 1980 and solid debut album, The 18th Day, but the girl who many thought would become a massive pop star failed to connect after two Top 20 successes. Things are going to change, and likely because this time Estelle has some help from some very persuasive names. Scheduled for a May 2008 release on these shores through John Legends Homeschool label (an Atlantic affiliate), Estelles follow-up record, Shine, has everything it needs to become, as Popjustice puts it, her "Big New American album. Described as "right at home in the energy of New York, her newly adopted city, the West London-born singer/producer got off on the right track with the albums first single, last years jazz-inflected "Just A Touch (Wait A Minute). The surefire sign though that all bets are on Estelle this year is the line-up of names shes attracted: Legend (her albums executive producer), but also her tour mate Wyclef Jean, Cee-lo, Will.I.Am, Swizz Beatz, Kardinal Offishall (whose Black Jays International adopted Estelle as a member), the burnin hot Mark Ronson and the man with the Midas touch, Kanye West. And no surprises here, Yes assistance on the poppin electro-disco swagger of new single "American Boy will get that buzz a-buzzin around town and inevitably make her that superstar she was clearly born to be.
Estelle feat. Kanye West "American Boy