I stumbled upon Estelle’s album “Shine” innocently at my local Rasputin Music in Vallejo, CA. With a hot like “Amreican Boy” featuring KanYe West, I swear to you I never once saw a video on MTV (maybe it was on at 3am?!) or the single played on any commercial radio. Instead, the promo copy was played from start to finish as I was shopping in the store. Estelle’s new album “Shine” has to be a sleeper hit spread out through word of mouth and the internet.

Already considered a solid UK act Estelle is all vocals with no baggage. (drama, lol) Already having an established friendship to John Legend (and signed to his label Home School Records / Atlantic) “Shine” features collaborations with the Kanye West, Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean, Mark Ronson, Ceelo, Swizz Beatz and Kardinal Official. Think of it as a splash of funk, jazz, soul and hip hop with that british flare with her soft vocals. Overall, the production is over the top and simply melodic with Estelle ranging in comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and even Lauren Hill with her soft spoken melodies. Estelle truly is a diamond in the rough. Check out the album today.