Estelle

As one of the most respected British hip-hop artists to emerge in recent years, Estelle enjoyed success in the UK with her 2004 hits 1980 and Free. But this was just preparation for even more success, the single American Boy with Kanye West topped the UK Charts for several weeks in April 2008. To date, she has released two albums, The 18th Day (2004) and Shine (2008). Estelle's unique sound is gathered from many musical corners from gospel to motown, with rimshot-peppered jazz skits, dramatic, string-laden orchestral productions, and sultry ballads thrown in for good measure.