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Estelle (musician)

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Estelle
Estelle in 2011
Estelle in 2011
Background information
Birth nameEstelle Fanta Swaray
Born (1980-01-18) 18 January 1980 (age 44)
London, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • rapper
  • record producer
  • actress
DiscographyEstelle discography
Years active2000–present
Labels
Member of

Estelle Fanta Swaray (born 18 January 1980) is a British singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer. She is known for her eclectic blending of musical genres including R&B, soul, reggae, grime, hip hop and dance.[2] She has collaborated with prominent American artists including Chris Brown, Kanye West, will.i.am, Nas, Akon, Tyler, the Creator, Robin Thicke and Rick Ross, among others.[3][4]

After signing with V2 Records, Estelle released her debut studio album The 18th Day (2004). A moderate critical and commercial success, it peaked at number 35 on the UK Albums Chart. She then signed with American singer John Legend's Homeschool Records, in a joint venture with Atlantic Records to release her second album, Shine (2008), which effectively tailored to international audiences by entering the US Billboard 200, as well as other worldwide charts. It was preceded by the single "American Boy" (featuring Kanye West), which peaked atop the UK Singles Chart, peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Her third album, All of Me (2012) solely entered American and Australian charts, and was supported by the single "Thank You"—which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance. The album served as her final release on a major label.

Estelle provided both the speaking and singing voice for the character Garnet in the animated series Steven Universe (2013–2019), a role she reprised in Steven Universe: The Movie (2019) and Steven Universe Future (2019–2020).[5] She also made cameo appearances in the films Beyond the Lights (2014) and Girls Trip (2017), and appeared as Linda in the Netflix original film Fatal Affair (2020). Estelle hosts and presents The Estelle Show on Apple Music,[6] which has run for over 500 episodes.

Early life

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Swaray was born and raised in Hammersmith, London.[7] Her mother's family came from Dakar, Senegal, and her father's family comes from Grenada. She is the eldest of nine children. Swaray's parents were very religious when she was growing up, and secular music was not allowed in the family's home. Instead, spiritual music—particularly American gospel—and West African music were what Swaray grew up listening to. However, she would sometimes listen to hip hop when not at home.[8]

She spent her childhood listening to her parents' reggae records and her aunt's soul collection before discovering hip hop. "I got into hip hop from my uncle; he was always playing us Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane; he was a bad boy and my mum wasn't really happy that I was hanging out with him".[9] By the time she was in her early 20s, she had decided on a music career. She used to be a nanny before she began her music career.

Career

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2000–2005: Early work and The 18th Day

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Estelle got her start in London's renowned hip-hop record store Deal Real. Her fellow employees encouraged her to take a chance and get on the mic on-stage; soon she was playing numerous London clubs and appearing with the likes of Manuva and Rodney P. Local hero Skitz asked her to appear on his 2001 album, Countryman, and soon she landed on albums by artists such as The 57th Dynasty and Blak Twang. She made her solo debut in 2003 with the 12" "Excuse Me", released on the label Paradise Isle.[10]

Her career got a jump-start in the early 2000s when she happened to see Kanye West sitting in a restaurant while on a trip to Los Angeles. Estelle approached Kanye, introduced herself and asked for an introduction to John Legend. She eventually got that introduction, and Legend eventually helped produce two songs on her debut album,[11] The 18th Day, which was released in the UK in October 2004.[8] Her breakthrough track came when "1980" was released by the V2 label and reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. A street-level mixtape series called Da Heat and further 12"s like "Free" and "Go Gone" helped build a loyal following, and Estelle gave back to the UK hip hop scene by forming her own Stellarents label to sign new artists. The album was a modest success, debuting at No. 35 on the UK albums chart, and generating two top 20 singles. She received a MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award in the UK for Best Newcomer.[8][10]

2008–2009: Shine and mainstream success

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Estelle during the campaign Heart Truth sponsored by the National Heart Forum and Blood Institute for heart disease in 2009.

Three years later, US R&B singer John Legend announced that Estelle would be the first signee to his HomeSchool label, distributed by Atlantic in the US. Four years after The 18th Day's release, Estelle returned with her second album, Shine. Though it was her second album, it was the first to be released in the US and her major-label debut.

Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, Will.i.am, Mark Ronson and CeeLo Green and Jack Splash all worked on the album, which was executive produced by John Legend. "Her sound is a unique blend of hip hop, R&B, reggae and soul," explains Legend. "She has a special voice, unlike any other voice out there in mainstream music, and she can really write. She writes hip lyrics with unforgettable melodies. I recognised that in her when I first worked with her in 2004." He continues, "I'm excited and honored to have Estelle as the first artist on my label, Homeschool Records. I believe the world is going to fall in love with her album, as I already have. Estelle is an amazing talent, and she's going to do big things."[12]

Estelle performing at the Paramount Theatre in 2009.

The lead single, "Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)", released in November 2007. In 2008, Estelle rose to fame with her collaboration with rapper Kanye West, titled "American Boy". This song reached the top 10 in many countries worldwide, including the United States and Canada, as well as achieving number-one status on the UK Singles Chart.[13][14] and in Belgium[15] and Israel. The song won many awards worldwide, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 51st Grammy Awards; it was also nominated for Song of the Year. It is rumored to be inspired by American comedy writer Sam Means after the artist met him near a plane. "American Boy" was Number 7 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2008.[16] The song was nominated for the 2009 Brit Award for Best British Single, and Estelle was also nominated for Best British Female Artist.[17] Shine was released following the single on John Legend's HomeSchool label, reaching the albums chart in most countries worldwide, including number 6 in the UK.[13] Shine sold enough copies to be certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry, and was one of the twelve albums shortlisted for the prestigious 2008 Mercury Music Prize. Shine was certified Gold in the UK, denoting 100,000 copies sold. The album had sold 233,000 copies in the United States as of January 2012.[18] Estelle also released a single with American rapper Busta Rhymes called "World Go Round", from his album Back on My B.S., which was released on 19 May 2009. In February 2009, the song "Star" was released; it is also used for Crystal Light commercials. In 2009, Estelle started working on her upcoming third studio album, All of Me. Estelle made a cameo appearance in the video for new star Mr Hudson for his single "Supernova". Estelle made an appearance on 11 August 2009 episode of The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. She performed the song "Good Girls Go Bad" with Cobra Starship in Leighton Meester's absence. Estelle also appears on the song "Rollacoasta", co-written by her and American singer-songwriter Robin Thicke; the song appears on his album, Sex Therapy.

2010–2012: All of Me

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Estelle performing at Pori Jazz Festival in Pori, Finland, in 2012.

Estelle confirmed her third album would be titled All of Me. The album was originally led by the single "Freak", featuring Kardinal Offishall and produced by David Guetta. The video premiered on her website on 26 February 2010.[19] The original second single from the album was announced as being "Fall in Love", which featured versions featuring Nas and John Legend. Due to the underperformance of both "Freak" and "Fall in Love", both songs were ultimately left off the final track listing for All of Me.[20] However, "Freak" was featured on both the Step Up 3D soundtrack and the reissue of David Guetta's album One Love, titled One More Love. In 2010, Estelle also modelled at Naomi Campbell's Fashion For Relief runway show for The White Ribbon Alliance to raise funds for mothers in Haiti. She was also featured on Reflection Eternal's new album with the song Midnight Hour and last track of Gucci Mane's album The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted.

In 2011, it was announced that "Break My Heart", featuring Rick Ross, would be released as the new lead single from All of Me. It was released for download on 26 April 2011 and released to US urban radio stations on 17 May 2011.[21][22] The song peaked at 33 on the US Hip-Hop/R&B, the week of 2 July 2011.[23] The following week the song rose to 37.[24] Dual second singles were released in the US and UK. In the US, the second single was announced as being "Thank You" whereas "Back to Love" was issued in the UK. Estelle subsequently confirmed on Twitter that All of Me was released on 28 February 2012 in the US.[25] In the UK, All of Me was released on 12 March 2012.[20]

2013–2016: True Romance and other ventures

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Estelle performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on 1 May 2015.

In 2013, Estelle announced the launch of New London Records, an independent label in partnership with BMG, with whom she's worked as a writer since 2003. Estelle will release the second and third volumes of her three-volume EP Love & Happiness on the new label (the first volume, Love Jones, was released in June), taking creative control of her current and future musical endeavours. "This is a new and exciting move for me," Estelle said in a press release. "BMG has been an awesome partner throughout my career, and with New London we plan to continue bridging the gap between soul, R&B, London and New York – uniting them through music." Added BMG executive president Richard Blackstone, "Estelle has been a valued member of the BMG family as a writer for some time now. She is a deeply passionate artist gifted with a tremendous voice and has music running through her veins. We are thrilled that Estelle has expanded our relationship and entered into a new partnership with BMG Label Services to release her upcoming album."[26] In November 2013, she began voicing Garnet in the Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe.

In 2014, Estelle performed live at Amber Lounge, the original Formula One after-party, in Singapore. She would return for an exclusive performance at Amber Lounge Abu Dhabi in November. In March, she premiered the first single off her fourth album True Romance which was "Make Her Say (Beat It Up)."[27] The follow-up single "Conqueror" premiered on 15 July 2014.[28] After numerous delays, the album was released on 17 February 2015 in the US.[29]

In 2015, Estelle guest starred in the hit Fox TV show Empire, singing the duet version of her single "Conqueror" with Jussie Smollett, refuelling sales of the single (peaking at No. 42 on the Hot 100 and No. 15 on R&B) and making it her biggest US hit since her Grammy-winning "American Boy" with Kanye West. In October, Estelle accepted the invitation to be the grand marshal of Howard University Homecoming vs. Norfolk State University. She also sang "We'll Be There", the theme song for Cartoon Network's We Bare Bears.

2017–present: Lovers Rock and acting career

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In June 2017, she announced she was working on a full-length reggae album due for a late 2017 release, in addition to releasing the album's lead single "Love Like Ours" featuring Tarrus Riley.[30] On 13 July 2018, the title of the album was revealed as Lovers Rock. The single "Better" was released along with the pre-order. The album was released on 7 September 2018.[31] Estelle also hosts a show on Apple Music, The Estelle Show, playing music that "inspires and excites her."[32] Between 2019 and 2020 she gave voice to Garnet in Steven Universe Future and acted as Linda for Netflix's new film Fatal Affair.[33] As of October 2020 The Estelle Show on Apple Music[6] has had over 500 episodes.

Artistry

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Influences

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For her ability to rap, sing, act and write songs, Estelle has been praised by musicians such as John Legend and Roots Manuva;[34] Estelle's taste in music encompasses Todd Rundgren, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Nas, Jill Scott and Jay-Z.

In league with other contemporary British sirens like Amy Winehouse, Adele and Duffy,[34] her main musical influences are Mary J. Blige and Ella Fitzgerald. In an interview, Estelle remarked: "Every three years they are talking about the 'British (musical) invasion.' It's been ongoing. It's been an invasion for the last 10 years. We are here! We crossed over. I'm like one of the first black British artists to come over here and win a Grammy. We are here!"[8]

Discography

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Main article: Estelle discography

Studio albums

Filmography

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Live-action

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Films

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Year Film Role Notes
2014 Beyond the Lights Herself Cameo appearance
2017 Girls Trip Herself Cameo appearance
2019 Back to the Goode Life Jade
2020 Fatal Affair Linda Netflix
2021 Venus as a Boy Alo

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2005 Never Mind the Buzzcocks Herself Guest, 20 March
2015; 2017 Empire Delphine "Unto the Breach" (Season 1, Episode 9)
"My Naked Villainy" (Season 3, Episode 13)
2016 Hell's Kitchen Herself Red team's chef's table guest; Episode: "Walking the Plank"

Voice roles

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Film

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Year Title Role Notes
2019 Steven Universe: The Movie Garnet (voice) TV movie

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2013–2019 Steven Universe Garnet (voice) Main role
2018 OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes "Crossover Nexus"
2018; 2019 We Bare Bears Herself (voice)
Esteller (voice)		 "More Everyone's Tube" (Season 4, Episode 14)
"The Mall" (Season 4, Episode 27)
2019–2020 Steven Universe Future Garnet (voice) Main role

Video games

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Year Title Role Notes
2015 Steven Universe: Attack the Light Garnet [35]
2017 Steven Universe: Save the Light [35]
2019 Steven Universe: The Phantom Fable [35]
Steven Universe: Unleash the Light [35]
2022 MultiVersus [36]

Awards and nominations

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Estelle's work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including three MOBO Awards, a World Music Award, and one Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "American Boy".[37] She has also received two Brit Award nominations, including one for Best British Female Artist.[17]

Year Ceremony Award Nominated work Result
2008 BET Awards Best New Artist Herself Nominated
BET J Virtual Awards Female Artist of the Year Nominated
Soul Approved – Best New Artist Won
Song of the Year "American Boy" Nominated
Mercury Music Prize Shine Shortlisted
MOBO Awards Best UK Female Herself Won[38]
Best Song "American Boy" Won[38]
Best Video Nominated
Best Album Shine Nominated
Best R&B Act Herself Nominated
MTV Video Music Awards Best UK Video "American Boy" Nominated
UMA Awards Best Album Shine Nominated
Best Collaboration Herself Won
Best Crossover Chart Act "American Boy" Nominated
Best R&B Act Herself Nominated
World Music Awards World's Best New Artist Nominated
Best New R&B Act Won
Vodafone Live Music Awards Best Female Nominated
The 02 Silver Clef Awards Download of the Year "American Boy" Won
2009 BRIT Awards Best British Female Herself Nominated
British Single "American Boy" Nominated
Grammy Awards Song of the Year Nominated
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Won
2013 Best R&B Performance "Thank You" Nominated

References

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  1. ^ Case, Wesley (21 February 2012). "Estelle interview: R&B singer/rapper discusses heartbreak, working with Chris Brown". Tribune Publishing. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  2. ^ McGrit, Ellen (14 November 2017). "Music Star Estelle: "I Was Very Clear About Who I Wanted To Be"". Fortune. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Estelle". www.mtv.co.uk. Archived from the original on 30 May 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  4. ^ "How Estelle headed to the US and scored her first No. 1". Daily Mirror. 5 June 2008. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008. Retrieved 19 July 2009.
  5. ^ "Estelle-IMDb". IMDb. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Get millions of songs. All ad-free". Apple Music. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  7. ^ Raphael, Amy (20 January 2012). "Hammersmith homegirl Estelle back for more global glory". www.standard.co.uk.
  8. ^ a b c d "Estelle bio". Randb.about.com. 18 January 1980. Archived from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  9. ^ "Low-Life | Est'elle :: Biography". Ukhh.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  10. ^ a b "iTunes Music – Estelle". iTunes Store. 18 January 1980. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  11. ^ "Estelle bio". Randb.about.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  12. ^ "Estelle – Biography, Overview, Music Video & Songs, News, Facts". Take 40. Archived from the original on 27 May 2014. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Estelle UK Chart Positions and Trajectories". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  14. ^ "Estelle & Kanye West hold on to Number One spot". NME. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  15. ^ "Estelle feat. Kanye West – American Boy Belgian Charts/Worldwide". Ultratop/ultratop.be. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  16. ^ "The 100 Best Songs of 2007" Rolling Stone (25 December 2008) Retrieved 25 December 2008
  17. ^ a b "Brits Profile: Estelle" Archived 17 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Brit Awards. Retrieved 7 December 2012
  18. ^ "Upcoming Releases". HITS Daily Double. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  19. ^ "Music Video: Estelle ft Kardinal Offishall – Freak – TheNext2Shine:Exclusive RNB Music Downloads". Blog.thenext2shine.com. 3 March 2010. Archived from the original on 4 June 2010. Retrieved 20 June 2010.
  20. ^ a b "Play.com – Buy Estelle – All of Me online". Play.com. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  21. ^ "hmvdigital UK – Break My Heart by Estelle". HMV Digital. Retrieved 8 February 2012.
  22. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases – R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates". Allaccess.com. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  23. ^ "Estelle – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  24. ^ "Estelle – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  25. ^ "Twitter / EstelleDarlings: "@krisnimbley: Were waiting ..." 17 December 2012. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021.
  26. ^ "Estelle launches her own record label". Express.co.uk. 14 August 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  27. ^ "Lyric Video: Estelle 'Make Her Say (Beat It Up)'". 25 March 2014.
  28. ^ "Song premiere: Estelle reveals 'Conqueror'". USA Today.
  29. ^ "Estelle Partners with BMG to Launch New London Records (Exclusive)". Billboard. 12 August 2013. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  30. ^ "GRAMMY WINNING ARTIST ESTELLE ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE LOVE LIKE OURS – VP Records". 5 June 2017.
  31. ^ "Estelle's New Album "Lovers Rock" to be Released this September- Single and Video for "Better" Launches Today and Offered as an Insta-Grat Single off 25th Anniversary of Reggae Gold 2018 – VP Records". 13 July 2018.
  32. ^ "The Estelle Show on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  33. ^ Catsoulis, Jeannette (16 July 2020). "'Fatal Affair' Review: Close Stalker". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  34. ^ a b "iTunes Music – Shine (Deluxe Version) by Estelle". iTunes Store. 31 March 2008. Retrieved 9 August 2014.
  35. ^ a b c d "Estelle (visual voices guide) – Behind The Voice Actors". behindthevoiceactors.com. Retrieved 18 November 2021. Check mark indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  36. ^ @multiversus (18 November 2021). "If you think you can best this fusion, think again! Flexed biceps @EstelleDarlings joins #MultiVersus as Garnet. #StevenUniverse" (Tweet). Retrieved 18 November 2021 – via Twitter.
  37. ^ "Past Winners Search: Estelle". National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 7 December 2012
  38. ^ a b "Estelle picks up two gongs at the MOBO Awards 2008". mirror.co.uk Celebs. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
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