British R&B singer songwriter Estelle is taking over America by storm. In addition to have a chart topping hit with her singer "American Boy", which features uber-fab gay fave Kanye West, the early word is the soulful singer is on track on a Grammy nomination for her new album Shine.
Estelle talks all things gay, including fashion and Grace Jones, in her first gay media interview with UK homostyle magazine Attitude. The interview is online but member's only, in case you cannot register, here is a pdf. The singer says she grew up with gay men because "my mum made us aware of what was happening in the world and she always said that people are people... That's the attitude she raised with us." Estele is delighted gay men are embracing her because "I consider myself a hip-hop artist and a lot of hip-hop is pretty ignorant. So I appreciate when gay people say they like what I do, cuz I'm making music for everybody."
The interview was done in advance her first big concert at London's G.A.Y. "I've never had the invitation before so I'm really excited. I hve a lot of gay fans but no one has given me the option to get out there and speak to them, so that's why I'm happy to do this interview and the show."
How was the concert at G.A.Y? See for yourself. Here is a cameraphone video posted to YouTube and the quality is good. Estelle in London, performing "American Boy" for the gays at G.A.Y. Work it out, ma.
Some Background ...
British Rapper Ashley Walters: "I Never Kissed a Man Before" [R20]
Simon Webbe Covers AXM [R20]
Chad White's Gladiator "Attitude" [R20]
"Greek" Actor: "Best Roles are Black Gay Roles [R20]
Jason Steed on Homophobia [R20]
Beverley Knight on Gay Bashing: "Breaks My Heart" [R20]
Estelle is one of my favorite new singers. Love her, love her, love her. Wish I was at G.A.Y. to carry on with the children.
Posted by: MC | 11 July 2008 at 11:09
That is a hot song and her accent is to die-for. It's a cute interview. Why are the British singers, male and female, so gay-friendly and the Americans are so uptight?
Posted by: TRW | 11 July 2008 at 11:13
I have never heard of her but will check her out.
Posted by: DAVID | 11 July 2008 at 14:35
WOW David you have to get out more or turn you radio, CD, or XM(I don't like Sirius) more often. Anywho that was no diss by the way, Estelle is really good. She reminds me of Lauryn Hill on the Brit side. I LUV her flow. John Legend picked a good one to represent.
Posted by: cedric | 11 July 2008 at 17:20
Umm, yeah, that was a diss and wasn't necessary. Not everyone tries to keep up with each season's new crop of hip hop and r/b singers.
Any-who, I do like Estelle's music. Her sound is very much like Lauryn Hill, hopefully without the drama. This is good interview, I like how she gives props to Grace Jones, truly a fashion and gay icon.
Posted by: ATL KID | 11 July 2008 at 18:10