In the midst of getting busy on his next album, John Legend is also busy getting the word out about Estelle.
The British singer/rapper/songwriter/producer’s “Shine” will be the first release on Legend’s HomeSchool label through Atlantic Records.
“Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)” is the lead single from the project, slated for release Feb. 12, 2008. Executive-produced by Legend, “Shine2” features production by Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Swizz Beatz and Mark Ronson as well as Legend, who also has a cameo in the “Wait” video. Guests include Kanye West and Cee-Lo.
Estelle is the only artist on the label right now, but other artists will follow according to the singer.
Estelle, was born in West London. She’s previously released material through her own label, Stellar Ents, including the album “The 18th Day” and two “Da Heat” mixtapes. She first met Legend several years ago at Roscoe’s chicken and waffle eatery in Hollywood; he and West were taking a break from working on the latter’s “The College Dropout” when Estelle came up to their table and introduced herself.
The now New York-based Estelle will be visiting major cities starting in November.
As for his next album, Legend says he’s three songs (one of which features will.i.am) into what he’s planning as a summer 2008 release. In the meantime, he’s just returned from Zanzibar and Tanzania where he shot the video for his latest single, “Show Me.” It was directed by Lee Hirsch, the filmmaker behind the 2002 South Africa documentary “Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony.”
(10.16.07)
