What's on MaMaMita's iPod this week?!

Estelle - Free
Learn her name, 'cause she's not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. Sometimes referred to as E-Boogie (Sensing a Lauryn reference anyone??), this UK rapper release her first album, The 18th Day last fall without a blink from across the Western waters. This is rather unfortunate considering the fun and funk that are present in her second single, "Free" (the first was 1980), is so refreshing, albeit, I'm sure it samples something that I can't quite put my finger on.

Estelle has been around for a while on the UK scene, but this was her firts major release and people are giving her a lot of credit while saying that she could be the first "big" UK Female Rap Star (can anyone tell me who the male one is?!! LOL). She also has a Ms. Dynamite vibe (anyone remember her?), in that her rhymes aren't always negative and can crossover to receive some mainstream play.

Anyways, Free is a lot of fun and definitely a great cruising tune. Make sure you check out the video too! As a b-side to the single, Estelle hooks up with Talib Kwali and my current favorite, John Legend, on the track "Freedom" - another stellar cut from these guys (they previously worked together on the Talib/Mary J Blige duet "I Try"). Another UK hit!