American Boy – Estelle featuring Kanye West | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#9) and R&B (#1 UK); 2008
Story Behind The Song By Harris Sterling
In 2008, British singer Estelle achieved international success with American Boy, featuring Kanye West. Written by Estelle, Kanye West, John Legend, will.i.am, and others, the track blended R&B, pop, and hip-hop influences.
Produced by will.i.am, the recording featured a polished, danceable arrangement built around bright keyboards and a steady groove. Kanye West contributed a guest verse that helped broaden the song’s appeal in the United States.
Released in early 2008, American Boy reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the UK Singles Chart. It became Estelle’s breakthrough international hit.
The lyric centers on playful cultural exchange, as Estelle describes her desire to explore American cities while connecting with an “American boy.” Rather than social commentary, the tone is light and conversational.
American Boy won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and remains Estelle’s signature recording.
Produced by:
will.i.am
Lyrics Written by:
Estelle
Kanye West
John Legend
will.i.am
Awards:
Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (2009)
Harris Sterling
Independent music label executive Harris Sterling has worked in the music industry for most of his career.
As Executive Vice President for independent music label Madacy Entertainment, he led the strategic marketing and business development for the label, negotiating agreements with the major record labels to release custom music compilations under license with major brands, such as Ford Motor Company, Crayola, Care Bears and Elvis Presley Enterprises.
Harris also led Madacy’s strategy for the licensing of its entire music catalogue to Apple for their launch of the IPOD.
In 2011, Harris co-founded Starting Five Media, a company that specializes in recording and licensing custom renditions of popular songs as well as clearing the rights to the music composition for use by their clients in media projects.
Harris has negotiated publishing and master recording rights for many Top 40 songs for use in various media projects, TV Commercials and more.