When it comes to her iconic 2008 hit American Boy, Estelle isn’t looking back with regret — even though her collaborator, Kanye West, has become one of the most controversial figures in music recently.
The singer, now 45, says that working with Kanye was a magical moment that created a timeless record that continues to bring joy across generations.
Making Magic Together on American Boy
On a recent episode of Loose Women, Estelle opened up about her feelings on working with Kanye West, especially in light of his recent headlines.
The rapper has sparked outrage in recent months for a string of inflammatory actions, including dressing as a Ku Klux Klan member during an interview and making highly offensive comments praising Hitler and sharing anti-Semitic views.
When asked by presenter Kaye Adams what she thought of Kanye now, Estelle was clear: she doesn’t regret their collaboration one bit.
“My song is my song. We made magic,” she said.
“It’s a record that will make people’s grandkids smile. You can’t help but feel joy when you hear it.”
She shared how they’ve performed the song together several times and the happiness it still brings, even to young children who may not fully understand the verses but love the energy.
A Song Born from Hope and Prayer
Estelle described how she had prayed for a record like American Boy and felt blessed when it came to life.
“It would be a slap in the face to say no to this record,” she said.
“It’s beautiful, and it makes me happy.”
For her, the song stands apart from the controversies swirling around Kanye, and she wants the focus to remain on the joy and positivity it has brought over the years.
Estelle’s Career Beyond the Hit Single
While American Boy remains Estelle’s best-known track, her career spans many more hits, including Freak, Stronger Than You, Come Over, and Conqueror.
Beyond music, she has also made her mark in film and television, proving her versatility as an artist.
Kanye West’s Recent Apology and Change of Heart
Meanwhile, Kanye West has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons lately.
Earlier this month, after widespread backlash over his song Heil Hitler (Hooligan Version), Kanye publicly apologized on social media, saying, “I am done with antisemitism.
I love all people.” The 47-year-old rapper said his change of heart came after a FaceTime call with his kids, which made him want to “save the world again.”
Kanye has been vocal about his struggles with co-parenting his four children with Kim Kardashian since their split in 2021.
He revealed in his controversial song how fame and money haven’t helped him see his kids more often, expressing feelings of pain and isolation.
From Public Outcry to Industry Fallout
The rapper’s controversies began in 2022 with inflammatory tweets, which led to major brands and agencies cutting ties with him.
His once-glowing career now faces significant damage, but Estelle’s reflections remind us how art and collaboration can stand apart from personal controversies — at least in her case.