Format Digital download Length 3:57 (album version) | Genre R&B, hip hop Label Atlantic | |
Released 26 April 2011 (2011-04-26) Writer(s) Estelle, Rick Ross, Don Cannon, Vincent Montana, Jr., John Stephens | ||
"Break My Heart" is first single taken from Estelle's third studio album All of Me, featuring American rapper Rick Ross. It was released on 26 April 2011.
Contents
Background
The lead single from her third album All of Me, "Break My Heart" is a breezy mid-tempo tune and was produced by Don Cannon and features Aston Martin Music rapper Rick Ross. Estelle released two versions of the remix, one containing Swizz Beatz, Raekwon and Wretch 32 for the UK market and a second featuring the British songstress spitting bars with Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss for the US. Estelle began her career as a rapper and she told The Boombox she had no problem returning to her rapping roots. "I started as a rapper, my first album (The 18th Day) was damn near all rap, so people know me as a rapper from home," she said. "This wasn't scary, I enjoyed rapping again. I felt like I needed to spit some bars."
Critical reception
Jonathan Landum from Associated Press wrote that on the album's lead single "the singer struggles with her trust issues on the midtempo, radio-friendly track." Margaret Wappler from Los Angeles Times wrote that Estelle "somehow manages to make king pimp Rick Ross sound like a romantic." Jon Dolan from Rolling Stone considered the track "gingerly hopeful" and said that "it's her kind of realness, conversational and smooth just the same."
Music video
The video was shot in Malibu, California and was directed by Iren Brown. Estelle said "The basic concept is I’m rolling up to this house and I’m having a dinner party, but I invited this guy that I’m trying to get it on with," explained the British songstress, who models a variety of chic looks. "And the entire time I’m thinking about him, but in my heart I’m doubting, maybe he’ll break my heart. I pray he doesn’t break my heart."
Remixes
The official remix has two parts. Part 1 of the remix featuring rappers Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss, & Busta Rhymes was released on 30 August 2011. It samples Zhané's "Sending My Love".
Part 2 of the remix featuring rappers Swizz Beatz, Raekwon, & Wretch 32 was released on 9 September 2011.