Original Pirate Material

Mike Skinner, 22, is the musical mastermind behind U.K. phenomenon, The Streets. When you meet Mike, with his slight figure, gray hoodie, shiny white Nikes, and gentle Birmingham accent, the phrase 'bling bling' isn't what instantly springs to mind. But his debut, “Original Pirate Material” is the next evolutionary leap for British urban music. It might not be the poppiest album you've ever heard, or the darkest, or the most likely to stir up pandemonium on the dance floor, yet Mike's MC chats offer unparalleled evocation of working class street life. The whole of “Original Pirate Material” is focused on the unglamorous existence of an Everykid played out between the sneaker store, the bus stop, the dealer's, McDonald’s, the club, the passenger seat of someone's car, and a session on the Playstation. Mike’s rhymes are a testament to inner city life backed by beats influenced by the UK garage scene. One spin of the album and you’ll hear why the album has gone gold in the UK and he was nominated for the 2002 Mercury Prize with the likes of David Bowie and Doves.