The Streets - Original Pirate Material

Up until Mezzanine I would have deemed Massive Attack as a good representation of British hip-hop. But, if you're totally honest, Massive Attack is just its own thing altogether. Maybe I'm just not knowledgeable enough of the UK hip-hop scene (in fact, I know I'm not), but I don't think I've heard any hip-hop from England that actually sounds like it's from England. No too long ago The Streets album, Original Pirate Material, dropped in my lap - it really couldn't be more British. Think: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels backed by a salvo of two-step hip-hop, garage, house and pseudo-drum-n-bass tracks. Not to limit the album that simple comparison, but that's really the best description I think of. The music itself is even influenced exclusively by UK artists. Much of the soundtrack draws inspiration from Oakenfold, Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, Norman Cook and, heck, just the absolutely thriving UK electronic and DJ scene. Most everything about the album is British. But, is it good? Well, as a matter of fact, yeah, it is good. It's got the grit and grain of a self-produced album, which suits the subject matter. Furthermore - all mindless corporate media banter aside - it's actually "real" and believable. Think: diary of a mid-20's British kid who does as much drugs as he sells, hangs out at pubs every night, has a penchant for Playstation, and represents himself best through the hip-hop medium. Not to mention, he can actually flow. [www.the-streets.co.uk]