Mike Skinner

Mike Skinner is a British musician, rapper, songwriter, and record producer best known as the founder and frontman of The Streets, a project that revolutionized UK garage and hip hop in the early 2000s. Born in Birmingham in 1978, Skinner developed a passion for music at an early age, experimenting with keyboards and computers to create his own beats. After moving to London, he began to blend sharp observational lyricism with styles drawn from hip hop, garage, and electronic music, resulting in a uniquely British sound.

This approach culminated in the critically acclaimed debut album "Original Pirate Material" in 2002, followed by iconic records such as "A Grand Don’t Come for Free" and "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living." Skinner’s witty, confessional storytelling quickly earned him a loyal following, while his unfiltered takes on everyday life, fame, and relationships resonated with a generation. Alongside his work with The Streets, Skinner has collaborated with various artists, produced for rising talents, and released music as part of other projects like The D.

O.T. Renowned for his innovation and influence, Mike Skinner remains a vital figure in contemporary British music, continuing to evolve his sound and push creative boundaries.