The Streets

Hip hop has always been a genre that’s used by artists to express themselves in a raw and authentic way. One artist that has undoubtedly done that is The Streets. This British artist has been around for two decades and has made a name for himself in the music world. From his beginnings to his most popular songs, this article will take you through The Streets’ musical biography and give you a glimpse into the artist’s life.

The Streets, whose real name is Michael Skinner, was born on November 27, 1978, in Birmingham, England. His musical journey began at an early age when he started playing the piano. However, it wasn't until he was in his 20s that he started making music as The Streets. In 2002, he released his debut album Original Pirate Material, which gained massive popularity. The album was a mix of garage, hip hop, and jungle music, and it put The Streets on the music map. This was followed by his second album, A Grand Don't Come For Free, which had hits like Fit But You Know It and Dry Your Eyes, and it became even more successful than his first.

The Streets' musical style is a blend of garage, hip hop, and R&B, echoing the UK garage scene in the early 2000s. He’s known for his lyrical prowess, storytelling, and the ability to create vivid imagery with his words. His songs often explore themes of love, relationships, and the struggles of everyday life. His influences include the likes of Eminem, Mike Skinner's, and UK garage acts like So Solid Crew.

One of The Streets' most famous songs is Blinded by the Lights, which came from his second album. The song told a story of drugs, clubbing and the aftermath of what happens when the party ends. Another famous song from The Streets is Fit But You Know It, which highlighted the stereotypes that people can make about one another based on appearances. The song was so popular that it even reached number four in the UK charts.

The Streets has released several albums over the years, including Computers and Blues and Everything Is Borrowed. However, his first two albums are still considered to be his best. His music has transcended boundaries and is enjoyed by everyone, from kids to adults.

The Streets' contribution to music and the hip hop genre, in particular, has been immense. His music is unique, and he's able to create sounds and ideas that are different from what is typical in the genre. From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, he’s done it all, and his influence on the music world will not be forgotten anytime soon. Michael Skinner is a true musical genius, and we can't wait to see what he has in store for us in future albums yet to come.

It's no secret that The Streets have made a huge impact on the music industry. With rafter-shaking beats, rootsy vibes, and thought-provoking bars—The Streets continue to challenge not just their listeners but the status quo of what makes 'good' music. But with all great art comes criticism; while some see The Streets as inspiring renegades of rap culture, others consider them too edgy for mainstream consumption. Nevertheless, an honest dissection of each track reveals plenty of brilliance mixed in with rough edges – ultimately showing that this UK group is infinitely more complicated than their genre would suggest. In this blog post we'll explore both criticisms and praises about the iconic artist: The Streets.

For two decades now, The Streets have been a prominent name in the music industry, renowned for their distinct sound that meshes garage, rap, and grime. With their unique style, balanced arrangements, and bold lyrics, The Streets have had a profound impact on the music scene. However, like all artists of their caliber, The Streets have faced skepticism and criticism from some quarters. So, in this blog post, we will delve into the Brilliance and Criticism of The Streets. Whether you're a die-hard fan or someone curious about this British band, this easy-to-read article will delve into the nitty-gritty that makes The Streets a force to be reckoned with.

To start with, it's undeniable that The Streets bring a rare authenticity to their craft. Mike Skinner, the lead vocalist of The Streets, has a poetic way of expressing his thoughts, something that's evident in every track. His words are raw, relatable, and crafted with a poetic touch that makes them more than just words. Some critics, however, have a different view of Skinner's lyrics, stating that they seem forced and lack the grit that other rappers encapsulate in their music. They argue that although Skinner's words come across as honest and sincere, his delivery fails to make them as impactful as they should be.

Another aspect that makes The Streets stand out is their genre-defying tracks that are hard to confine to any particular style. The amalgamation of garage, grime and rap sets The Streets apart from all other UK-based music artists. Despite this, some critics argue that with such a merger of genres, it's easy for The Streets to get lost in translation, as their music may appear chaotic or scattered. They claim that the lack of a dedicated sound may make it hard for The Streets to secure a spot in mainstream charts.

One thing that stands out in virtually every track from The Streets is their incorrigible authenticity. Their music is devoid of any sugar-coating, and the themes explored in their writing are always relatable to the commonplace person. The Streets paint soundscapes of difficulties in life, relationships, and challenges that come with living in their parts of the world. However, some criticizers see this authenticity as Skinner trying too hard to be truthful, which ultimately limits him lyrically. They point out that while authenticity is essential, there's a fine line between accessible and embarrassingly simple.

The Streets excel at storytelling, which is evident in their songwriting. Their music videos are often cinematic, with narrated voice-overs that not only solidifies the story but also provides an additional layer to their already superb music. The Streets tether their songs to stories of their life, the neighborhoods they grew up in, and the triumph and tragedies they faced. The critics, on the other hand, argue that while The Streets storytelling approach is unique, it often comes across as mundane or, in some cases, downright depressing. They also state that the repetitive use of personal themes can become stale over time.

There is no doubt that The Streets continues to influence modern-day music, and their impact on the UK music industry is undeniable. While some may criticize them for lacking the lyrical prowess of other rappers or succumbing too much to their local accents, others praise them as authentic to their culture. Regardless of the viewpoint one takes, one thing is for sure – The Streets' longevity in the industry is indicative of the fact that their music resonates with people of all walks of life. The Streets will come with their unique blend of garage, grime, and rap, and like a fine wine, only a select few truly appreciate their brilliance and complexity.