• Saturday

British hip-hop icon The Streets at Tinderbox.

Mike Skinner gave the UK a new way to understand hip-hop. As the man behind The Streets, he blended grime, garage, and hip-hop into something truly unique, which became both cult and commercial.

Originally from Birmingham and deeply immersed in keyboard-playing since childhood, he began creating his own music as a teenager. In 2001, he released the single “Has It Come to This?”, followed just a year later by the debut album Original Pirate Material. The album was a game-changer with its honest and humorous approach to life in Britain, combining sharp lyrics with a new musical style.

A Grand Don’t Come for Free from 2004 was a cinematic story where each track was like a chapter in a personal drama. With hits like “Fit but You Know It” and “Dry Your Eyes,” he set new standards for what British rap could be.

After a six-year break, he returned with new music in 2017. “Burn Bridges” and “I Hate My Friends More Than I Hate My Enemies” marked The Streets’ comeback, showing that he still had the unique touch that makes him one of the most original and relevant voices in British music. With the new single “Different Kind Of Trap” out, you can look forward to experiencing The Streets at Tinderbox this summer.