A culturally important collective born out of the UK garage scene in the early noughties, The Streets changed the face of popular music in Britain forever upon their arrival almost two decades ago.

The recording project of English singer-songwriter, MC and record producer Mike Skinner, the Birmingham-based outfit are largely known for creating one of the most critically acclaimed and authentic UK rap albums of the 21st century – Original Pirate Material.

Considered a modern masterpiece, combining quintessentially British social commentary with various wide spanning musical influences – from hip hop to dance, 2-step, dub, reggae and dancehall – the Mercury Prize nominated album is as relevant and influential today as it was when it was released back in 2002.

Aiding the development and evolution of recently formed music genres such as grime, Original Pirate Material has left behind a lasting legacy, inspiring generations of home-grown artists to take up the torch of British hip hop – the likes of Plan B, Lily Allen, Lady Leshurr and Kojey Radical to name a select few.

Equally as successful, the chart-topping follow up to the groups debut, A Grand Don’t Come For Free (2004), and succeeding albums The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living (2006) and Everything Is Borrowed (2008), helped to cement The Streets legendary status as a leading voice in the UK’s urban music scene.

After years of performing, heading out on huge tours and appearing on festival headline slots at events across the UK, Skinner eventually called time on the project, retiring from the limelight following the release of 2011’s Computers and Blues.

Fans of the group would have to wait almost ten years before The Streets would announce their highly-anticipated comeback. Resurfacing in 2020 with a brand-new mixtape None of Us Are Getting Out of This Life Alive, the album features numerous high-profile collaborations with the likes of Tame Impala, IDLES, Greentea Peng, Ms Banks and more.

The Streets most recent single ‘Who’s Got The Bag’s (21st June)’, released on 5th March 2021, is an ode to the forthcoming easing of restrictions this summer. The ‘end of lockdown celebratory track’, as described by Skinner himself, is a statement of intent, with the group promising a return to the stage this year.