The Streets' "Original Pirate Material" turns 20

"...brace yourself, cause this goes deep"

"Turn the Page" has got to be most epic opener of all time and accurately sets the tone for one of the most unique records of all time. Mike Skinner aka THE STREETS hails from Great Britain, and that's written all over his debut album. This may be Hip-Hop, but it's totally different to american Hip-Hop, despite using the same language. "Original Pirate Material" is like London by 2 A.M., where a young and poor guy lives his life, tryin' to make a name for himself as a rapper and producer. This may not be as coherent and touching as the follow-up "A Grand don't come for free", but it's as sincere and authentic, while being darker and more down-to-earth. 

Skinner proved his exceptional talent as a visionary producer, a charismatic MC, and not the least an intelligent storyteller. He also managed to bring good humor to Hip-Hop, just listen to "The Irony of it all", if you don't believe me. All that, while still being able to bring the chills. Look no further than "Weak become Heroes", "Stay Positive" or "It's too late". 

"Original Pirate Material" is the first of two straight THE STREETS-classics and will remain to be awesome for the next 20 years to come. I think the word I was searching for minutes was something like "real". Or "true". Or "genuine". Or maybe just "Oi!"