Rapper gets second Mercury Awards nomination

The Streets rapper Mike Skinner was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for the second time today – two years after losing out in the final award.

He was one of 12 acts to be named today as contenders for the esteemed prize, and leads the way as favourite to win alongside Franz Ferdinand.

Other debut nominees, along with Franz Ferdinand, were Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, Keane and The Zutons.

British dance and urban music also had a strong showing, with Basement Jaxx, Jamelia and UK rapper Ty up for awards.

Scottish band Belle and Sebastian, Northern Irish quartet Snow Patrol and 59-year-old British musician Robert Wyatt were also on the list.

Skinner, 25, lost out to Ms Dynamite in 2002 despite being widely tipped to receive the award for his first album, Original Pirate Material.

This time he has been shortlisted for his second album, A Grand Don’t Come For Free, which features the hit singles Fit But You Know It and Dry Your Eyes, which reached number one in the UK charts.