Rapper Skinner streets ahead on Mercury Prize shortlist

THE Streets rapper Mike Skinner has been nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize for the second time - two years after losing out on the final award.

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

Other debut nominees, were Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, Keane and The Zutons.

British dance and urban music also had a strong showing, with Basement Jaxx, Jamelia and British 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 British charts. The €20,000 Nationwide Mercury Prize, now in its 13th year, honours the best album of the year by a British or Irish band and is dubbed the Booker of the music world.

It is judged on talent and innovation rather than commercial sales.

The prize, renowned for its eclecticism, is open to British and Irish acts who have released albums over the past year.

Last year’s winner was garage star Dizzee Rascal, otherwise known as Dylan Mills.

At just 17, soul singer Joss Stone is the youngest nominee for this year’s award. The Devon star has been put forward for her album The Soul Session.

Fellow newcomers The Zutons are a five-piece band from Liverpool who have been nominated for the album Who Killed... The Zutons.

East Sussex guitarless band Keane have been nominated for Hopes And Fears, 20-year-old Londoner Amy Winehouse is up for her debut album Frank, and Franz Ferdinand are nominated for their eponymous first album.

South London dance outfit Basement Jaxx are up for Kish Kash.

Jamelia’s nomination for Thank You marks the peak of a phenomenally successful year for the 23-year-old R and B singer who has scored hits with the likes of Superstar.

Robert Wyatt has been nominated for his first album in six years, Cuckooland, a mixture of jazz, folk and pop.

Hip-hop artist Ty is up for the award for his second album Upwards, Snow Patrol are up for their third album Final Straw and Belle and Sebastian for Dear Catastrophe Waitress.

The winner of the 2004 prize will be announced on September 7.