Mike Skinner is a man who's known by most as 'that bloke who done that song one time bout lookin fit n tha'. And it's true; he did once write a song called 'Fit But You Know It'. It was a banger, but there's a lot more about Skinner that places him in the status as a great in the music industry.
A lot of us fail to recognise that, other than the aforementioned song about finding girls more attractive after a drink and another about drying your eyes, the 37-year-old is a renowned storyteller over a range of music genres.
His lyrics influence a lot of artists. He uses everyday speech and conversations, making them into songs. The free-flowing, open style of conversation seems really simple but not everyone can pull it off.
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Songs like 'Could Well Be In', a relatable tune that simply tells the story of a date, is the type of thing that resonates with listeners because it's a tale a lot can sympathise with.
The hook: I saw this thing on ITV the other week/Said, that if she played with her hair, she's probably keen/She's playing with her hair, well regularly/So I reckon I could well be in.
This was rife with simplicity, but equal in its catchy nature.
Then came the lines: I'm trying to think what else I could say/Peelin' the label off, spinning the ashtray/Yeah actually, yes, she did look pretty neat/Her perfume smelled expensive and sweet/I felt like my hair looked a bit cheap/Wished I'd had it cut back last week/She kept giving me this look, cause she would speak/Was she only friendly, or was she a keep?/Asked her if she wanted the same again to drink/Started to turn and get up out my seat.
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It also helps that, above all else, Mike is just a regular, run of the mill guy. He may have worn caps, Burberry clothing, popped his collar and had an aptitude for loud jewelry, but he's not what people these days would call a 'chav'. By his own admission, he "never lived in a block of flats, but wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth either." He lends himself to the whole 'he's just like me' vibe for listeners.
Mike DJing at Glastonbury 2016. Credit: PA
Back in 2011, Skinner shelved The Streets, focusing more on production. Prior to the final EP released by The Streets, 'Computers And Blues', he had taken time off due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Then, following the birth of his daughter, he gave up messing about with drugs to focus on being a father.
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Since then he's teamed up with various British rappers and grime artists, composing and producing their music and taking a back seat with regards to vocals. While his work may not be as prolific as it once was, and is now rather understated, there's no denying that he's had an impact on a lot of musicians.
Featured image credit: PA
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