Some call him the British Eminem.
Can Mike Skinner aka The Streets be compared to Eminem? What do both men have in common besides their white skin?
Like Eminem his biggest influences can be found in hip hop. He grew up listening to Run DMC, the Beastie Boys. Hes been largely influenced by Wu Tang Clan, by Dr Dre and Eminem.
The Real Slim Shady has inspired his song Too much Brandy:
The Real Slim Shady’ was in my head when I wrote it (Mike Skinner)
Mike Skinner would love to have an occasion to collaborate with Eminem:
I’d go toe-to-toe with Eminem anytime.”
Although their music styles are completely different and despite the fact hes always been compare to him, Mike has a lot of consideration for Marshall Mathers:
The most predictable thing I could do would be to come out and say I don’t really like Eminem because I keep getting compared to him, but I quite like him, you know. I don’t think his last album was anything, but he’s a really good rapper.”
Mike Skinner has even performed in Detroit at St Andrews Hall to promote his second album. He is featured in an article from the Detroit Free Press:
http://www.detnews.com/2004/events/0406/24/d06-193048.htm
When the Lets Push Things Forward video came out, I enjoyed watching it.
If you ask me, I could hardly classify Mike Skinners music as rap, because it doesnt sound like rap music to my ears. Dont misinterpret my statement: I got lots of respect for Mike Skinners work. As far as I am concerned, it is rich of much more different influences such as reggae and jazz to be classified as hip hop.
But still, it remains good musical work.