Dizzee Rascal wins Mercury Music Prize

LONDON, UK (Mercury Music Prizes) - Teenager Dizzee Rascal has become the first rapper to win the prestigious Panasonic Mercury Music Prize. The up and coming star, who at 19 is the youngest person to land the $30,000 award, took the title for his debut album, Boy In Da Corner.
He triumphed over hot favourites retro rockers The Darkness to pick up the accolade which goes to the outstanding album of the year.

The rapper, whose real name is Dylan Mills, said as he picked up his prize: "Support British talent because it's out there."

Rascal, 19, whose style straddles hip hop and UK garage, beat favourites The Darkness and other high-profile rock bands like Coldplay and Radiohead.

Albums by 12 UK and Irish acts were shortlisted for the award at the 12th annual ceremony in London.

Rascal, who won for his debut Boy in Da Corner, said he had not been expecting to win but was happy to be recognised. He said acknowledgement was important because "I come from nothing - I come from the underground, pirate radio stations, I come from the ground, man."
Receiving his award from last year's winner Ms Dynamite, he said: "I want to thank God, my mum and my family and everyone in the underground."