Rise of the rappers

It's set to be the year of the rapper. Hip-hop star Nelly took home six US Billboard awards today while here in Britain Mike Skinner, a relative unknown, is set to trounce Robbie Williams at the Brit Awards.

Mike Skinner, who performs as The Streets, is believed to be up for awards in the best newcomer, best album, best video and best male performer categories.

But Williams, who has signed an £80million deal with EMI Records, has been nominated in just one category - best male performer - even though his album Escapology was released in time for the nominations.

The contrast between the two artists could hardly be greater. While Williams recorded Escapology in the world's finest studios with the help of master songwriter Guy Chambers, 23-year-old Skinner made his debut album Original Pirate Material in his bedroom in Brixton, using stolen equipment.

The Birmingham-born rapper, dubbed Britain's answer to Eminem, struggled for years to gain a record deal, funding his bedroom recordings by working part-time in Burger King.

Of his distinctive British sound and lyrics, Skinner said: "I realised that being yourself is the best way to go, so the hip-hop became more English. Instead of talking about broads, I started writing about drinking Stellas and eating full English breakfasts. The style I've got now was an executed move, something that I thought would work."

A year ago, his single Has It Come To This? received constant radio airplay and won him a recording deal with WEA. His album Original Pirate Material was widely tipped to win the Mercury Music Prize in September, and was praised by the judging panel as "articulating in words, music and beats what it is like to be young and British in 2002".

Skinner was beaten by fellow British rapper Ms Dynamite, but if he dominates next year's Brits it will confirm him as one of Britain's brightest new talents.

The ceremony, set to take place on 20 February at Earls Court, is likely to feature performances from The Streets and Norah Jones, who is up for three awards. Nominations will be announced officially in January.

A source close to Skinner said: "The Streets is going to be the surprise hit of this year's Brit Awards.

"It's fair to say that Robbie [Williams] was expected to be named in several categories because on paper he is the country's biggest pop star.

"But obviously the voters have gone for someone who they think is of the moment. The Streets has a lot of credibility."

Other nominees include the Red Hot Chili Peppers for best international group and US singer Pink for best international female. Pop Idols' Will Young is also up for an award, as are British all-girl trio the Sugababes, while Tom Jones is to receive an award for outstanding achievement.

News of Skinner's pre-eminence in the Brits nominations comes after American rapper Nelly won in six categories in last night's US Billboard Music Awards. Eminem won album of the year for The Eminem Show.

R&B singer Ashanti, 22, took eight awards during the ceremony at the MGM Grand casino in Las Vegas. She was named this year's top female artist, R&B/hip-hop artist and female R&B/hip-hop artist and picked up six awards for her single Foolish.

Puddle of Mudd became the first group to sweep all four rock awards since U2.

Comedian Chris Tucker presented a special "Thriller" award for Michael Jackson - who accepted it in a live link from his Neverland ranch.

Scottish Eurythmics star Annie Lennox accepted the last award of the night - the Century Award for Creative Achievement.