So Solid Romeo gives Baby Becks thumbs up

A few days ago he might have only been known to garage fans. But now he shares a name with the Beckhams' latest arrival, MC Romeo's fame has extended beyond the confines of the controversial band So Solid Crew.

As his band were nominated for a prestigious Mobo award for contemporary black music, the singer made a prediction about the boy's romantic future. "He will be a hit with the ladies," the rapper said.

MC Romeo explained he earned his title the same way. "It is a nickname from school. I was a hit with the ladies from school so I reckon younger Beckham there, he'll be a hit with the ladies," he said.

David Beckham is said to be a fan of the band but it is not known if this influenced the naming of his son, who remained at the private Portland Hospital in London today with his mother, Victoria. But speculation still surrounds his name, which could also have been inspired by one of Mrs Beckham's favourite designers, Romeo Gigli.

MC Romeo, whose first solo single Romeo Dunn is at number 11 in the charts this week, added: "I don't think it was named after me. But if he was I am overwhelmed, man.

"I just want to wish the Beckhams congratulations, though, because it is a nice choice of name, definitely."

The pop star said he had been bombarded with calls since the Beckhams revealed their choice of name for their son. "I was watching the news and I heard he was called Romeo and I was thinking, that's a bit crazy," he said.

"I have had a lot of phone calls - about 15 or 20 - and it has just been crazy."

Some members of the band have met the Beckhams, but MC Romeo has not - so far - had the pleasure. So Solid Crew, a 10-piece group who hail from from Battersea, have been nominated for best band at the Mobo awards for the second year running.

Though hugely successful, the band has been dogged by violence at their concerts and one member, Asher D, was sent to a young offenders institution for 18 months in March when he pulled a gun on a parking warden.

The Mobo awards ceremony, to be held at the London Arena next month, should see British bands dominate despite stiff competition from American stars like Eminem and P Diddy.