Street Nation 2010

Previously in the shadow of their more glamorous, established American counterparts, British hip-hop acts have, over the previous two years, unexpectedly become the dominant force in the music scene. Indeed, the synth-led R&B of Taio Cruz has conquered not only the U.K. Top 40, but also the Billboard charts, while Lady Sovereign has successfully exported her unique brand of grime to U.S. urban audiences. With the exception of Diddy, whose “Hello Good Morning” appears due to Skepta's grime remix, and Pussycat Dolls' Kimberly Wyatt, guest vocalist on Aggro Santos' “Candy,” Street Nation 2010 is the first mainstream compilation to focus entirely on home-grown talent. Only highlighting the genre's prominence, there are six number ones included, from the likes of Tinie Tempah, Chipmunk, and Roll Deep. However, the album is dominated by perhaps its most significant breakthrough act, London trio N-Dubz, who appear on their own tracks, the StreetDance lead single “We Dance On” and the Mr. Hudson collaboration “Playing with Fire,” Tinchy Stryder's chart-topping “Number One,” and Ultra's Dappy-featuring “Addicted to Love.” However, the album's highlights are Wiley's ferocious techno-influenced “Take That,” Florence and the Machine and Dizzee Rascal's inspired Brit Awards mash-up “You Got the Dirtee Love,” and Naughty Boy's effortlessly cool reworking of the White Town classic “Never Be Your Woman.” But for the purists who feel British hip-hop has strayed too far from its underground roots, there are several less commercial cuts from Boy Better Know, J.M.E., and Bashy, who, unlike Ironik and Professor Green, are unlikely to sample the not entirely “street” Elton John and INXS any time soon. Providing a snapshot of the current musical climate, Street Nation 2010 is a collection of radio-friendly crossover hits and lesser-known Channel U staples that is more than likely to be the first installment of a long-running series.