As much as I would love to hear a rap performed by Phil and Grant Mitchell from Eastenders, this sadly isn't the real Cockney skinhead siblings. Instead, Teddy and Tony Mitchell are Mike Skinner's proteges, and the man from The Streets makes an imitable appearance on this, their third single.
Excuse My Brother is a very funny tale of one brother drinking, trying to pull a girl, and incurring the wrath of said girl's boyfriend (played by Skinner). It will obviously appeal to all fans of The Streets, as there's a very English sensibility at work, with lyrics referring to "gettin' all rude in a geezer manner" and "too much booze in his bladder". Yet although Skinner appears on the track, he doesn't dominate it, leaving no doubt to who's in charge on the record.
UK rap used to be a bit of a standing joke, but thanks to the fine work of Skinner bands like The Mitchell Brothers are now getting the recognition they deserve. This should be their breakthrough single, and bodes well for the forthcoming album to be released at the end of this month.
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