Speaking of femcees, London’s own Speech Debelle has won Britain’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize for her Speech Therapy LP. The album was inspired by her experience in the streets as a homeless teen. Debelle knocked out 11 other acts, including Kasabian and Bat for Lashes, to snag the prize, £20,000 ($33,000).
I feel so good,” the 26-year-old told the AP after her win. “It feels better than I imagined. My family’s here. My friends are here. I’m from south London. I don’t get emotional – I’m emotional.”
Other artists in the running were: Florence & the Machine, La Roux, Sweet Billy Pilgrim, The Horrors, Glasvegas, Led Bib, The Invisible, Lisa Hannigan, and Friendly Fires.
Pop the hood for some videos of Speech at work.
Speech Debelle – Better Days
Speech Debelle – The Key
Speech Debelle – Spinnin’
Speech explains the inspiration behind Speech Therapy
