Dizzie Rascal got the big beat

The story of Dylan Mills is one you have heard many times before. Fatherless childhood, high school expulsions, pizza delivery man stick-ups, an inspirational teacher and enough beef to feed the entire UK. At 18, Dylan Mills, aka Dizzee Rascal, won the Mercury Prize - the highest music honor in the UK- for his debut, Boy In Da Corner, and in an instant became the godfather of Grime. Distancing himself from the techno laced London Garage scene, he created some of the most original hip hop on either side of the ocean. He also was stabbed 5 times, a mere week after his debut.

Since 2003, Dizzee has put out two more albums. His best and most recent, Maths + English, was nominated for another Mercury, and released last month in the US on Def Jux. The album showcases what he does best - infusing his clever, playful, and theatrical lyrics with scrappy, ultra-aggressive yet still danceable samples. Getting help from UK superstars Arctic Monkeys and Lily Allen, Dizzee also showcases his love for the American South with Houston staple UGK. Whether designed to be his crossover album or not, Maths + English provides his American audience with a more familiar sound in a clearly unique package. Buy it if you haven't.

Unfortunately, the catchy hooks and driving aggression that makes his albums so good, didn't translate well at the Triple Rock last Friday. Diz was energetic and polished, but lacked the improvisation and charisma needed for a live hip hop show. It was great fun to see him, but he might as well have pressed play and let his tape player do the work.

Skinny and pimpled Dylan Mills is not yet 23 - with three great records, one big award, not to mention Dirtee Stank, I think he's doing just fine.