DIZZEE RASCAL - DIZZEE SLAMS UK RADIO

MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE-winner DIZZEE RASCAL has hit out at British radio stations, accusing them of ignoring urban music.

The 19-year-old rapper, real name DYLAN MILLS, claims new R+B artists are often ignored by broadcasters in favour of established acts like DESTINY'S CHILD - forcing them to rely on illegal pirate stations for exposure.

Dizzee, who picked up a check for $32,000 (GBP20,000) after winning the prestigious prize in London on Tuesday night (9SEP03), says, "The British radio industry is not showing a lot of love to the urban scene. If it's on the radio it's watered down."

He adds that British rap duo and fellow Mercury nominees FLOETRY "have had to go to America to actually get acknowledged. It's despicable that that should happen".