2003. Dizzee Rascal, 'Boy In Da Corner'
Who was he? Dylan Mills, or Mr Rascal to some of us, is a household name these days, but it was his debut (seeing a pattern, yet?), 'Boy In Da Corner' that caught the attention of fans and critics alike. Dizzee was just 17 and yet the most dynamic, compelling hip-hop artist in the country; he was also the first rapper to win the prize.
Was it an entirely outrageous choice? No. And 'Boy In Da Corner' is a better record than 'Original Pirate Material'; it's packed with power, authority and intense Britishness, and it was to become the blueprint for a decade of artists.
What has he done since? Received two more nominations, worked with Calvin Harris, Florence Welch, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams, Alex Turner, will.i.am and Armand van Helden, appeared on NewsNight, had four number ones and subheadlined both Reading & Leeds and Glastonbury. He's the biggest British rapper of all time.