Who saw that coming? Young Fathers, the Scottish hip-hop electronica trio from Edinburgh, have beaten off competition from the likes of FKA twigs, Damon Albarn and Kate Tempest to win 2014's Mercury Prize and a cheque for £20,000.
They released their debut record Dead on Big Dada at the turn of the year and have followed up the critical acclaim heaped upon the album with a series of incredible live shows. Their February performance at Electrowerkz, London was nothing short of stunning, each member stalking across the stage delivering their unique brand of hip hop with menace, fury and heart.
Although they weren't considered frontrunners or bookies favourites, Young Fathers are certainly worthy of the award. Dead is a distinctive, visceral and intelligent listen; music that has no contemporary comparison and consequently warrants celebration.
According to live reports from the event, the band will use the money to write a new record in Berlin and maintain that the award will not alter their creative output.
Congratulations to them, check out "Get Up" below:
