Winning the Best U.K. and Irish Album of the Year, the 'Disaster' rapper invites his mother onstage and thanks incarcerated brother Christopher for inspiring 'Psychodrama'.
- September 20, 2019
AceShowbiz - British rapper Dave has picked up the 2019 Hyundai Mercury Prize for the best U.K. and Irish album of the year.
The 21-year-old's "Psychodrama" beat out releases by Foals and The 1975 to land the top honour and a $31,300 (£25,000) cash prize money during a ceremony at the Eventim Apollo in London.
Accepting the award, he invited his mum onstage and gave her a huge hug, before thanking his fellow nominees, friends and family, explaining his winning album chronicled the struggles of his incarcerated brother, Christopher, who was jailed for his involvement in a murder.
"I know I tell this story all the time but I want to thank my brother Christopher that inspired this album (sic)," Dave said. "This is your story bro... Even though you can't be here with us today. I know you're watching this bro and I'm so grateful."
Dave then marked his victory with a performance of his track "Psycho".
Another notable moment of the night came when U.K. rapper slowthai opened his performance of "Doorman" by shouting "F**k Boris" while holding up the severed head of a mannequin with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's face taped to it. He closed the set in a similar fashion, repeating his "F**k Boris" mantra and adding, "F**k everything and there's nothing great about Britain", while kissing the severed head.
Past recipients of the prestigious album award include Pulp, Primal Scream, PJ Harvey, and The xx. Scottish indie band Wolf Alice picked up the award last year (2018).
