pop-rap

Thus it is that the most prominent sound at the Brits isn't winsome indie-folk or homegrown pop-rap, but the thud of an event falling between two stools.

Brit awards 2011: Rebrand gives manufactured pop the elbow 2011

If, like me, you view Tinie Tempah with maternal regard, and his adorable pop-rap exploits provoke a strong desire to pinch his cheeks and wobble them hard, then Hitz may come as something of a shock, since he appears to have got together with the bigger boys and gone all Hollyoaks Later.

This week's new singles 2011

Mouse's hits (Foxx's "Wipe Me Down (Remix)," Webbie's "Bad Chick," Boosie's "Zoom") epitomize durable and complex pop-rap, and his audio signature - "Mouse drop the track, that'll make you bounce and act" - is as sure a sign of giddy fun as there is in modern rap.

Review of Mouse On Tha Track's 'Swagga Fresh Freddie,' by Trill Entertainment Post 2011

Mouse's hits (Foxx's "Wipe Me Down (Remix)," Webbie's "Bad Chick," Boosie's "Zoom") epitomize durable and complex pop-rap, and his audio signature - "Mouse drop the track, that'll make you bounce and act" - is as sure a sign of giddy fun as there is in modern rap.

Album review: Mouse on Tha Track, "Swagga Fresh Freddie" Sean Fennessey 2011

Instead, we have Rizzle, an indie-influenced pop-rap act there is no shame in liking.

Rizzle Kicks; Alex Clare – review 2011

Winsome singer-songwriter Laura Marling unexpectedly triumphed over Cheryl Cole, Arcade Fire's The Suburbs was declared a better album than Katy Perry's Teenage Dream, the pop-rap of Tinie Tempah's Pass Out beats the massed ranks of Cowell-assisted stars to best single.

Brit awards 2011: Rebrand gives manufactured pop the elbow 2011

The one that first earned renown, a lovably dumb slice of pop-rap called "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell," earned the fledgling trio a reputation as a novelty act.

A Brooklyn Rap Crew Defies Its Name Nick Neyland 2011

A year's a long time in UK pop-rap, though, and a new group of artists – including Tinie Tempah and Professor Green – have had comparable, if not greater success in the past 12 months.

Tinchy Stryder: Third Strike - review Paul MacInnes 2010

The 19-year-old, who dances, too, will perform her kinetic pop-rap act as a curtain raiser for Prince in his upcoming European tour.

The Woman Who Charmed Prince 2008

For "Odelay," Beck enlisted the Dust Brothers, who produced definitive pop-rap albums by Tone Loc and the Beastie Boys.

A Winner, Baby 2008