Plan B wants to change lives with Barclaycard Mercury Prize

Rapper Plan B thinks he could shake up the music industry and change young people's lives if he wins the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize.

Plan B hopes to change people's lives if he wins the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize.

The 28-year-old rapper - real name Ben Drew - has been nominated for the prestigious prize for his album 'Ill Manors' and wants to become the first hip-hop artist to win the award since Dizzee Rascal in 2003 because he would love to shake up the public's perceptions of urban music.

Plan B told the Daily Star newspaper: "It feels great, I can't stop thinking about when Dizzee Rascal won it. It changed the way record labels were signing artists.

"The fact that UK hip-hop is on this list, and I'm the only one there, I am pleased. What is great about UK hip-hop is that it changes people's perceptions on life."

The rapper's album - which accompanies his directorial debut 'Ill Manors' about gang violence - is the first film soundtrack to ever be nominated and he believes his words can have a stronger impact on young people's lives than politics can.

Plan B enthused: "'Ill Manors' shed light on a subject that needs to be discussed in this country and what I'm doing outside of my career, with the Each One Teach One Trust which I've just set up.

"I think it's a better tool than politics. That's why books, music and film are extremely important. They can change the way we look at life.

"I grew up only listening to artists who could teach me something or enlighten me, make me more spiritual and have a better understanding of life."

Plan B faces stiff competition from the likes of Jessie Ware, Ben Howard, Lianne Le Havas and The Maccabees.

The winner will be announced at the Roundhouse in London on November 1.