Speech Debelle Cancels US Tour

Mercury Award winning star Speech Debelle has been forced to pull out of her upcoming tour of the United States.

A self-described "spoilt brat" Speech Debelle has seen life beyond both sides of the tracks. Leaving home the young rapper found life tough, living in a series of bed sits and moving from friend's couch to friend's couch.

However the rapper had her music. Gathering a network of friends and influences Speech Debelle began crafting a style of hip hop that relied more on acoustic samples and less on programmed beats.

Debut album 'Speech Therapy' was released earlier this year and won acclaim from critics. The record featured guest appearances from UK hip hop royalty such as Roots Manuva, while Speech Debelle showed admirable maturity.

Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, Speech Debelle's odds on winning were slashed after a number of pundits began tipping the rapper. Still an outside, the rapper won the award in emotional scenes.

Afterwards the hip hop star seemed overwhelmed. Speaking to ClashMusic shortly before the ceremony took place, the rapper seemed excited purely to be nominated and clearly had no expectation of winning.

Booked to perform a new United States tour, these plans have been cancelled following Visa problems. "Speech Debelle is canceling all of her US appearances for October" her agent told Brooklyn Vegan.

"Visa laws have just recently changed and delayed a few of our artists from getting their visas this Fall."