The 25-year-old rapper, who once worked in former Leamington shop Andy's Records, is one part of the six-piece band who are about to launch their debut album EQ.

Matt, whose MC name is Mr Chips, began writing and performing rhymes during his days as a student in Leeds where he studied creative writing.

He said: "The beat guides my writing - when it plays it allows me to use a stream of consciousness. People think that in hip-hop lyrics are always about the same subjects of girls and guns but we are philosophical without being too political.

"We rap about things going on in the world but poetically and not so in your face."

Matt's influences were British MC Roots Manuva, The Roots and controversial rap superstar Eminem.

Matt said: "Regardless about what people say about him his talent is ridiculous.

"Whenever people ask me who were my influences I will always say Eminem."

After finishing university in 2005 Matt and his band-mates made the decision to move to London where the UK hip-hop scene is more vibrant and competitive.

This was a big step for the group - but one which paid off, as it led to them meeting their album producer Nu-Balance who provided them with free studio time.

Matt said: "We decided to really focus on our music - it was a massive decision but everyone said 'lets just do it'. We would go to the studio after work and do recording sessions and the vibe was really nice.

"That's what propelled us forward to do more gigs."

Queens English have now signed to the independent record label Underdog Entertainment and were recently nominated for the Indy Music Award and the NME New Music prize.

They toured Sweden in may and worked with acclaimed hip-hop producer Embee of Looptroop Rockers. A London album release party is planned for next month once the group have returned from playing at the Outlook Festival in Croatia.

Matt said: "It's just a question keeping a balance of music, work and life at the moment and staying focused. Things are very positive."

In the picture of Queens English, are - from left - Tom Price (DJ Something Else), Hass Rauf (MC Sherlock), Matt Sarson (MC Mr Chips), Jess Hill (Source), Leon Smith (MC Rhymes)

www.myspace.com/queensenglish