Growing up in a Christian household, the sounds of G’s childhood is that of prayer and gospel music. His aunt Andrea sung in the church choir and the soulful hymns left a huge impact on the young Ghetts. His mother recalls him as a three year old jumping out of her arms and running to the stage at a religious camp meeting in front of 15,000 people. It was then she says that she knew he was destined to be performer. Ghetts had also developed a sense of rhythm from his father who surrounded himself with jazz music. Once the beat got into him G would beating out rhythms on the tables and the floor in his house until his mother was driven to the point where she had to get him a keyboard to satisfy his musical curiosity. It was on this that Ghetts first experimented with writing songs as he’d try putting verses together over the pre-set percussion demos.
And it was music that was set to be Ghett’s saviour as his restless nature caused problems for him during his education. Unable to concentrate in class, the Plaistow citizen continually found himself getting into trouble and as a result never really being able to settle at a school. “I couldn’t really concentrate at school,” Ghetts states about his academic unrest. “The only thing I could concentrate on was music, not even girls. It was the only thing I enjoyed.” This soon transferred to the streets and like many who grow up in areas forgotten by the government, Ghetts found himself turning to crime to pacify his inattentive mind. Naturally it was only a matter of time before Ghetts found himself living at Her Majesties Pleasure. At the age of 16 Ghetts was in and out of jail at a scarily frequent rate which made G realise that if things carried on the way they were then his whole life would be spent behind bars. It was then he sought refuge in the only thing he found peace in; music.
At the age of 14 Ghetts visited a day time rave in Leyton to see the Heartless Crew. The experience cemented his ambition to make it in the music world. “I had this thing in my chest,” G reveals about the defining moment. “I could feel my heart beating and I was drawn to the mic. I knew I wanted to do something like that!” At the same time as Ghett’s legal woes, a new sound was emerging from east London. Born out of Garage; Grime was taking over the pirate airwaves and artists such as Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and Kano were beginning to get heard across the capital. Close friends with the Nasty Crew’s Sharky Major, Ghetts began reciting some of his rhymes for the Newham favourite. Sharks soon let G know that he was ready to be heard and Ghetts began recording tracks and performing on radio and at clubs with the collective. The artist known as Ghetto was born.
With a street buzz steadily growing, Ghetts developed a relationship with fellow Nasty Crew member Kano who had just begun promotion for his major label debut ‘Home Sweet Home’. Featuring on two of the tracks from the disc, including the single ‘Typical Me’, Kane took G on the promotional merry go round for the album that included taking part in tours with Nas and The Streets, as well as opening up for Juelz Santana in New York and performing at the MOBO Awards. Around this same time Ghetts released his first mixtape ‘2000 & Life’; a disc which drew on his experiences of growing up on the streets of Plaistow and of being behind bars. Still heralded as an underground classic the disc was full of angry bravado and vicious rhymes that fuelled favourites such as ‘Simple Minded MC’s’ and the anthem ‘Skinny Sort’. The experience of going on tour with Kano however soon showed Ghetts a side of England that he’d never seen before and this resulted in a change of perspective for the young MC. “Going on tour and seeing the people who would turn up the shows and the reaction they would give us, I realised that my ignorant attitude wasn’t gonna get me anywhere,” Ghetts describes of his revelation. “As soon as I got rid of my attitude things started happening for me.” It was then that Ghetts began recording his second mixtape; ‘Ghetto Gospel’.
One negative by-product of touring with Kano had been that G had been labelled as Kane’s hypeman. Wanting to be recognised as an artist in his own right and whilst also dispelling myths that he could only make angry songs; ‘Ghetto Gospel’ was filled with tracks that discussed the pitfalls of living in a deprived area as well as dedicating tracks to his best friend and his mother. “She cried when I first played it for her,” Ghetts recalls of playing ‘Closest Thing To Heaven’ to his mum on Mother’s Day. The mixtape also included a track for which Ghetts would shoot his first video; ‘Top 3 Selected’. The radio favourite sat alongside songs with fellow members of The Movement; a collective of likeminded MCs that included Scorcher, Wretch 32 and Mercston with whom G had released a CD entitled ‘Tempo Specialists’.
Ghetts quickly followed this up with ‘Freedom Of Speech’; another disc of entirely original material which channelled the reckless attitude of ‘2000 & Life’ and combined it with the refined wordplay of ‘Ghetto Gospel’ to make for a truly epic listen. Combining cold, nihilistic moments with bursts of untamed energy, the disc addressed and resolved issues that had arisen between Ghetts and other artists in the scene who had attacked G whilst he moved away from confrontational music during ‘Ghetto Gospel’. Tracks such as ‘Mountain’ and ‘Who’s Got?’ soon reasserted Ghetts as an underground favourite as well as satisfying the new fans he’d acquired from ‘Ghetto Gospel’.
Composing himself as a complete artist, G signalled his growth by changing his performance name to Ghetts and begun work on his debut album which is due for release in 2009. “I’m ready to make the best album I can make,” G affirms of his mind state. “It’s a bit like the TV programme ‘Heroes’. I’m just finally learning how to use my powers.” The first single from the album – ‘Sing For Me’ is already a favourite and has been snapped up by record label All Around The World to come out in early in the new year. As a division of Universal and home to artists such as N-Dubs, the track is set to be Ghetts’ first chart hit and finally propel him into the mainstream – an accolade well deserved and long overdue. “I made this tune for the clubs,” he speaks on the single. “When I’m in there I feel like I wish that it was my tune that everyone was dancing to so that’s why I made that.” And now that he’s had his first taste of success is Ghetts likely to turn his back on the Grime scene that has bred him? “I do Grime!” he proudly boasts. “I love Grime and it’s in my roots. It has been from when I saw Heartless all them years ago. A lot of people ain’t comfortable with that but I’m telling you from now that I’m gonna be a Grime star!”
Autobiography
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
After watching one of the performances
I turned away for a moment, when I looked up
Justin, my three-year-old
Had managed to find himself on stage
In front of thousands of people
As if he was ready to perform next
From that moment
For platforms bigger than that stage
I knew he would stand tall in this world"
Started out in Nasty Crew
Just after Dizzie Rascal blew
Stanna took me Jammers
I remember it was afternoon
I was still on tag then
Fresh home from Hunter Coombe
Jammer played 'Destruction' to me
Told me it was coming soon
Sharky taught me patience
Marcus bought me stations
Back to back with Kano
Had me working on my cadence
Spitting in my bedroom
Nurturing the basics
While I was tryna work out how to turn this into papers
First I clashed Dimples
Then I sent for Flirta D
I swear even man was singles
Couldn't end the murder spree
Every time they heard me touch the microphone, first degree
I was tryna rub these niggas out the culture permanently
Then beef and music mixed and someone said I can't go out
It was on sight with SLK from when I knocked Swarvo out
Then they caught me lacking
Sidewinder Milton Keynes
I was with
I shoulda bought the whole of Plaistow out
The second phase is when the pressure came
Double, Monks and Foots left
And Marcus tried to set up Kane
I told him that he's wrong for that
And I ain't with the set up games
Then Newham turned against me
Like I ain't from the ends again
Mike Skinner tour
Mind's still on war
Knife with me still
I'm five-figure poor
Why give in for?
I'm still on form
It ain't just the deal
Why I'm in it for
My nigga pissed 'cause I ain't been to see him
I was in the lab
Working on my tape with Rich and Ian
By the time Risky rung my phone I was a different being
I was taking less risk on road even in the PM
Outside my yard chipped tooth
Who set the levels?
Mouth full of bars, true stories
Check the records
Where the fuck is the awards?
Who's collecting medals?
Who connected dots?
'Cause I connected several
People always ask me how the movement start
First I met Devlin through a mutual spar
When I met the brother Mercston he was moving grub
Scorcher rung me out the blue and showed me super love
Told me I was cold, I said it's mutual blud
Then my nigga 32 came to studs with us
And we was boring through with no excusing us
Next ting I know it's Boy Better Know and movement dubs
Before we was making money, on the tour bus
I was tryna make a duppy with a war dub
Me versus P Money, that was pure crud
Tell NME I find it funny they ignored us
All these man say they kings, it's just self-proclaimed
Don't call yourself a king, you ain't helped the game
Everybody in this ting must've felt the same
All I see is complaints but we've only got ourselves to blame
I changed grime sonically
Waged war properly
Done the impossible
Made them say possibly
All I got in exchange is niggas tryna copy me
And people that don't really know the culture running commentary
They didn't want me here
I had to bob and weave
You ain't self-made
What kinda odds you beat?
What time you wake up?
How long you sleep?
Me and Dominic, we was obsolete
If you don't tell your story they gon' tell it for you
Who's on the panel that's a rebel for you?
God said, "Chill, there's something special for you"
I know you been through hell so I got heaven for you
If you don't tell your story they gon' tell it for you
Who's on the panel that's a rebel for you?
God said, "Chill, there's something special for you"
I know you been through hell so I got heaven for you
Before we go
I'm just making sure my story's told
Collin used to manage me
When his office was in Walthamstow
Promises and guarantees
Until we didn't talk no more
I just needed clarity
'Cause I was chasing waterfalls
Darren, you was watching
When channel you was popping
If I'm absolutely honest
My attitude was shocking
Wasted opportunities
Based on insecurities
Had to make a comeback
Display some ingenuity
Let's talk about my CV
Thought about it deeply
Is being great the norm?
We don't talk about it really
How can I create the storm
And walk around this freely?
I appreciate the tools
That brought me out of dreaming
Carly shot my videos
Danny engineered me
Simmone let the Mini go
I blew the engine nearly
Marnie held me down from the day we met yearly
Anyone who helped me out
Thank you, sincerely
Four minutes forty-eight, ya boy ain't finished yet
I mentioned all these names but I ain't no one's silhouette
I done built my own brand up so before you try and interject
Sprinkle some respect up on my name and watch your nigga rep
Anyone who say I ain't the GOAT, incorrect
Disrespect
Disconnect
Fuck Radio 5, biggest set
Name another line up since including Chip, Grim and Devs
Purists say I'm falling off
When they was tryna work out what to call it, I just caught the drop
When you wanna make some music slightly left
They're quick to call it soft
Call me Jack the way I'm jumping out that awkward box
'Cause this ain't all I got
I see what the problem is
Scene full of politics
Pride and all ego aside, we could've profited
Instead it's blatant disrespect and behind-the-door apologies
But if you trigger me it's trigonometry
I disapprove when rappers diss with no discography
People say they want the truth but they settle for dishonesty
Analyze the game and all you'll find is Greek mythology
Stories with no evidence which inherently bother me
Industry's full up of victims of mental health
Don't forget about yourself while you entertain the world
Can you tell if they're laughing at you
Or laughing with you?
Well even Dave ain't been the same Chappelle
If you don't tell your story they gon' tell it for you
Who's on the panel that's a rebel for you?
God said, "Chill, there's something special for you"
I know you been through hell so I got heaven for you
If you don't tell your story they gon' tell it for you
Who's on the panel that's a rebel for you?
God said, "Chill, there's something special for you"
I know you been through hell so I got heaven for you
The lyrics of Ghetts's song "Autobiography" delve into various aspects of his life and career, as well as his reflections on the music industry and his personal journey.
In the first part of the song, Ghetts reminisces about his son Justin's early talents and predicts that he will achieve even greater success on larger platforms. This sets the tone for Ghetts reflecting on his own journey, starting from his beginnings in the Nasty Crew and his interaction with influential figures such as Dizzie Rascal, Stanna, Jammers, Sharky, and Kano. He describes his dedication to honing his skills in his bedroom and his ambition to establish himself in the grime scene.
Ghetts then delves into personal and professional challenges he has faced. He recounts his clashes with other artists, such as Dimples and Flirta D, and his involvement in street conflicts. He also touches on the pressure he felt when his close friends Double, Monks, and Foots left, and how he disagreed with Marcus's attempts to set him up. Ghetts expresses the betrayal he felt when his own community, Newham, turned against him. Additionally, he mentions touring with Mike Skinner and the struggles he faced financially and personally, including strained relationships with loved ones.
As the song progresses, Ghetts emphasizes his impact on the grime genre and the resistance he faced from critics and industry figures. He addresses the lack of recognition and awards he feels he deserves and criticizes others who self-proclaim themselves as kings of the genre without contributing substantially to its growth. He asserts his own contributions to grime, highlighting how he changed its sound and went on to accomplish seemingly impossible feats. However, he also discusses the challenges of dealing with imitators and outsiders who comment on the culture without truly understanding it.
Ghetts then acknowledges those who have supported and influenced his journey, from Collin, who used to manage him, to Carly shooting his videos and Danny engineering his music. He expresses gratitude for all those who have helped him along the way and contributed to his success. He also mentions his resilience and mentions personal growth and self-reflection, acknowledging his previous mistakes and the need for personal improvement.
Throughout the song, Ghetts emphasizes the importance of telling one's own story and not letting others define it. He questions the industry's politics and the lack of authenticity and honesty. He urges listeners to analyze the music industry and not settle for mediocrity and dishonesty. Ghetts also touches on mental health struggles within the industry and the importance of prioritizing oneself amid the pressures of entertaining the world.
In the end, Ghetts concludes that he has a unique story to tell and that even though he has experienced difficult times, there is a special place for him in heaven. This serves as a reminder that through perseverance and staying true to oneself, one can find solace and success amidst the challenges of life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Justin Clarke Samuel, Kadeem Clarke Samuel, Tj Amadi, Rio Romaine Willis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Diamond Diamond
"Anyone who helped me out,
Thank You , Sincerely"
Manners , RespeKt
something that seems to be fading in this new generation.
love this guy
keeping the + values alive
Ghetts i Thank You, sincerely you've helped me so much over the years I've been lisenin 2 ur music n interviews.
The impact and the appreciation..
Words wouldn't do it justice...
Diamond Diamond
"Purists say I've fallen off
When they was tryna work out what to call it, I just caught the drop
When you wana make sum music slightly left, they're quick to call it soft
Call me jack the way im jumpin out that awkward box
Because this ain't all I got"
Booom!
yy 297
THIS ALBUM IS A ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE. NO MATTER HOW GOOD OR BAD THINGS GET CAN ALLWAYS COUNT ON GHETTS TO DROP SOMETHING TO RELATE TO. BEING REAL HARD WORK AND DEDICATION PAYS OFF NO MATTER THE STRUGGLE BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD. 💯GOAT 🐐
Nate The Lyricist
I'm genuinely grateful every time Ghetts releases new music
cmlh 86
Me too
Lt
Wow 😯 did man really just do that , if you didn’t know you do Now. Felt this one differently !! 4 reloads
J TW
Just reloaded it for the 3rd time
Luke Hopson Music
If you don't tell your story they gon' tell it for you
Who's on the panel that's a rebel for you?
God said, "Chill, there's something special for you"
I know you been through hell so I got heaven for you
That hits deeep.
Kraig Charles
Big up everyone whos been following Ghetts' autobiography since '2000 and Life' and remember every single moment he mentions in this tune 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Talitha
This is amazing 🙏🏽🏆
Kyz Reekøz
Real story teller 🗣❄️❄️
Diamond Diamond
"Anyone who helped me out,
Thank You , Sincerely"
Manners , RespeKt
something that seems to be fading in this new generation.
love this guy
keeping the + values alive
Ghetts i Thank You, sincerely you've helped me so much over the years I've been lisenin 2 ur music n interviews.
The impact and the appreciation..
Words wouldn't do it justice...