“I’m not that ‘Ghetto’ person anymore,” Ghetts proclaims about his name cha… Read Full Bio ↴“I’m not that ‘Ghetto’ person anymore,” Ghetts proclaims about his name change from his previous street moniker. “I’ve grown out of it.” At 24 years of age, Justin Clarke is finally maturing into the artist he has always strived to be; or ‘Grime star’ as he puts it. From Justin to Ghetto to Ghetts, the east London native has seen the lows of being behind bars to the highs of sell out concerts all in a short space of time; the sum of which have contributed to the well rounded individual who is ready to embark on the next stage of his promising career.

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!”

Fire and Brimstone
Ghetts Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

"'Cause I'm from East, I knew Reggie, Reggie's Ghetts"
"Yeah"
"Like, like that's all that, that lot, Marcus, Nasty
Look, all the Newham gang, innit?
It's like Plaster and all them boys, they all know that"

How long have I been low?
When's the last time man had to wait till dark then climb through a window?

When's the last time man had to hide in bush and silent a ringtone?
When's the last time man had to go 'round there with fire and brimstone?

Blue lights in my rearview
New life, career too
My girl said you're legit now
Why do feds still scare you?
I still get flashbacks
Man done bare moves
Ran up in houses
Filled vans and cleared rooms
Before I had an accountant
I weighed grams in Claire's room
And all she wanted out of it
Was money for a hairdo
Maybe an outfit
I was like fair dues
Cah that was my down chick
From 'round about year two
Just jumped in the whip
Driver said, "Where to?"
I told him Balham
Cats know I'll be there soon
Trap house smokey
I know about bare fumes
Ran from the police
Window and I hear boom

How long have I been low?
When's the last time man had to wait till dark then climb through a window?
When's the last time man had to hide in bush and silent a ringtone?
When's the last time man had to go 'round there with fire and brimstone?

How long have I been low?
When's the last time man had to wait till dark then climb through a window?
When's the last time man had to hide in bush and silent a ringtone?
When's the last time man had to go 'round there with fire and brimstone?

Distant memory
Chase through Blackwall Tunnel
Went for a different entry
If they're talking hustle
Mine's consistent, not temporary
If they're talking trouble
It was based on instant envy
If they're talking bubbles
Back when they was called 120's
Look, how long I been styling?
How long I been riding?
How long I been driving?
How long was I hiding?
Warrant out for my arrest
Feds pouring out of my address
Persistent offender
Different agenda
I did not surrender
Stereotyped by any system I enter
TDK, nah, I mean TDA, nah, I mean GBH
Free Titch, free Ashman, free Tyler, I feel his pain

How long have I been low?
When's the last time man had to wait till dark then climb through a window?
When's the last time man had to hide in bush and silent a ringtone?
When's the last time man had to go 'round there with fire and brimstone?

How long have I been low?
When's the last time man had to wait till dark then climb through a window?
When's the last time man had to hide in bush and silent a ringtone?
When's the last time man had to go 'round there with fire and brimstone?

It's Live-O
It's Live-O

So skang out
And jump about

Overall Meaning

In "Fire and Brimstone," Ghetts reflects on his past experiences growing up in East London, particularly in the Newham area. The opening lines of the song pay homage to his friends and associates from the area, mentioning Reggie and Marcus. This sets the tone for the nostalgia and reminiscing that permeate the lyrics.

Ghetts recounts moments of his life when he was involved in illegal activities, facing constant danger and living a life of uncertainty. He reflects on the times he had to sneak through windows and hide in bushes to avoid the police. The reference to "fire and brimstone" suggests that his actions were fueled by a sense of desperation and determination to survive.

As the verses progress, Ghetts contemplates how his life has changed, referencing his new career and a sense of legitimacy. However, despite his progress, he still carries the weight of his past actions and experiences. The lyrics convey a sense of duality, as Ghetts grapples with the contrast between his past and present selves.

Overall, "Fire and Brimstone" serves as a reflection on Ghetts's journey from a life of crime and struggle to a more legitimate path, highlighting the emotional toll and lasting impact of his past experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

'Cause I'm from East, I knew Reggie, Reggie's Ghetts
Because I come from East London, I knew Reggie, who is also known as Ghetts

"Yeah"
Agreement or affirmation response

"Like, like that's all that, that lot, Marcus, Nasty Look, all the Newham gang, innit? It's like Plaster and all them boys, they all know that"
It's like saying that everyone in the Newham gang, including Marcus, Nasty, and Plaster, knows about the things I'm about to describe

How long have I been low?
How much time have I spent feeling down or at a low point?

When's the last time man had to wait till dark then climb through a window?
When was the most recent occasion where someone had to wait until it was dark, then enter a building through a window?

When's the last time man had to hide in bush and silent a ringtone?
When was the most recent time someone had to conceal themselves in a bush and silence their phone's ringtone?

When's the last time man had to go 'round there with fire and brimstone?
When was the most recent time someone had to go to a location with intense aggression and determination?

Blue lights in my rearview
Seeing police car lights flashing behind me while driving

New life, career too
Having a new and improved life, including a successful career

My girl said you're legit now
My girlfriend believes that I am now legitimate or lawful

Why do feds still scare you?
Why do the police still make me feel fearful or anxious?

I still get flashbacks
I still experience vivid recollections or memories

Man done bare moves
I have done many strategic or calculated actions

Ran up in houses
Swiftly entered people's homes without permission

Filled vans and cleared rooms
Loaded vans with stolen goods and quickly emptied rooms of valuable items

Before I had an accountant
Prior to having a financial professional to manage my money

I weighed grams in Claire's room
I used to measure grams of drugs in a room belonging to someone named Claire

And all she wanted out of it Was money for a hairdo Maybe an outfit
Claire only desired money from my illegal activities to pay for her hairstyling and possibly clothing

I was like fair dues
I accepted her request or demands without complaint

Cah that was my down chick From 'round about year two
Because she supported me during difficult times, she was my loyal partner since around two years ago

Just jumped in the whip Driver said, "Where to?"
I hastily entered the car, and the driver asked me where I wanted to go

I told him Balham Cats know I'll be there soon
I informed the driver that I needed to go to Balham, and people are aware that I will arrive there shortly

Trap house smokey I know about bare fumes
I am familiar with the dense smoke in a drug-dealing location

Ran from the police Window and I hear boom
I fled from the pursuing police through a window, and then I heard a loud noise

Distant memory
Something that happened a long time ago and is now fading from my recollection

Chase through Blackwall Tunnel
Being pursued while attempting to escape through the Blackwall Tunnel

Went for a different entry
Tried to find an alternative way to enter or exit a location

If they're talking hustle Mine's consistent, not temporary
If others are discussing their work ethic and dedication, mine is characterized by being persistent and not short-lived

If they're talking trouble It was based on instant envy
If people are referring to engaging in conflict or problems, it usually stemmed from their immediate envy or jealousy

If they're talking bubbles Back when they was called 120's
If they are discussing criminal activities or schemes, it was during a time when they were referred to as '120's

Look, how long I been styling?
Look, how long have I been living a certain lifestyle or pursuing a particular image?

How long I been riding?
For how long have I been on this journey or engaging in certain activities?

How long I been driving?
For how long have I been in control or leading the way?

How long was I hiding?
For what duration of time was I concealing myself or evading capture?

Warrant out for my arrest
There was an official document issued for my arrest

Feds pouring out of my address
The police were swarming or flooding out of the location where I reside

Persistent offender
Someone who repeatedly engages in unlawful activities

Different agenda
Having alternative motives or intentions

I did not surrender
I did not yield or give up to the authorities

Stereotyped by any system I enter
Being judged or categorized based on my appearance or background in any system or institution I encounter

TDK, nah, I mean TDA, nah, I mean GBH
Referring to different forms of serious crimes or violence: TDK (Thoughts of a Dying Criminal), TDA (Thoughts of a Dying Addict), and GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm)

Free Titch, free Ashman, free Tyler, I feel his pain
Expressing support for the release of individuals named Titch, Ashman, and Tyler, and empathizing with their struggles

It's Live-O
Referring to a lively or energetic atmosphere

So skang out
Let loose or express oneself freely

And jump about
Move and dance energetically

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Dylan Kwabena Mills, Justin Clarke Samuel, Tj Amadi, Rio Romaine Willis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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