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!”
IC3
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Draw back and fire
My nigga dem ride out
Horseback for hire
Full clip in the drier
I ain't talking Richard
And I'm talking prior
What you know about pressing semi? (Huh)
What you know about (greaze)
What you know about Ghetts and Skeppy? (Go on then, yeah)
I feel like I'm born again
Me and Ghetts on the track and it's feeling like the rooftop all again
Yeah, we're firing that corn again
Get the toe tags and the bodybags in
Soon as they told me about the power that came with the black skin
Unlocked it, then I tapped in
Alchemist, when I feel the pressure I make diamonds
I cannot stop getting the racks in
Who would've thought back then we'd be some powerful black men?
Back when we was in estates I was trapped in, trappin'
You don't know how it's impacted us
Can't block a nigga when flats with us
Abandoned flats where the mandem trap
I took a few Ls in my Champion hat
Came back like a champion and landed jabs while being branded "Black"
African man, you see the jewels on my neck
Class of Deja, went school with the best
When I fire my lyrics, you know I shoot for the chest and the head
Eyes rolled back, better check if he's dead
I cannot act for the image
I'm in the Motherland putting racks in the village
What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?
Ever see me on the iPhone, better know that I'm talking 'bout business
Don't tell me go back where I came from
While the queen sits there in stolen jewels
Cool, I'll go back with a chain on
And light up the place like Akon
Hmm, I got a bullet with your name on
Blood stains on the pavement you played on
You think I give a fuck about a loose screw?
My brother, my whole brain's gone
Look in the mirror, I see king, I see me
I see who? I see what? IC3
Look in the mirror, I see king, I see me
I see what? I see who? IC3
Yeah, please don't talk about numbers
I don't wanna hear what he did
Talk about me, you're talking undefeated
Talk about S-K-G-H, no introduction needed
The queen offered me the MBE
I said no and I raised my fist
I went home, got my chieftaincy
Now I'm back on the strip
Police stop me in the street, they wanna take a pic
There's only one Ghetts and there's only one Skepta
Blood of a king, so I named my son Emperor
You see, right now I'm on a mad one
I need red rooms for the whole month, hipster
How can they say I don't want no smoke
Like man don't know I am the drug tester
The young mad boy, old niggas love lecture
Diamond under pressure
Them man are playing Question Time
Talking about who's next in line?
Who the best in Grime?
All we wanna know is who gonna stand the test of time
Labels on the phone and I had to press decline
With a heart like mine how could I quit?
Bought a crib out of the bits
Mumsy proud of the kids
Didn't wanna play us on the radio, we took the ting worldwide
Now man are pissed
I'm a serial cheat, I got too many exes
You don't know high, look, I been dumping
Where was you when that Boy Better Know
And that movement air right now, man are wonderin'
Some of you niggas need humbling
I got drink that needs pouring
Got weed that needs crumbling
Got gyal asking my real name
My mum don't even call me Justin
Look in the mirror, I see king, I see me
I see who? I see what? IC3
Look in the mirror, I see king, I see me
I see what? I see who? IC3
Go on then, go on then, go on then, draw for the 'chete
Bullets start dropping down like confetti
Won't bring a strap if the beef is petty
Nah rudeboy, I just draw for the 'chete
Make your belly look like a bowl of spaghetti
Leave your lip bust and your forehead sweaty
I'll make you wish you never drawed the machete
Go on then, you think you're ready? Greaze
The lyrics to "IC3" by Ghetts Skepta showcase the artists' pride in their Blackness and reflects their experiences in the music industry as Black men. They start by asserting their all-black attire, drawing back and firing, while their colleagues ride out on horseback. They make reference to violence and the reality of the streets before delving into the idea of what it means to be Black in today's world. Ghetts and Skepta express how they have been impacted by their experiences growing up in estates, and how they have used these experiences to fuel their powerful Black presence in the music industry.
The lyrics also reference the power that comes with Black skin, and how they have unlocked and tapped into its potential. Skepta mentions how he is in the Motherland putting racks in the village, emphasizing his desire to contribute to the Black community. He also expresses his disdain for those who tell him to "go back where he came from," while the Queen of England sits on stolen jewels. Overall, "IC3" is a song of empowerment and pride in Black identity, while also exposing the realities of racism and inequality that Black people face on a daily basis.
Line by Line Meaning
All black attire
We are dressed in all black, symbolizing our readiness for conflict.
Draw back and fire
We pull back our weapons and begin shooting.
My nigga dem ride out
My crew rides out to join the fight.
Horseback for hire
We are skilled and capable, like soldiers for hire.
Full clip in the drier
We have a fully loaded gun, ready to be used.
I ain't talking Richard
I'm not referring to Richard Mille watches, I'm talking about something else.
And I'm talking prior
And I'm talking about something that happened before.
What you know about death and bury?
Do you have any knowledge or understanding of death and burial?
What you know about pressing semi?
Do you have any knowledge or experience of using a semi-automatic weapon?
What you know about (greaze)
What do you know about the gritty, street life we live?
What you know about Ghetts and Skeppy?
What do you know about the rap duo consisting of Ghetts and Skepta?
I feel like I'm born again
I feel like I have a new lease on life.
Me and Ghetts on the track and it's feeling like the rooftop all again
Ghetts and I are collaborating on this song, and it reminds us of our earlier successes.
Yeah, we're firing that corn again
We are using firearms again, just like we used to.
Get the toe tags and the bodybags in
Prepare the necessary equipment for dealing with dead bodies.
Soon as they told me about the power that came with the black skin
As soon as I learned about the strength and influence that comes with being black.
Unlocked it, then I tapped in
I embraced that power and utilized it fully.
Alchemist, when I feel the pressure I make diamonds
Like an alchemist, I can turn pressure into something valuable and beautiful.
I cannot stop getting the racks in
I can't stop accumulating wealth and success.
Who would've thought back then we'd be some powerful black men?
Who could have predicted that we would grow up to be strong, influential black men?
Back when we was in estates I was trapped in, trappin'
When we were living in the housing projects, I was involved in illegal activities to make money.
You don't know how it's impacted us
You have no understanding of the impact it has had on our lives.
Can't block a nigga when flats with us
You can't stop us when we're in our neighborhood.
Abandoned flats where the mandem trap
We use abandoned apartments as a base for our illegal activities.
I took a few Ls in my Champion hat
I experienced losses and setbacks while wearing my Champion hat.
Came back like a champion and landed jabs while being branded 'Black'
I came back stronger, like a champion, and fought against prejudice and discrimination as a black individual.
African man, you see the jewels on my neck
I, as an African man, proudly wear expensive jewelry around my neck.
Class of Deja, went school with the best
I attended Deja's (radio station) class and studied alongside the most talented individuals.
When I fire my lyrics, you know I shoot for the chest and the head
When I deliver my powerful lyrics, I aim to impact and resonate deeply with my listeners.
Eyes rolled back, better check if he's dead
When my lyrics hit hard, it can leave a person stunned or even unconscious.
I cannot act for the image
I can't pretend or put on a false persona.
I'm in the Motherland putting racks in the village
I am in Africa, investing and contributing to the development of rural areas.
What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?
What are you talking about? What's your point, Willis?
Ever see me on the iPhone, better know that I'm talking 'bout business
If you see me on the phone, know that I am discussing important business matters.
Don't tell me go back where I came from
Don't suggest that I should return to my country of origin.
While the queen sits there in stolen jewels
While the queen possesses stolen wealth and valuables.
Cool, I'll go back with a chain on
Alright, I will return but with even more wealth and excess, symbolized by a chain.
And light up the place like Akon
I will bring energy and excitement, just like Akon.
Hmm, I got a bullet with your name on
I have a bullet specifically designated for you.
Blood stains on the pavement you played on
There will be evidence of bloodshed and violence on the ground where you once walked.
You think I give a fuck about a loose screw?
Do you think I care about a person who is mentally unstable or unpredictable?
My brother, my whole brain's gone
My brother, my mind is completely devoted to my goals and ambitions.
Look in the mirror, I see king, I see me
When I look in the mirror, I see a powerful individual, a king.
I see who? I see what? IC3
I see my true self, my identity as an IC3 (police classification for black men).
Yeah, please don't talk about numbers
Please do not discuss or compare numbers with me.
I don't wanna hear what he did
I'm not interested in hearing about someone else's accomplishments.
Talk about me, you're talking undefeated
If you talk about me, you're talking about someone who hasn't been defeated.
Talk about S-K-G-H, no introduction needed
When you mention S-K-G-H (Ghetts and Skepta), no introduction is necessary.
The queen offered me the MBE
The queen offered me the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award.
I said no and I raised my fist
I refused the award and instead showed my solidarity and resistance by raising my fist.
I went home, got my chieftaincy
I returned home to my roots and received a position of leadership.
Now I'm back on the strip
Now I am back in my neighborhood or the street, representing and asserting my presence.
Police stop me in the street, they wanna take a pic
The police stop me, not out of suspicion, but to take a picture with me as a notable figure.
There's only one Ghetts and there's only one Skepta
There is no one else like Ghetts or Skepta, we are unique and unparalleled.
Blood of a king, so I named my son Emperor
Having the bloodline of royalty, I named my son Emperor to solidify his noble heritage.
You see, right now I'm on a mad one
Currently, I am in an intense and exhilarating state of mind.
I need red rooms for the whole month, hipster
I want locations or venues painted red for an entire month, challenging the trendy hipster culture.
How can they say I don't want no smoke
How can people claim that I don't want any confrontation or conflict?
Like man don't know I am the drug tester
They underestimate my knowledge and influence in the drug scene.
The young mad boy, old niggas love lecture
As a young, audacious individual, I receive lectures from older individuals.
Diamond under pressure
I shine and thrive even under challenging circumstances.
Them man are playing Question Time
Those individuals are debating and discussing serious topics (like a political debate show).
Talking about who's next in line?
Discussing who will succeed or take the position of power.
Who the best in Grime?
Determining who is the most skilled and talented in the Grime music genre.
All we wanna know is who gonna stand the test of time
All we care about is who will have long-lasting success and relevance.
Labels on the phone and I had to press decline
Record labels are trying to contact me, but I intentionally rejected their offers.
With a heart like mine how could I quit?
With my determined and resilient personality, quitting is not an option.
Bought a crib out of the bits
I purchased a house in an underprivileged neighborhood.
Mumsy proud of the kids
My mother is proud of her children and their accomplishments.
Didn't wanna play us on the radio, we took the ting worldwide
The radio stations didn't want to support our music, so we made it successful globally on our own.
Now man are pissed
Now those individuals are angry or resentful.
I'm a serial cheat, I got too many exes
I have a history of cheating in relationships, with many past partners.
You don't know high, look, I been dumping
You don't understand the extreme and dangerous situations I've been involved in.
Where was you when that Boy Better Know
Where were you when the Boy Better Know (a grime crew) movement was happening?
And that movement air right now, man are wonderin'
The movement is currently in progress, and people are curious and fascinated by it.
Some of you niggas need humbling
Some of you individuals need to be brought down to reality and reminded of your place.
I got drink that needs pouring
I have alcohol that needs to be poured.
Got weed that needs crumbling
I have marijuana that needs to be broken up.
Got gyal asking my real name
Women are curious and interested in knowing my actual name.
My mum don't even call me Justin
Even my own mother doesn't refer to me as Justin.
Go on then, go on then, go on then, draw for the 'chete
Alright then, go ahead and take out the machete (weapon).
Bullets start dropping down like confetti
Bullets are being fired rapidly and falling like celebratory confetti.
Won't bring a strap if the beef is petty
I won't carry a weapon if the conflict is trivial or insignificant.
Nah rudeboy, I just draw for the 'chete
No, my friend, I simply take out the machete.
Make your belly look like a bowl of spaghetti
I will cause severe harm or injury, making your stomach resemble a messy bowl of spaghetti.
Leave your lip bust and your forehead sweaty
I'll leave your lip bleeding and your forehead drenched in sweat.
I'll make you wish you never drawed the machete
I'll make you regret ever wielding the machete.
Go on then, you think you're ready? Greaze
Alright then, you believe you're prepared? Get ready for some confrontational and aggressive attitude.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joseph Adenuga, Justin Samuel, Rio Willis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@calcium90
Don't tell me go back where I came from when the Queen sits there in stolen jewels 🔥🔥🔥 reload that 100 times
@Goonerc5011
Ill go back there with my chains on 👀👂🏽🔥
@Zosima45
@Wesley way waaaaay more than that
@TheBumbleblaise
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🔥🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
@sundeeppatara9561
Drunken state
@tommyfischer7755
And our African gold
@patrickg8144
Today’s kids will never know how big this collab is
@NamelessNicca
Worrrd!!!
@agentinprogress1372
You speak truth
@bairdmurphy4438
pls inform why i dont care but im curiouse