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!”
Intro
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No strings attached, it′s something like a plimsoll
Just to get info', grime to me′s like jazz was to Nat King Cole
They don't want to let me in the mainstream door, give a diss
So, I'ma come through the back window
This be The Calm Before The Storm
Hurricane Ghetts, yes, I arrive when the wind blows
These MCs all talk the talk
Me, I walk the walk, bare foot like a Flintstone
The bike′s like I ain′t eating enough
Real talk, I feel full after a spring roll
And I ain't never been big
But now, I′m slimmer than my insoles
Still, I ain't the nigga you can insult
Face to face, it ain′t the same case
It's more like "Ghetts, what′s wrong with you?"
"I just wanna do a song with you"
"How the hell can I be on F Radio if I don't get along with you?"
Look, it's a par, it′s a long pursuit
My bars would be under booth
2000 and life, then I came with the Gospel
Then I made Freedom of Speech
I got the crowd on my side, I′m blatantly on form
Best MC on the scene
Even the founder of grime says I'm responsible
For decreasing his lead
There ain′t a doubt in my mind who's taking me off course
I believe in my dream, three CDs deep (classics)
And I′m back with another one
When another MC says my name
They always say Ghetto's the same as Kane
I ain′t never heard nobody come with another one
And I ain't a battle MC but they all wanna hear me battle MCs
Where does it end? They'll always be another one
Had a deal, now I′m in talks of another one
In fact, let′s talk about that
If my name was Money, I'd talk about cash
I′ma take eighty thousand for the album
Squash all this talk about clash
There ain't no money in it and at my age, it′s all about stacks
Most man hate on Stryder and Chip like
"All they make is water down tracks"
Niggas hates progress
Hate the new me, rate the old Ghetts
To me, it makes no sense
Change is part of the process
If Wiley never made Rolex
See whether I made top five dough yet
Sometimes, I feel like I've outgrown sets
Still I give one hundred percent, no less
I don′t wanna write bars for a set
I just wanna write bars for a cheque
And I don't wanna write bars over clash
I just wanna write bars over track
I used to write bars to respect
But now I know how far I'm ahead
Now I just wanna write songs that are gone
′Cause I ain′t where I belong, am I wrong?
Well, am I?
Never been more right
But still I get it in more time
Who's helping the team?
Who else in the scene but Will, could ever bring more guys?
And I know deep down, most of them wouldn′t return the favour
Apart from Devlin or Lights
So, why am I helping out when I need help?
There's no help about, it′s alright
I'll get there, take a jet there
See Griminal, Rapid and Devz there
See Kane, Scorcher, Mercston and Wretch there (yeah)
It don′t matter who's next there (nah)
As long as we all get there (yeah)
I wanna get there, I won't forget here
Went from sitting on the wall to a deck, yeah
I′m like sorry, it′s your time, next year
This is The Calm Before The Storm
I'm so sorry for the delay
You know me, it′s more than entertainment to me
Come back, have to raise the levels and shit
Does this so often
Don't ever doubt me
You don′t hear me, don't think I′m sitting at home
With a joint out and a zoot in my mouth
Ain't my style
I get it in
In "Intro," Ghetts discusses his experiences in the music industry, the challenges he has faced, and his aspirations for the future. He suggests that grime is as valuable to him as jazz was to Nat King Cole, and that he is dedicated to the genre. He acknowledges the difficulty he has had in being accepted by the mainstream, but he remains undeterred. Ghetts asserts that he has always been someone who walks the walk, taking concrete steps to achieve his goals. He discusses his current level of success, stating that he is three CDs deep into his career, with a number of critical classics under his belt. Despite any setbacks, Ghetts is confident that he will continue working toward the career he wants.
Line by Line Meaning
Involved with the intro
Playing a part in the beginning
No strings attached, it's something like a plimsoll
There are no obligations, similar to a plimsoll without laces
Just to get info', grime to me's like jazz was to Nat King Cole
Grime music is as significant to me as jazz was to Nat King Cole
They don't want to let me in the mainstream door, give a diss
They refuse to allow me into the mainstream and instead criticize me
So, I'ma come through the back window
I'll find a way to succeed even if it means entering through the backdoor
This be The Calm Before The Storm
This is the period of tranquility before chaos
Hurricane Ghetts, yes, I arrive when the wind blows
I am a force to be reckoned with, making my entrance when the conditions are favorable
I run wild like a dingo
I act freely and without restraint like a wild dingo
These MCs all talk the talk
These other rappers only boast about their skills
Me, I walk the walk, bare foot like a Flintstone
I back up my words with actions, just like the Flintstones who walk barefoot
The bike's like I ain't eating enough
Riding a bike is not enough to satisfy my hunger for success
Real talk, I feel full after a spring roll
In reality, I feel content and satisfied after achieving even small victories
And I ain't never been big
I have never been a huge artist
But now, I’m slimmer than my insoles
Currently, I am lesser known and less influential than the soles of my shoes
Still, I ain't the nigga you can insult
Nevertheless, I am not someone you can disrespect
Face to face, it ain't the same case
Interactions in person are not as straightforward
It's more like 'Ghetts, what's wrong with you?'
People often question me and my actions
'I just wanna do a song with you'
Many artists express their desire to collaborate with me
'How the hell can I be on F Radio if I don't get along with you?'
There's a paradox if I am not on good terms with artists who are part of the radio station
Look, it's a par, it's a long pursuit
This situation is a challenge and a lengthy endeavor
My bars would be under booth
My lyrical ability would be undervalued or restricted
2000 and life, then I came with the Gospel
I have been active in the music industry since 2000 and gained recognition with my unique style
Then I made Freedom of Speech
Following my previous success, I released 'Freedom of Speech'
I got the crowd on my side, I'm blatantly on form
The audience fully supports me as I am at my very best
Best MC on the scene
I am widely regarded as the top MC in the music industry
Even the founder of grime says I'm responsible
Even the originator of grime music credits me for its success
For decreasing his lead
My contributions have surpassed the achievements of the grime genre's founder
There ain't a doubt in my mind who's taking me off course
I am fully aware that I am the only one who can divert my path
I believe in my dream, three CDs deep (classics)
I have faith in my artistic vision, having released three albums that are regarded as classics
And I'm back with another one
I have returned with yet another project
When another MC says my name
When another rapper mentions me
They always say Ghetto's the same as Kane
Their comparisons often relate me to another artist, Kane
I ain't never heard nobody come with another one
I have not encountered anyone who can deliver something unique like me
And I ain't a battle MC but they all wanna hear me battle MCs
Even though I am not known for battling other MCs, they still want to witness me engage in lyrical warfare
Where does it end? They'll always be another one
There seems to be no end to the demand for battle MCs, as there will always be someone new
Had a deal, now I’m in talks of another one
Having previously signed a record deal, I am currently negotiating another one
In fact, let's talk about that
Actually, let's discuss that topic
If my name was Money, I’d talk about cash
If my stage name was Money, I would rap about wealth and material possessions
I'ma take eighty thousand for the album
I am willing to accept a payment of eighty thousand for the album
Squash all this talk about clash
Put an end to the rumors and discussions about confrontation
There ain't no money in it and at my age, it's all about stacks
Engaging in battles is not financially rewarding, and at this point in my career, it's all about accumulating wealth
Most man hate on Stryder and Chip like 'All they make is water down tracks'
Many individuals criticize artists like Stryder and Chip, claiming their music lacks substance
Niggas hates progress
People dislike seeing progress and success
Hate the new me, rate the old Ghetts
They despise the current version of me but appreciate the old Ghetts
To me, it makes no sense
In my opinion, this mindset is illogical
Change is part of the process
Transformation is a natural part of personal growth
If Wiley never made Rolex
If Wiley hadn't achieved great success
See whether I made top five dough yet
Determine if I have reached the level of financial success achieved by the top five artists
Sometimes, I feel like I've outgrown sets
At times, I feel that I have surpassed the level of performance and talent associated with certain music events
Still I give one hundred percent, no less
Regardless, I always give my utmost effort
I don't wanna write bars for a set
I am not interested in crafting lyrics solely for live performances
I just wanna write bars for a cheque
Instead, I prefer to write lyrics that will earn me money
And I don't wanna write bars over clash
I have no desire to engage in lyrical battles
I just wanna write bars over track
Rather, I want to focus on creating lyrics over instrumentals
I used to write bars to respect
In the past, I wrote lyrics to earn respect from my peers
But now I know how far I'm ahead
However, I now realize that I am far more advanced than those around me
Now I just wanna write songs that are gone
My current objective is to create timeless songs
'Cause I ain't where I belong, am I wrong?
Because I haven't reached my intended destination, am I mistaken?
Well, am I?
That is the question
Never been more right
I have never been more certain
But still I get it in more time
Yet, I continue to face challenges and obstacles
Who's helping the team?
Who else is supporting our group?
Who else in the scene but Will, could ever bring more guys?
Aside from Will, who else from the music scene could gather a larger group?
And I know deep down, most of them wouldn't return the favour
I am aware that the majority of them would not reciprocate the help
Apart from Devlin or Lights
Except for Devlin or Lights
So, why am I helping out when I need help?
Why am I supporting others when I also require assistance?
There's no help about, it's alright
There is a lack of assistance, but I will manage
I'll get there, take a jet there
I will eventually achieve success and travel in style
See Griminal, Rapid and Devz there
I will reunite with Griminal, Rapid, and Devz at that destination
See Kane, Scorcher, Mercston and Wretch there (yeah)
I will also encounter Kane, Scorcher, Mercston, and Wretch there
It don't matter who's next there (nah)
The specific individuals present do not really matter
As long as we all get there (yeah)
What truly matters is that we all reach our destination together
I wanna get there, I won't forget here
I aspire to succeed, but I will not forget where I started
Went from sitting on the wall to a deck, yeah
I transitioned from being an observer to actively participating and succeeding
I'm like sorry, it's your time, next year
I apologize, but your moment will come in the following year
This is The Calm Before The Storm
This is the period of tranquility before chaos
I'm so sorry for the delay
I apologize for the delay
You know me, it's more than entertainment to me
You understand that this is more than just entertainment for me
Come back, have to raise the levels and shit
I have returned and need to elevate the quality and standards
Does this so often
I repeatedly deliver at this level
Don't ever doubt me
Never question my abilities
You don't hear me, don't think I'm sitting at home
If you don't hear from me, don't assume I am idle
With a joint out and a zoot in my mouth
Smoking a joint and relaxing
Ain't my style
That is not my preferred lifestyle
I get it in
I am constantly working hard and being productive
Writer(s): Jacoby White, Miguel Scott, Lee F. Dixon, Aaron B. Tyler, Terry Keith Allen, Jay W. Jenkins, Andre P. Manuel
Contributed by Penelope H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ladi
still one of ghetts hardest tracks
No Comment
The best intro track in grime history
Kurt MCFC
"Involved from the intro" 1 second after the beat starts gotta be the hardest start to a track i've ever heard.
Olly Redding
2022- ghetts tracks are timeless man
one punch man
Still my favorite intro
young riaz
Ghetts is one of my favourite grime artists
Arkan Kruger
Still bumpin this 2019
Kaz
2023 lol still hard
nightmare thug
he is sick as fk crazy bars
Jonathan Ward
STILL LISTENING #2014 ghetts goin in hard!!!!