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!”
Listen
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was '07 when I said that grime wouldn't get man a mortgage (listen)
Now I'm in a five bed yard and it turns out man could afford it
It was '06 when I told them niggas share Bimmers and Porsches (listen)
If Stormer was here, he would tell you I come a long way from Chordice (listen)
Come a long way from George's (listen)
You know that (listen)
Fish and chips, I'm from East so we ain't got a Morley's
Favourite's baby, chicken, no korma's (li'-listen)
We was them niggas on corners
Now we're talkin' figures with corporates (listen)
You'd feel sick if you knew what I made from endorsements (listen)
Don't tell me 'bout whip, I made my own lane like a horseman (listen)
Them man are all pricks, I don't like them lanes but I'm cordial (listen)
Still light up a wig and turn man's face into corn meal (listen)
Life's not nice, it's awful
It's your job to decide what haunts you
My dreams came true, it made me immortal
Wait, that's way too formal
I'm in and out Raiden's porthole
I know who I am, I just act like I'm normal
Never had no plug, that just made me resourceful
Desperate measures, y'all know what I may well resort to
I'm from an era where we guard the death so no one can record you
Them man are bystanders, they ain't bad by my standards
There's no playback on payback
I've seen so many deaths, it made this highlander remorseful
That's why I made Next Of Kin
Your friend might be bad, but the good die young
So if I was you, I would not stand next to him (listen)
I see the state they left him in
Even left a limb, where's the rest of him? (listen)
It's harder to dance with the devil when you're living in a city of Gods (listen)
Concrete jungle, land of a million blocks (listen)
Lions, gorillas and crocs
Young man's language, four-fours, four doors, drillers, and opps
Tables, bottles, and silicone thots (listen)
I don't watch much football, but that was a brilliant shot (listen)
You will not see me applaud when I hear the innocent drop (listen)
I can only be fooled when I turn my ignorance on (li'-listen)
I answer God's call like you know what mission I'm on
'90's rudeboy, militant bop
Try me rudeboy, spin it and pop
I maximize wins, take minimum loss
Got it on me now
I don't come back to buy things with legitimate guap
They can't take man for violin, no girl ain't stringing me along, long
Zone 1 to 6, might travel car door, not into the friendzone
I know someone's chick wan' beat me, I'm stored in her phone as Gendo
Monopoly money, they just pretend though
Met her in Tape, told her my name was Lorenzo (listen)
Me and my girlfriend, we're an exceptional couple (listen)
But you see that lyric before? That's gonna get me in trouble (listen)
Back in the day I was stonecold, couldn't do sext and cuddle
I'd ask if you want suttin' from the shop, then jet from the tunnel (listen)
They can't finesse me but I've always respected the hustle (listen)
It's not a laughing matter, but man definitely chuckled (listen)
The hate's bait, the jealousy's subtle (listen)
Free fifteen, don't let me put bells in a double (listen), trouble
We've been looking for these pussyhole yutes all day, yeah
And we ain't found nobody
Just call it a day, man
In the song "Listen" by Ghetts, he reflects on his journey from the early days of grime to his current success. He starts by stating that in 2007, he didn't believe that grime music would lead to financial stability, but now he finds himself in a five bedroom house, proving that he could afford it. He also references his humble beginnings in Chordice, emphasizing how far he has come from those days. Ghetts talks about the growth in his career, moving from street corners to negotiating deals with corporations, earning money from endorsements. He asserts that he has carved his own path to success, likening himself to a horseman making his own lane. He also touches on the darker side of life, acknowledging that it can be awful and haunting, but he's made it through and considers himself immortal. Ghetts concludes by expressing the need to stay vigilant and not to stand next to people who might bring trouble. He highlights the violence and danger of the city, the concrete jungle filled with lions, gorillas, and crocs. Despite all the challenges, Ghetts remains resilient and determined to maximize his wins and minimize his losses.
Overall, "Listen" is a reflective and introspective track that showcases Ghetts' journey and growth as an artist. It touches on themes of success, resilience, and the harsh realities of life in the city.
Line by Line Meaning
It was '07 when I said that grime wouldn't get man a mortgage (listen)
In 2007, I confidently proclaimed that grime music wouldn't provide financial stability or opportunities.
Now I'm in a five bed yard and it turns out man could afford it
However, I've since achieved success and am now living in a five-bedroom house, proving that I was wrong.
It was '06 when I told them niggas share Bimmers and Porsches (listen)
In 2006, I informed others that wealthy individuals would often share luxury cars like BMWs and Porsches.
If Stormer was here, he would tell you I come a long way from Chordice (listen)
If Stormer was present, he could testify to the significant progress I've made since my early days in Chordice.
Come a long way from George's (listen)
Similarly, I've come a long way from George's.
You know that (listen)
You're aware of this.
Fish and chips, I'm from East so we ain't got a Morley's
Being from East, my area doesn't have a Morley's, but we have our own version of popular fast food.
We got that (listen)
We have our own local favorite food.
Favourite's baby, chicken, no korma's (li'-listen)
Specifically, our favorite is baby chicken, without any korma sauce.
We was them niggas on corners
In the past, we were the individuals hanging out on street corners.
Now we're talkin' figures with corporates (listen)
However, now we're engaged in business discussions and negotiations with corporate entities.
You'd feel sick if you knew what I made from endorsements (listen)
If you knew the amount of money I've earned from endorsement deals, you would be astonished.
Don't tell me 'bout whip, I made my own lane like a horseman (listen)
Don't talk to me about luxury cars; I've created my own path to success, just like a horseman.
Them man are all pricks, I don't like them lanes but I'm cordial (listen)
I strongly dislike those individuals; they are unpleasant, but I am still polite towards them.
Still light up a wig and turn man's face into corn meal (listen)
I am capable of inflicting harm and violence upon someone, leaving their face severely damaged.
Life's not nice, it's awful
Life is far from pleasant; in fact, it can be terrible.
It's your job to decide what haunts you
Each person has the responsibility to determine what troubles them emotionally.
My dreams came true, it made me immortal
I achieved my ambitions, which has made me feel like I will live forever.
Wait, that's way too formal
Actually, that description sounds overly serious.
I'm in and out Raiden's porthole
In a figurative sense, I move swiftly and nimbly, like the video game character Raiden.
I know who I am, I just act like I'm normal
I have a clear understanding of my identity, even though I sometimes pretend to be ordinary.
Never had no plug, that just made me resourceful
I never relied on others for assistance; instead, I became resourceful.
Desperate measures, y'all know what I may well resort to
If necessary, I am willing to take extreme actions that you might be familiar with.
I'm from an era where we guard the death so no one can record you
I'm from a time when we protected our activities so they couldn't be documented or captured.
Them man are bystanders, they ain't bad by my standards
Those individuals are mere observers; they don't meet my definition of being tough or skilled.
There's no playback on payback
There's no opportunity for retaliation or revenge.
I've seen so many deaths, it made this highlander remorseful
Having witnessed numerous deaths, it has caused me, a resilient individual, to feel regret.
That's why I made Next Of Kin
The reason I created the song 'Next Of Kin' is because of these experiences.
Your friend might be bad, but the good die young
Although your friend might have a reputation for being tough, good people often die young.
So if I was you, I would not stand next to him (listen)
Therefore, if I were in your position, I would avoid standing alongside your friend.
I see the state they left him in
I've observed the distressing condition they left him in.
Even left a limb, where's the rest of him? (listen)
They even severed one of his limbs; where is the remainder of his body?
It's harder to dance with the devil when you're living in a city of Gods (listen)
Living among powerful individuals in a city filled with influential figures makes it more difficult to engage in immoral activities with dangerous people.
Concrete jungle, land of a million blocks (listen)
This city is like a concrete jungle, comprised of countless buildings and neighborhoods.
Lions, gorillas and crocs
Metaphorically, this city is populated by fearless, powerful individuals.
Young man's language, four-fours, four doors, drillers, and opps
In this urban environment, young individuals communicate using slang terms related to firearms, luxury cars with four doors, criminals, and enemies.
Tables, bottles, and silicone thots (listen)
We frequently encounter scenes of parties, alcohol, and women with surgically enhanced bodies.
I don't watch much football, but that was a brilliant shot (listen)
I'm not a big fan of football, but I must admit that was an impressive shot.
You will not see me applaud when I hear the innocent drop (listen)
I won't show any appreciation or support when innocent individuals are harmed or killed.
I can only be fooled when I turn my ignorance on (li'-listen)
I can only be deceived when I purposefully choose to ignore the truth.
I answer God's call like you know what mission I'm on
I respond to what I believe is God's calling with a clear sense of purpose and direction.
'90's rudeboy, militant bop
I have a rebellious attitude and walk with a confident, assertive swagger, reminiscent of rudeboys from the 1990s.
Try me rudeboy, spin it and pop
If you dare challenge me, rudeboy, I will swiftly retaliate and cause harm.
I maximize wins, take minimum loss
I strive to achieve the greatest possible success and minimize any potential losses.
Got it on me now
I am currently carrying a weapon for protection.
I don't come back to buy things with legitimate guap
I don't return to my old neighborhood to spend money earned through legitimate means.
They can't take man for violin, no girl ain't stringing me along, long
Others cannot manipulate or control me; I won't allow anyone to deceive or play games with me.
Zone 1 to 6, might travel car door, not into the friendzone
I'm familiar with various areas in London (Zones 1 to 6), and I might drive around in a car, but I have no interest in being just friends with someone.
I know someone's chick wan' beat me, I'm stored in her phone as Gendo
I'm aware that someone's partner desires me, as she has saved my name as 'Gendo' on her phone.
Monopoly money, they just pretend though
The money they possess is fake, like Monopoly money; it's all just a façade.
Met her in Tape, told her my name was Lorenzo (listen)
I met her at a nightclub called Tape and introduced myself as Lorenzo.
Me and my girlfriend, we're an exceptional couple (listen)
My girlfriend and I are an extraordinary pair.
But you see that lyric before? That's gonna get me in trouble (listen)
However, using a particular previously written lyric might cause me some difficulty or controversy.
Back in the day I was stonecold, couldn't do sext and cuddle
In the past, I had a tough, unemotional demeanor and was unable to engage in intimate and affectionate activities.
I'd ask if you want suttin' from the shop, then jet from the tunnel (listen)
I used to offer to buy something from the store, only to quickly leave through a hidden passage.
They can't finesse me but I've always respected the hustle (listen)
Others can't deceive or manipulate me, but I've always admired and respected their hard work and determination.
It's not a laughing matter, but man definitely chuckled (listen)
Although it's a serious issue, I couldn't help but find some amusement in it.
The hate's bait, the jealousy's subtle (listen)
The hatred directed towards me is obvious and predictable, while the jealousy is more subdued and hidden.
Free fifteen, don't let me put bells in a double (listen), trouble
My associates who were previously incarcerated are now free, and I warn others not to provoke any conflicts that could lead to dangerous situations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Justin Clarke, Karl Joseph
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
CAHI
It was '07 when I said that grime wouldn't get man a mortgage (Listen)
Now I'm in a five bed yard and it turns out man could afford it
It was '06 when I told them next year, Bimmers and Porsches (Listen)
If Stormer was here, he would tell you I come a long way from Chordice (Listen)
Come a long way from George's (Listen)
You know that (Listen)
Fish and chips, I'm from East so we ain't got a Morley's
We got that (Listen)
Favourite's baby, chicken, no korma's (Li'-Listen)
We was them niggas on corners
Now we're talkin' figures with corporates (Listen)
You'd feel sick if you knew what I made from endorsements (Listen)
Don't tell me 'bout whip, I made my own lane like a horseman (Listen)
Them man are all pricks, I don't like them lames but I'm cordial (Listen)
Still light up a wig and turn man's face into corn milk (Listen)
Life's not nice, it's awful
It's your job to decide what haunts you
My dreams came true, it made me immortal
Wait, that's way too formal
I'm in and out Raiden's porthole
I know who I am, I just act like I'm normal
Never had no plug, that just made me resourceful
Desperate measures, y'all know what I may well resort to
I'm from an era where we all did dirt so no one can record you
Them man are bystanders, they ain't bad by my standards
There's no playback on payback
I've seen so many deaths, it made this highlander remorseful
That's why I made next of kin
Your friend might be bad, but the good die young
So if I was you, I would not stand next to him (Listen)
I see the state they left him in
Even left a limb, where's the rest of him? (Listen)
It's harder to dance with the devil when you're living in a city of Gods (Listen)
Concrete jungle, land of a million blocks (Listen)
Lions, gorillas and crocs
Young man's language, four-fours, four doors, drillers, and opps
Tables, bottles, and silicone thots (Listen)
I don't watch much football, but that was a brilliant shot (Listen)
You will not see me applaude when I hear the innocent drop (Listen)
I can only be fooled when I turn my ignorance on (Li'-Listen)
I answer God's call like you know what mission I'm on
'90s rudeboy, militant bop
Try me rudeboy, spin it and pop
I maximise wins, take minimum loss
Got it on me now
I don't come back to buy things with legitimate guap
They can't take man for violin, no girl ain't stringing me along
Long
Zone 1 to 6, my travel card will not enter the friendzone
I know someone's chick wan' beat me, I'm stored in her phone as Gendo
Monopoly money, they just pretend though
Met her in Tape, told her my name was Lorenzo (Listen)
Me and my girlfriend, we're an exceptional couple (Listen)
But you see that lyric before? That's gonna get me in trouble (Listen)
Back in the day I was stonecold, couldn't do sext and cuddle
I'd ask if you want suttin' from the shop, then jet for the tunnel (Listen)
They can't finesse me but I've always respected the hustle (Listen)
It's not a laughing matter, but man definitely chuckled (Listen)
The hate's bait, the jealousy's subtle (Listen)
Free fifteen, don't let me put bells in a double (Listen), trouble
[Outro]
We've been looking for these pussyo yutes all day, yeah
And we ain't found nobody
Just call it a day, man
Zac Alsop
Oi listennnnn!!! Ghetts is the coldest. Could do absolute bits releasing consistent bangers like this.
Pappa Bear
The Zac and jayyy showwww
Joe Reeves
Wdum could do bits? He's already done bits
charlierichards.
@Joe Reeves ini😂
DonKaiBS5
Done bits my guy or was you to young at them times?
AJB93
Been doing bits
Slick JayBeatz
i want everyone to put respect on this guys name. ghetts one of the coldest UK rappers of all time.
Marcus Young
Slick JayBeatz on god 🤞🏿
Talk Facts
shoulda replied to scrufizzer then I would rate him
Tman
Talk Facts why you here if you don’t rate him?🤷🏽♂️