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!”
Menace
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll state my thoughts on anyone's premises even if it's negative
I'll show you what a menace is
I do music, shot and still claim benefits
Gunshot specialist, long range it and ask Nemesis
Niggas wanna know what my method is
No I ain't delicate, I'll bust my 'ting for the hell of it
I ain't gonna say I don't ever miss
I'll catch you on foot tryna' beg a lift
You wish you could fly like Pegasus
Don't think I do it to be credited
You think you're hard like our Mega did
, I'm like a terrorist
I'll blow anyone up I ain't prejudice
You don't want B-Double-E-F I'll spray the C-S, thrown off on a Gilera VX
You wanna play games? play CS I'm armed
It's something like Vietnam
I'm a menace come out around tennish
Been doing this before bound for bound perished
When I was hungry you weren't even peckish
I was letting off bullets in the Chemist
I let the place blemish, these times I cherish
I'll bury a ferret on his own terrace
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
Desperate times desperate measures
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
Desperate times desperate measures
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
I'm a menace like 'O' Dog
I'll give your gran a menace for a blowjob
Another ten for her clothes off
She's stiff like a robot
But there ain't nothing I won't want
I'm just fucking about, but I'll bust in her mouth
And when I go soft? I'll send her back to the corner
Right next to the postbox, I'm a nasty piece of work
I might beat your bird, and leave her skirt with her hole deep of sperm
You probably think G's a perv, but I'm not I just lead the nerves
Cause I'm just that sick, but I ain't gotta hold girls captive
I'm an attractive young black kid, plus I do music still I'm on the road so I haven't adapted
I don't wanna mix the both, but when pricks provoke I just might put sticks to throats
See which one of you's missed the most, man'll watch me like there's no G's to scope
Screwface I'll be like fix your boat, why screw when I find you
Even if you have no fix, the road two moves: flick and poke
Two two's Here's a ghost,
you lose I'll put the Iron in the niggas chest something like a boob tube
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
Desperate times desperate measures
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
Desperate times desperate measures
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
It's G-H I be on the grind
You better know I don't stop for a tea break
I might fail, cause I'm like L
I'm the nigga police hate, in each state
I've been a menace before I could pee straight (How Ironic?)
Cause I'm taking the piss now, you can put your life on it
I'm honest, ready to die like Wallace
If any you guys wan' it, why long it? I promise
I ain't doing it for a new rewind topic
I ain't gonna get stripes from it I'm psychotic
When I've got a knife I don't care who's quite solid
I'll have you under your car like hydraulics
So what if your friends are hyper like phonics
It's like abolic, I'll fire the rocket at the guy on my bonnet if it's me you try abolish
It's E-Double-T-O nigga peeps know I keep chrome in my jeans
I'm a target now that my boats on the screen so I can't slip until I own a machine
Your're a halfwit if you're approaching my team, you'll be in a casket, not open to be seen
When I open fire, I'll bring down your whole empire and blow from the scene
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
Desperate times desperate measures
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
Desperate times desperate measures
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
In Ghetts's song Menace, he showcases his prowess as a skilled rapper and storyteller. The lyrics focus on the persona and the actions of a man who is self-proclaimed as a force to be reckoned with. He freely shares his thoughts on any topic, both positive and negative, and showcases his ability to cause trouble and controversy. Ghetts also references his involvement in music and selling drugs while still claiming benefits, indicating a lifestyle of hustling and surviving on the edge.
Throughout the song, Ghetts uses vivid language to describe his weapon of choice, his skillset in marksmanship, and his willingness to cause harm to those who cross him. He claims to be a specialist in gunshot, able to hit long-range targets and take out anyone who becomes his enemy. He also admits that he's not perfect and that he's missed shots before. But, his approach to life is devilish and hard-nosed, always showing off his street smarts and ability to get the job done.
As the song progresses, Ghetts tells stories of his actions as a menace, including his interactions with women and his willingness to take on anyone who threatens him. He doesn't seek credit for his actions and admits that he'll run from the police if he gets caught. The song paints a picture of a man who has been hardened by his experiences and has no time for the weakness of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a force to be reckoned with
I am a powerful and intimidating presence
I'll state my thoughts on anyone's premises even if it's negative
I will express my opinions even if they are unpopular or critical
I'll show you what a menace is
I will demonstrate what it means to be a dangerous and unstable person
I do music, shot and still claim benefits
Despite being involved in illegal activities, I still claim government benefits and pursue music
Gunshot specialist, long range it and ask Nemesis
I am skilled at using guns to shoot from long distances and will challenge anyone who doubts my abilities
Niggas wanna know what my method is
People are curious about how I operate and achieve my goals
No I ain't delicate, I'll bust my 'ting for the hell of it
I am not fragile and will use my weapon without hesitation or reason
I ain't gonna say I don't ever miss
I am not perfect and will occasionally fail in my endeavors
I'm O.T but I can be devilish call me a pessimist
I am out of town but can still be wicked and negative
I'll catch you on foot tryna' beg a lift
I will find and confront you while you are trying to hitchhike
You wish you could fly like Pegasus
You envy my freedom and mobility
Don't think I do it to be credited
I do not engage in these activities for recognition or fame
You think you're hard like our Mega did
You believe you are tough like a former associate named Mega
, I'm like a terrorist
I behave like a terrorist, causing chaos and destruction
I'll blow anyone up I ain't prejudice
I will attack anyone, regardless of race or background
You don't want B-Double-E-F I'll spray the C-S, thrown off on a Gilera VX
You do not want to cross me, as I will use my weapon on you while riding my motorcycle
You wanna play games? play CS I'm armed
If you want to engage in a fight, I am ready and have weapons
It's something like Vietnam
My current situation is reminiscent of the conflicts that occurred in Vietnam
I'm a menace come out around tennish
I am a dangerous person and often come out around the time of ten at night
Been doing this before bound for bound perished
I have been engaging in illegal activities long before others perished in similar situations
When I was hungry you weren't even peckish
When I was struggling financially and needed assistance, you were not experiencing the same level of need
I was letting off bullets in the Chemist
I was firing my gun in public spaces, such as a drug store
I let the place blemish, these times I cherish
I caused damage and destruction, memories that I find valuable
I'll bury a ferret on his own terrace
I will dispose of someone's dead body on their property
I'm a menace damn right I said it
I am a dangerous and unpredictable person and proudly claim that fact
I don't want credit feds come I leg it
I do not seek recognition or fame and will flee from law enforcement
Desperate times desperate measures
In difficult situations, extreme actions are necessary
Run up on fellas' that came to drug sell us
I will confront and attack individuals who came to sell drugs to me
I'm a menace like 'O' Dog
I am a dangerous person, like a character named 'O' Dog in the movie 'Menace II Society'
I'll give your gran a menace for a blowjob
I will provide an unpleasant experience for your grandmother during a sexual act
Another ten for her clothes off
I will pay an additional ten dollars for your grandmother to remove her clothes
She's stiff like a robot
Your grandmother is not responsive and appears lifeless
But there ain't nothing I won't want
I have no limits or boundaries in my desires or actions
I'm just fucking about, but I'll bust in her mouth
I am joking around, but would also engage in oral sex with your grandmother
And when I go soft? I'll send her back to the corner Right next to the postbox
After I lose my erection, I will return your grandmother to the location where we met (next to the postbox)
I'm a nasty piece of work
I am a cruel and unpleasant person
I might beat your bird, and leave her skirt with her hole deep of sperm
I may physically abuse your girlfriend and leave her with semen in her vagina
You probably think G's a perv, but I'm not I just lead the nerves
You may view me as a perverted person, but I am simply confident and brave
Cause I'm just that sick, but I ain't gotta hold girls captive
I am mentally unstable, but I do not need to keep women hostage to satisfy my desires
I'm an attractive young black kid, plus I do music still I'm on the road so I haven't adapted
I am a good-looking young black man who pursues music, but my lifestyle has not evolved or matured
I don't wanna mix the both, but when pricks provoke I just might put sticks to throats
I do not want to combine my music career with illegal activities, but I will defend myself and attack others when provoked
See which one of you's missed the most, man'll watch me like there's no G's to scope
I will determine which of my enemies I have harmed the most, and they will watch me closely, believing that I am vulnerable
Screwface I'll be like fix your boat, why screw when I find you
I will have a serious and threatening expression on my face when I confront you, asking you to repair your 'boat' (a metaphor for your life) before I attack you
Even if you have no fix, the road two moves: flick and poke
If you do not have a solution, the only option left is to fight back with quick and unpredictable actions
Two two's Here's a ghost, you lose I'll put the Iron in the niggas chest something like a boob tube
In a quick and deadly confrontation, I will come out as the winner and use a gun to kill someone, leaving them with a hole in their chest
It's G-H I be on the grind
My name is G-H and I work hard to succeed
You better know I don't stop for a tea break
I am dedicated and do not take breaks, even for leisure
I might fail, cause I'm like L
I may fail in my endeavors, as I am similar to a character named L who failed in 'Death Note'
I'm the nigga police hate, in each state
Law enforcement officials dislike and actively pursue me in every location
I've been a menace before I could pee straight (How Ironic?)
I have been dangerous and disruptive since I was too young to urinate accurately, a paradoxical statement
Cause I'm taking the piss now, you can put your life on it
I am currently being careless or humorous, and you can trust that statement
I'm honest, ready to die like Wallace
I am truthful and willing to risk my life for my beliefs, similar to the character Wallace in 'The Wire'
If any you guys wan' it, why long it? I promise
If anyone wants to fight me, they should not hesitate, as I guarantee a serious battle
I ain't doing it for a new rewind topic
I am not engaging in these activities for the sake of generating viral content or attention
When I've got a knife I don't care who's quite solid
When I am armed with a knife, I will attack anyone, regardless of their strength or resistance
I'll have you under your car like hydraulics
I will attack you when you are in a vulnerable position, such as working on your car
So what if your friends are hyper like phonics
I do not care if your friends are energetic or boastful
It's like abolic, I'll fire the rocket at the guy on my bonnet if it's me you try abolish
I will use a rocket launcher to attack someone who tries to eliminate me or undermine my power
It's E-Double-T-O nigga peeps know I keep chrome in my jeans
My name is E-Double-T-O and people are aware that I carry a gun in my pants
I'm a target now that my boats on the screen so I can't slip until I own a machine
I am now a high-profile person due to my success in music, so I must have my own security team in order to avoid danger
Your're a halfwit if you're approaching my team, you'll be in a casket, not open to be seen
You are foolish if you try to confront my crew, as you will end up dead and buried
When I open fire, I'll bring down your whole empire and blow from the scene
When I use my gun, I will destroy everything you have built and quickly escape
Contributed by Madison J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.