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!”
Red Pill
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I got scars from the scraps I've been in
At least a glass in my hand when I swing
Wanna take me apart & dismantle my limbs
Your drunk you can’t handle your drink
A lot of men put their lives on the line
Only God knows what these gamblers think
Sometimes I’m surprised I’m alive
I don’t wanna risk my life its worth more
At least I never had to fight a turf war
Living in a place where crime occurs more
Man are like yo I just buss mine
So its only right you burst yours
I’m a leader not a follower
I’m a need at least a reason to body ya
In defense or its me with the coroner
Jesus Christ
I’m tryna walk on a righteous path
Anybody that knows me well would tell you I don’t wanna right violent bars
And anybody that knows me well would tell you my mans got a diamond heart
Plus I’m getting older and wiser darg
I analyse my life to find myself
Body spirit soul mind apart
But expect that some of the old fans won’t respect that
But I’m a grown man (grown man una)
And ill be damned if my music now don’t reflect that
I ain't one of these new wave dons
I don’t wanna be the hardest out
I’m influenced by lupe’ songs
Substance in abundance
And if you wondered what I’m gonna come with next
Probably won’t appeal to some younger’s
See I know what they wanna hear
They wanna hear me say to an MC
Suck ya mum and she’s got Gonorrhea!
I way too deep for that
I’m one of these people that don’t believe the crap the media been feeding man
I’m feeling fam
Someone digging in deeper than a rassclart preacher can
Most of the worlds plugged into the Matrix
How do you know
I took the red pill
Now I’m accustomed to the basics
Screaming knowledge is power
Open a book knowledge is ours
Now I can have an argument in Parliament with them when its politics hour
They say run man a David Blaine them man are on a next frequency
But if you ain't got an open mind
You can watch and not even see
My mother used to tell me frequently
Young blood know where you come from
Yes the subjects deep indeed
I know where I come from know where I’m heading
Outsiders get air when they’re breadin
I don’t need your approval
I don’t care is what I tell em
I’m just being truthful
This here’s in my denims
Before you could search google
I had a career so F’ em
Until its my funeral
Ima be right here selling
I ain't the usual
Are you aware I’m a peasant
But I got ambition n****
So I see the bigger picture
And I can’t see competion
Unless its in the mirror
Ambition n****
So I see the bigger picture
And I can’t see competion
Unless its in the mirror
Let me tell you what my reportoire is
Life and the drama
I thank God that I got a strong partner
One day its like I’m living in a beach house
Next day its like I’m living in the Gaza
State of mind gotta take my time with it though
Tell myself there ain't much time till I blow
When I blow you won't see me all icy ya know
Wrist already pricey ill tell you what I see you know
Living in a country when IC3 ain't as important as IC1
They wan like only blacks have 3 8′s
And the white man can never have one
Whapen to equality
The Governments fucking up the economy I never talk Politics
Usually swerve the controversy
I wan talk real life Monopoly
Imagine if Jack was Jill
And Humpty was Dorothy what i’m just saying we don’t know whats real
We’re all programmed still
Let me leave that
Jump in the Merc and lean back
Pump some wale on a deep track
Thats why they’re gonna love me for my ambition
No matter the position
Tatt’s all on my arms if i’m getting married I ain't getting a pre-nupt
Kilo grams I kill it with Cheese Skunk
Phone anybody else for the cheese
My girls got an Ora no Rita
These other girls never level on a meter
But I might beat her
Really I need to see a preacher or pastor
Forgive me father
For committing adultery
I just wanted to ball like parker
Hurting those that are close to me
Mum don’t approve of the work trade
Early hours of the morning in the work place
Just me tanita and a suitcase
Bags of reefa let the room haze
Tell my woman ill be back in a few days
I never hear you moan when im buying shit
I don’t wanna hear you moan when im grinding
Wanna know why im always smiling
Cos I got a hollywood smile prick
Can't miss me in any picture i’m in
I don’t wanna hear a pussyhole hyping
If he ain't straight outline him
More time im on a vibes ting
Ghetts pulled me up about light-skin
Said Merc’s brudda watch what your writing
Take a watch of this DVD
I heard say you never wanna listen this
You affe take in these frequencies
Don’t be lost in the Belly of the Beast
Knowledge is food feast
I got ambition
I got ambition
See what car im whipping
Ambition
I got ambition
See what car im whipping
Fuck all of these women I got ambition
In the song "Red Pill" by Ghetts, the rapper reflects on his personal growth and evolution, providing insights into the struggles he has faced in life. He acknowledges the scars he has from the "scraps" he's been in and talks about his alcoholic friends who can't handle their drinks. Ghetts also accepts that he's been lucky to survive despite his bad luck and jinxed personality. He talks about his inclination towards righteousness and how he analyses himself to align his thoughts and beliefs accordingly. He mentions his desire to distance himself from violent content and focus on substance and intellectualism in his music. He takes inspiration from Lupe's music and wants to educate people through his lyrics.
Moreover, Ghetts criticizes the government's failure in maintaining equality and bridging the gap between the different races in society. He highlights the flaws in the education system and cultural programming that has affected the way we perceive reality. Nonetheless, he maintains a level of self-motivation and drive, insisting on his "ambition" and the "bigger picture" he sees for himself. The song ends with Ghetts boasting about his ambition and success while letting go of any unwanted negativity.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain’t got tats on my skin
I don't have tattoos on my skin
But I got scars from the scraps I've been in
However, I have scars from the battles I have fought
At least a glass in my hand when I swing
At least I have a drink in my hand when I fight
Wanna take me apart & dismantle my limbs
They want to break me down and destroy me
Your drunk you can’t handle your drink
You're drunk and can't handle your alcohol
A lot of men put their lives on the line
Many men risk their lives
Only God knows what these gamblers think
Only God knows what these risk-takers are thinking
Sometimes I’m surprised I’m alive
Sometimes I am amazed that I am still alive
My lucks bad I’m a jinx
My luck is bad, and I seem to be cursed
I don’t wanna risk my life its worth more
I don't want to put my life at risk because it is valuable
At least I never had to fight a turf war
Thankfully, I have never had to engage in a territorial dispute
Living in a place where crime occurs more
Living in a location where crime happens frequently
Man are like yo I just buss mine
Some people say, 'I just use mine'
So its only right you burst yours
So it's only fair that you use yours
I’m a leader not a follower
I am a leader rather than a follower
I’m a need at least a reason to body ya
I require a valid reason to harm you
In defense or its me with the coroner
Either in self-defense or it will be me dead and investigated by the coroner
Jesus Christ
A exclamation of surprise or disbelief
I’m tryna walk on a righteous path
I am trying to follow a moral and just path
Anybody that knows me well would tell you I don’t wanna right violent bars
Those who truly know me would say that I don't want to write violent lyrics
And anybody that knows me well would tell you my mans got a diamond heart
And those who know me well would confirm that I have a kind and compassionate heart
Plus I’m getting older and wiser darg
Furthermore, I am getting older and gaining wisdom, my friend
I analyse my life to find myself
I closely examine my life to discover my true self
Body spirit soul mind apart
Considering the different aspects of my being: physical, spiritual, mental, emotional
But expect that some of the old fans won’t respect that
But I anticipate that some of my old fans won't appreciate my growth
But I’m a grown man (grown man una)
But I am an adult man, listen
And ill be damned if my music now don’t reflect that
And I would be highly disappointed if my music doesn't reflect my personal growth
I ain't one of these new wave dons
I am not one of these new generation artists
I don’t wanna be the hardest out
I don't want to be the most aggressive or dominant figure
I’m influenced by lupe’ songs
I am inspired by Lupe Fiasco's music
Substance in abundance
My songs contain a surplus of substance
And if you wondered what I’m gonna come with next
And if you are curious about what I will present next
Probably won’t appeal to some younger’s
It probably won't resonate with some younger listeners
See I know what they wanna hear
You see, I understand what they want to hear
They wanna hear me say to an MC
They want me to insult another MC
Suck ya mum and she’s got Gonorrhea!
They want me to insult their mothers by saying inappropriate things
I way too deep for that
I am way too profound for that
I’m one of these people that don’t believe the crap the media been feeding man
I am one of those individuals who does not believe the false narratives presented by the media
I’m feeling fam
I am feeling good, my friend
Someone digging in deeper than a rassclart preacher can
Someone is examining things more thoroughly than even a preacher can
Most of the worlds plugged into the Matrix
Most of the world is connected to the system, unaware of the truth
How do you know
How can you be sure
I took the red pill
I have chosen to see the truth, just like in the movie The Matrix
Now I’m accustomed to the basics
Now I am used to the fundamental truths
Screaming knowledge is power
Proclaiming that knowledge holds great power
Open a book knowledge is ours
Open a book and you will gain knowledge
Now I can have an argument in Parliament with them when its politics hour
Now I can engage in a debate with politicians during their designated hours
They say run man a David Blaine them man are on a next frequency
They say I am running a magical illusion on them, as they are on a different wavelength
But if you ain't got an open mind
But if you are not open to new ideas
You can watch and not even see
You can observe without truly understanding
My mother used to tell me frequently
My mother used to tell me often
Young blood know where you come from
Young one, be aware of your roots
Yes the subjects deep indeed
Yes, the subject matter is complex and profound
I know where I come from know where I’m heading
I know my origins and I have a clear vision of my future
Outsiders get air when they’re breadin
Outsiders receive praise when they are successful
I don’t need your approval
I don't require your validation
I don’t care is what I tell em
I express my indifference to their opinions
I’m just being truthful
I am simply speaking the truth
This here’s in my denims
This mindset is part of my persona
Before you could search google
Before you could search on the internet
I had a career so F’ em
I had a successful career, so forget about them
Until its my funeral
Until the day of my funeral
Ima be right here selling
I will continue to be present and sell my music
I ain't the usual
I am not like the ordinary individuals
Are you aware I’m a peasant
Do you realize that I come from a humble background
But I got ambition n****
But I have great ambition, my friend
So I see the bigger picture
So I understand the larger perspective
And I can’t see competion
And I cannot see any competition
Unless its in the mirror
Unless it's my own reflection
Let me tell you what my reportoire is
Let me explain what my repertoire entails
Life and the drama
Life and its associated challenges
I thank God that I got a strong partner
I am grateful to have a supportive partner
One day its like I’m living in a beach house
One day it feels like I'm living in a luxurious beach house
Next day its like I’m living in the Gaza
The next day it feels like I'm living in a war zone like Gaza
State of mind gotta take my time with it though
Mentally, I need to be patient and cautious
Tell myself there ain't much time till I blow
Remind myself that I don't have much time until I achieve success
When I blow you won't see me all icy ya know
When I become successful, I won't display excessive wealth
Wrist already pricey ill tell you what I see you know
My wristwatch is already expensive, let me tell you what I can perceive
Living in a country when IC3 ain't as important as IC1
Living in a country where the lives of Black individuals aren't valued as much as white individuals
They wan like only blacks have 3 8′s
They want to portray that only Black people possess weapons
And the white man can never have one
While suggesting that white individuals are unable to possess such items
Whapen to equality
What happened to equality
The Governments fucking up the economy I never talk Politics
The government is negatively impacting the economy, but I avoid discussing politics
Usually swerve the controversy
I typically avoid engaging in controversial discussions
I wan talk real life Monopoly
I want to discuss the realities of life, like the game Monopoly
Imagine if Jack was Jill
Imagine a scenario where the roles were reversed
And Humpty was Dorothy what i’m just saying we don’t know whats real
And Humpty Dumpty was Dorothy, I'm just emphasizing that reality is often uncertain
We’re all programmed still
We are all influenced or conditioned by external factors
Let me leave that
Let me move on from that topic
Jump in the Merc and lean back
Get into the Mercedes-Benz and relax
Pump some wale on a deep track
Play some Wale music with meaningful lyrics
Thats why they’re gonna love me for my ambition
That is why people will appreciate my drive and determination
No matter the position
Regardless of my current circumstances or status
Tatt’s all on my arms if i’m getting married I ain't getting a pre-nupt
I have tattoos all over my arms, and if I get married, I won't sign a prenuptial agreement
Kilo grams I kill it with Cheese Skunk
I am excellent at selling kilograms of Cheese Skunk (a potent strain of marijuana)
Phone anybody else for the cheese
Call someone else if you want drugs
My girls got an Ora no Rita
My girlfriend has a good aura or spirit, similar to Rita Ora (a British singer)
These other girls never level on a meter
Other girls can't compare or measure up
But I might beat her
But I might have sex with her
Really I need to see a preacher or pastor
In reality, I need to seek guidance from a religious leader
Forgive me father
Father, please forgive me
For committing adultery
For engaging in adultery
I just wanted to ball like parker
I just wanted to live a lavish lifestyle like Tony Parker (a professional basketball player)
Hurting those that are close to me
Causing pain to those who are close to me
Mum don’t approve of the work trade
My mother doesn't approve of my involvement in illegal activities
Early hours of the morning in the work place
Engaging in illegal activities during the early hours of the morning
Just me tanita and a suitcase
Just me, a scale used for weighing drugs, and a suitcase
Bags of reefa let the room haze
Bags of marijuana, causing the room to have a smoky atmosphere
Tell my woman ill be back in a few days
Informing my partner that I will return in a couple of days
I never hear you moan when im buying shit
You never complain when I am spending money
I don’t wanna hear you moan when im grinding
I don't want to hear you complain when I am working hard
Wanna know why im always smiling
Curious why I am always happy
Cos I got a hollywood smile prick
Because I have a perfect smile, you fool
Can't miss me in any picture i’m in
You can't overlook me in any photograph I appear in
I don’t wanna hear a pussyhole hyping
I don't want to hear someone acting tough or boastful
If he ain't straight outline him
If he isn't honest, call him out
More time im on a vibes ting
Most of the time, I am focused on positive energy
Ghetts pulled me up about light-skin
Ghetts confronted me about my light skin complexion
Said Merc’s brudda watch what your writing
Merc's brother warned me to be careful with my lyrics
Take a watch of this DVD
Take a look at this DVD
I heard say you never wanna listen this
I heard that you never want to listen to this
You affe take in these frequencies
You need to absorb these different frequencies
Don’t be lost in the Belly of the Beast
Don't be trapped in a dangerous situation
Knowledge is food feast
Knowledge is abundant and satisfying
I got ambition
I have a strong desire to succeed
See what car im whipping
See the type of car I am driving
Fuck all of these women I got ambition
I don't care about pursuing women, I am focused on my ambition
Contributed by Gianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@BarMiztah
Still bangs in 2024. UK GOAT!! 🔥🔥
@DNero13
Used to have this on repeat in 2012 , when this was new wave ghetts. Now its 2023 and i cant belive how bludclart old this is
@Shadowbanned121
His best album
@sionaingarland7889
2023 still hard 🔥
@Shadowbanned121
Hardest album ever.
@VisionalHD
Man this needs to get on Spotify! Who’s still here in 2020?
@TheGodclouD
2022*
@againstall4agsandtrans511
2023*
@chrisbee487
2024
@WilliamBurkinshaw-vm5pl
2024 my guy