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!”
Skengman
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skengman mode
Gloves, mask, jet black coat
Man do dirt then head back home
Eye in the sky like check that drone
If I'm on a glide, let that go
I could be the bigger man
But dem boy dere won't respect man's growth
Wingman, leftback flow
Wig man, head back blown
Sick man, get some cold
Dip man, send man home
Twist and bend that bro
I was nineteen with a gun twice my age
I put man in the boot that was twice my weight
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode (that's Gunshot Mike or Mr. Skeng)
I'll stand in the middle of the field and scare man's crow
You birds ain't shit, got bird's eye view when you niggas involved
If snitches then man's cold
Them mans start hittin' up, skengman mode
Man blast him, don't care where man goes, kaboom (kaboom, kaboom, kaboom)
Even in a plain tee, I'm flexin'
Pat a nigga down and find every pocket, I'll Ghetts him
Drag him out the car, man eject him
Could've been year eight how I swept in
New school niggas ain't nowhere testin'
Cah you niggas do online restin' (boy)
I'm the Merky co-founder
Got the gift of the Gab, play me louder
I could talk about the kettles on the counter
But you know about the kettles on the counter
Look, I love a real-life encounter
It's funny on the phone you're a shouter
They couldn't figure how I pattern my flow
I stay cool and my catalogue's cold, I'm too nice with it
Too clear, blue sky with it
Used to have a hooptie and do crime in it
It's a big movie when I'm in it (boy)
Old school like Blues and Benners
And I work hard like two Kris Jenners
Yours truly, true skengers
It's the skengman mode endeavors
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Celebrity death match
One shot, lick out your head back
Man try run up on me, I make legs snap
Wheelchair for the next lap
Everyting jet black
Done a man's dance, can't get that event back
Suck who's mom? Which one of you said that?
48 Laws of Power has got man gassed
Which one of you read that?
Before I ever knew about Robert Greene
I knew about robbin' scheme
I knew about 'igh-top skin fade, bobbin' weave
iPod, mixtape commentary
Why stop this way? Obviously
I got pricks sayin' they're onto me
What the fuck do you want from me?
Man wanna draw Ghetto out constantly
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
Skeng, skengman
Skeng, skengman mode
The song Skengman is a collaboration between British grime artists Stormzy and Ghetts. In the song, they both take turns to rap about their tough, street-centered lifestyles and the mentality they adopt when they need to act tough or defend themselves. The title 'Skengman' refers to someone who carries a gun (skeng) and is ready to use it if their life is in danger. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the message that the artists are trying to get across - that they are always in this mode and ready to act if need be.
In the first verse, Stormzy speaks about how he dresses up in all black and wears gloves and masks to conceal his identity when he is up to no good. He talks about how he is not afraid to use his gun and put someone as heavy as twice his weight in the trunk of his car. The second verse by Ghetts is just as raw and depicts his ruthless side. He talks about how he will stand in the middle of a field so that he can intimidate anyone who comes his way. He mentions how he loves to engage in real-life encounters and how it's hilarious how people act tough on phone calls.
Overall, the lyrics of Skengman highlight the gritty and uncompromising lives of these artists, who have grown up in rough neighborhoods and have had to resort to violence to protect themselves. The song illuminates the dangerous nature of the streets and the weapons those who live there carry with them to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
Skeng, skengman
Repeating "skeng, skengman" implies the mindset of a dangerous individual who is ready for action.
Skeng, skengman mode
Entering into a heightened state of readiness to do harm, with specific tools for the task.
Gloves, mask, jet black coat
Preparing to commit a serious crime while making sure to conceal identity by wearing gloves, a mask and a black coat.
Man do dirt then head back home
A reference to being involved in criminal activity and then quickly retreating to safety at home.
Eye in the sky like check that drone
Being aware of possible surveillance, especially from drones which can detect and monitor someone from a distance.
If I'm on a glide, let that go
When on a mission, violent action will be taken without hesitation.
I could be the bigger man
Despite having the ability to show restraint and maturity, some individuals will never respect that personal growth.
But dem boy dere won't respect man's growth
Still being looked down on by associates who refuse to acknowledge individual growth and maturity.
Wingman, leftback flow
Proud of individuality through distinct and unique style.
Wig man, head back blown
Involved in actions leading to someone's gruesome fate.
Sick man, get some cold
Capable of causing physical harm or injury to others.
Dip man, send man home
Capable of defeating enemies and sending them running away in defeat.
Twist and bend that bro
Overcoming obstacles or challenging situations with ease and confidence.
I was nineteen with a gun twice my age
Engaging in criminal activity at a very young age, with access to powerful weapons.
I put man in the boot that was twice my weight
Capable of overcoming physical challenges when it comes to committing crimes or violence.
I'll stand in the middle of the field and scare man's crow
Confident in asserting dominance and control over others, even in crowded or public spaces.
You birds ain't shit, got bird's eye view when you niggas involved
Being highly observant and aware of others, while others underestimate him.
If snitches then man's cold
If someone is perceived as betraying or snitching, they will be met with a cold and harsh punishment.
Them mans start hittin' up, skengman mode
When danger is present, one's readiness to act violently is heightened.
Man blast him, don't care where man goes, kaboom
Being willing to cause severe harm to others on a whim or without much thought, with a reference to an explosion sound effect.
Even in a plain tee, I'm flexin'
Even in plain or unremarkable clothing, still exuding power and confidence.
Pat a nigga down and find every pocket, I'll Ghetts him
Capable of finding and taking all valuable items when searching someone's pockets, due to experience and expertise.
Drag him out the car, man eject him
Capable of using physical force to remove someone from a vehicle or space.
Could've been year eight how I swept in
Capable of executing surveillance or reconnaissance like a professional, even at a young age.
New school niggas ain't nowhere testin'
Younger or less experienced individuals do not pose much of a challenge or threat.
Cah you niggas do online restin' (boy)
Dismissing the abilities of those who only boast about their successes online or through social media.
I'm the Merky co-founder
Being part of founding the record label Merky, which has become a highly influential and successful label in the UK rap scene.
Got the gift of the Gab, play me louder
Being highly skilled at vocal delivery and performance, and deserving of maximum attention.
I could talk about the kettles on the counter
Capable of discussing mundane or trivial topics and still holding one's audience captive due to exceptional presentation skills.
But you know about the kettles on the counter
Acknowledging that the true value of one's artistry does not solely rely on superficial or material things.
Look, I love a real-life encounter
Enjoys having face-to-face interactions and confrontation in real life situations.
It's funny on the phone you're a shouter
Calls out individuals who act tough or boastful on the phone or online, but are actually easily intimidated in real life.
They couldn't figure how I pattern my flow
Being highly skilled and creative at crafting unique and distinct styles of rapping, which others cannot easily replicate.
I stay cool and my catalogue's cold, I'm too nice with it
Maintaining a calm and collected demeanor, while delivering powerful and impressive music with ease.
Too clear, blue sky with it
Using bright and vivid imagery to describe the clarity and quality of his music.
Used to have a hooptie and do crime in it
Describing past experiences of living a life of crime while driving an old, worn out car.
It's a big movie when I'm in it (boy)
Being the central and most important figure in any given situation, to the point of making it feel like a movie or cinematic experience.
Old school like Blues and Benners
Having a classic or traditional style, evocative of old school and vintage references.
And I work hard like two Kris Jenners
Comparing personal work ethic to that of reality television star Kris Jenner, who is known for her business and management prowess.
Yours truly, true skengers
Being genuine and authentic, while still being highly skilled and respected as a "skenger" or dangerous individual.
Celebrity death match
Referencing the popular television show of the same name, as a metaphor for violent confrontations or fights.
One shot, lick out your head back
The use of a single shot to cause severe, possibly fatal injury.
Man try run up on me, I make legs snap
A warning to potential attackers that they will suffer severe injury if they try to approach or attack him.
Wheelchair for the next lap
Implying that the resulting injury would be so severe that the attacker would need a wheelchair, suggesting permanent and life-altering damage.
Everyting jet black
Describing the theme of darkness and secrecy associated with criminal activity and violence.
Done a man's dance, can't get that event back
Acknowledging past actions that cannot be undone or rectified, and which may have severe consequences or repercussions.
Suck who's mom? Which one of you said that?
Confronting an insult or disrespectful remark with an aggressive and combative response.
48 Laws of Power has got man gassed
Referencing the book "The 48 Laws of Power", which teaches strategies for gaining power and manipulation, and suggesting that some individuals have become overly confident and hubristic after reading it.
Which one of you read that?
Challenging individuals who claim to have read the book to prove their knowledge or expertise.
Before I ever knew about Robert Greene
Implying that despite not reading "The 48 Laws of Power", he was still knowledgeable and skilled at manipulation and gaining power.
I knew about robbin' scheme
Having prior experience and knowledge in criminal activity, especially theft or robbery.
I knew about 'igh-top skin fade, bobbin' weave
Having a distinct and recognizable hairstyle, which is popular among black men.
iPod, mixtape commentary
A nod to the importance of music and specifically mixtapes, which were a popular and influential medium for rap music at the time.
Why stop this way? Obviously
A rhetorical question, implying that there is no reason to halt or stop one's actions since the answer is obvious.
I got pricks sayin' they're onto me
Being aware of and cautious about individuals who may be suspicious or trying to catch him committing criminal activity.
What the fuck do you want from me?
Being frustrated and fed up with those who are trying to interfere or catch him in illegal activities.
Man wanna draw Ghetto out constantly
Being the target of constant provocation and attempts to engage in confrontation, which he is ready and willing to engage in if necessary.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Justin Clarke, Michael Ebenezer Jr. Owuo, TJ Amadi, Rio Romaine Willis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gazoakleychef
Ghetts is legit the greatest
@MH-lz7jk
P money smoked him in his daily duppy
@plebz1
@Sam Shafique trust me 😂😂
@Captainchokeout3994
@Mike H cocaine a hell of a drug
@e4billyb
Nah ghetto is better 😜
@MikeySmithFTLOM
Goes without saying at this point
@QuentinKarentino
That beat is unbelievable, the progression is mad.
@skbnzo
yup all due respect to ghetts, but stormzy didn't make it out this one.
@liskwood7060
@SK Stormzy got the hype to make Ghetts bigger. Ghetts making chess moves.
@liskwood7060
@Rondell Ramrattan he got in there on Stomzy last few minutes of fame.