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!”
Sonya
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sixty year old monster
She don't care 'bout no age though
Just whose money's longer
We both went John Loughborough
I got kicked out for conduct
Jail by fifteen
Who'd you think writ me?
"Dear Justin, I ain't gonna judge you, you already been sentenced
Send me a VO, I'll come through, I got plenty of questions"
I wrote back immediately
Wished her good luck with her GCSEs
She looked up to me previously, I knows I'm good company, seriously
Years go by, contact's lost
You don't know what that was
I know ballers who could've been ballers
Who got caught up and the contracts off
I know Sonya could've been a model
Word on the road is Sonya's washed
But that's my girl, my friend, my bredrin
She showed me what a real friend is
Before you judge me
Try and walk a day in my shoes
See what you don't see
Is all the shit I been going through
It's been a long, long day
Of battling these blues
So before you judge me
Try and walk a day
Try and walk a day in my shoes
Try and walk a day
Try and walk a day in my blues
All these years, no sight of her
I even been to the last address
When I was locked up sixteen, writing her
Knock, knock who's home?
Must be the wrong door
Nobody I know
Awkward moment
I've lost all composure
Why didn't you tell me you left?
Why didn't you say where you went?
Last I heard you was overqualified but can't find work
Had a friend in Dubai who invited you over
And now you're like her
Last I heard
You don't even check for your parents
You just wake and check your appearance
I don't know if me checking for you is checking to you
Or just interference, but dear Sonya, I ain't gonna judge you
Won't see me in no jury, so any verdict I come to
Still gunna end with yours truly
I just wish the world didn't corrupt you
It's been so long I don't know if you know me or knew me
Before you judge me
Try and walk a day in my shoes
See what you don't see
Is all the shit I been going through
It's been a long, long day
Of battling these blues
So before you judge me
Try and walk a day
Try and walk a day in my shoes
(This is where you just wanna disappear)
(Never told your nigga where)
(Now I think you didn't care)
(This is where you just wanna disappear)
(Never told your nigga where)
(Now I think you didn't care)
So great to hear from you
I see you've been doing good
Always knew way back from school
You were destined for greatness
I held a flame for you
Now you're setting fire to booths
Swear I've watched them all a hundred times
That shit was amazing
Tell me how kiss and chase
And show and tell
Turns into me addressing your letters to a prison cell?
Life has its hazards
Way more snakes than ladders
I miss our innocence
I miss when life made way more sense
I'm sure you've heard some things
(I'm sure you've heard some things)
Before you judge me
Try and walk a day in my shoes
See what you don't see
Is all the shit I been going through
It's been a long, long day
Of battling these blues
So before you judge me
Try and walk a day
Try and walk a day in my shoes
In Ghetts's song "Sonya," he tells the story of a girl named Sonya who becomes involved with a much older man for financial support. Despite the age difference, Sonya is focused on the man's money rather than his age. They both attended John Loughborough, a school where Ghetts got kicked out for his behavior. When Ghetts is imprisoned at the age of fifteen, he receives letters from his mother and Sonya, showing their support and concern. Ghetts appreciates Sonya's friendship and her ability to be a true friend in his life.
Over the years, Ghetts loses contact with Sonya, not knowing her whereabouts. He even visits her last-known address but finds no trace of her. Ghetts expresses his frustration that Sonya left without informing him, questioning why she didn't let him know where she went. He learns that she had opportunities in Dubai but has become distant from her family and focused on her appearance. Ghetts admits that he is unsure if his attempts to reach out to her are appreciated or seen as interference. Nevertheless, he vows not to judge her and hopes that the world hasn't corrupted her.
The song explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of life. Ghetts reflects on the struggles he has faced and invites listeners to empathize with his experiences before judging his actions. He also longs for the innocence and simplicity of their past friendship, expressing his admiration for Sonya's talent and success.
Line by Line Meaning
This girl here got a sponsor
This girl has found someone who financially supports her
Sixty year old monster
An older person, possibly with malicious intentions
She don't care 'bout no age though
She is not concerned about the age difference
Just whose money's longer
She is only interested in whose wealth is greater
We both went John Loughborough
We both attended the same school
I got kicked out for conduct
I was expelled for my behavior
Jail by fifteen
I was incarcerated by the age of fifteen
Who'd you think writ me?
Guess who wrote to me?
First letter from Mum, second from Sonya
I received a letter from my mother, followed by one from Sonya
"Dear Justin, I ain't gonna judge you, you already been sentenced
"Dear Justin, I won't pass judgment on you since you've already been punished
Send me a VO, I'll come through, I got plenty of questions"
Send me a voice recording, I'll visit you, I have many inquiries
I wrote back immediately
I responded without delay
Wished her good luck with her GCSEs
I expressed my well wishes for her upcoming exams
She looked up to me previously, I knows I'm good company, seriously
She admired me in the past, knowing that I'm good company
Years go by, contact's lost
Years pass by and we lose touch
You don't know what that was
You have no idea what happened
I know ballers who could've been ballers
I know talented individuals who could have succeeded
Who got caught up and the contracts off
Who got tangled up and lost their opportunities
I know Sonya could've been a model
I know Sonya had the potential to become a model
Word on the road is Sonya's washed
Rumors say that Sonya's life has gone downhill
But that's my girl, my friend, my bredrin
But Sonya is still my girl, my friend
She showed me what a real friend is
She taught me the meaning of true friendship
Before you judge me
Before you form an opinion about me
Try and walk a day in my shoes
Attempt to experience what I go through in a day
See what you don't see
Understand the things that are hidden from your view
Is all the shit I been going through
Is all the difficult experiences I have been facing
It's been a long, long day
The day has felt neverending
Of battling these blues
Of struggling with sadness
So before you judge me
Therefore, before making any judgments about me
All these years, no sight of her
Throughout these years, I haven't seen her
I even been to the last address
I have even visited her last known address
When I was locked up sixteen, writing her
When I was incarcerated at sixteen, I wrote to her
Knock, knock who's home?
Knock, knock, who is there?
Must be the wrong door
It seems like I'm at the wrong house
Nobody I know
Nobody I am familiar with
Awkward moment
Uncomfortable situation
I've lost all composure
I have completely lost my composure
Why didn't you tell me you left?
Why didn't you inform me that you had left?
Why didn't you say where you went?
Why didn't you disclose your new location?
Last I heard you was overqualified but can't find work
The last I heard, you were highly skilled but unable to find employment
Had a friend in Dubai who invited you over
You had a friend in Dubai who extended an invitation to visit
And now you're like her
And now you resemble her
You don't even check for your parents
You don't even inquire about your parents' well-being
You just wake and check your appearance
You only wake up and focus on your physical appearance
I don't know if me checking for you is checking to you
I am unsure if my concern for you matters to you
Or just interference, but dear Sonya, I ain't gonna judge you
Or if it is simply unwanted involvement, but dear Sonya, I won't judge you
Won't see me in no jury, so any verdict I come to
I won't be part of a jury, so any decision I make
Still gunna end with yours truly
I will still end with my true self
I just wish the world didn't corrupt you
I simply wish that the world hadn't influenced you negatively
It's been so long I don't know if you know me or knew me
It has been such a long time that I don't know if you still recognize or remember me
(This is where you just wanna disappear)
(This is the moment when you simply want to vanish)
(Never told your nigga where)
(You never informed your partner where)
(Now I think you didn't care)
(Now I believe you didn't care)
So great to hear from you
It's wonderful to hear from you
I see you've been doing good
I can tell you've been doing well
Always knew way back from school
I always knew even from our school days
You were destined for greatness
You were meant to achieve great things
I held a flame for you
I had strong feelings for you
Now you're setting fire to booths
Now you're gaining success in your music career
Swear I've watched them all a hundred times
I swear I have watched all your performances countless times
That shit was amazing
Those performances were incredible
Tell me how kiss and chase
Explain to me how innocent childhood games
And show and tell
And sharing stories and possessions
Turns into me addressing your letters to a prison cell?
Transforms into me writing letters to you while you are in prison
Life has its hazards
Life has its risks and dangers
Way more snakes than ladders
There are more deceitful people than supportive people
I miss our innocence
I long for our lost innocence
I miss when life made way more sense
I miss when life was much more comprehensible
I'm sure you've heard some things
I'm certain you have been informed about certain matters
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Justin Clarke Samuel, Kadeem Clarke Samuel, Emeli Sande, Tj Amadi, Reiss Nicholas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Starkz1Up (DJ)
I'm a huge ghetts fan, honestly I'm a sucker for his old school clashes and radio sets. But this.. this is beautiful. Highly rate this song had it on repeat for days! ART
Real music artist right there, well done G!
Kendrick Fordjour
The greatest honestly. Artistically he is levels above
Raj Singh
Facts my broski
Thenumber1kidd
What a gift this album is 💝
sam jones
The only one that is holding it down is Dave Santana of course he is heavily influenced by him lool
IFEGRIZZLY
Fact
Talitha
You've really smashed it with this album. It was worth the wait 🙏🏽🐐🏆
Michael
"You don't even check for your parents, you just wake and check your appearance"
Wunn Sen
Gave me goosebumps when he said that bar
Scotxh Bonnick
This is one of da tracks of da album...Emeli Sande blessing it...what an artist Ghetts has become to come with tracks like this #Levels