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!”
Tarantula
Ghetts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See, this one's called Tarantula
I feel sorry for the next generation of blacks
RIP Mandela
It's a mad world, black boy dissin' black girls
Takin' a black pill but he couldn't handle her
What a fuckboy, pengers alert though
Up goes my antenna
You ever seen a man take a step back
In amazement and take his bloodclart hat off?
I Bobby Shmurda a new era come
Like it grew legs and it bloodclart ran off
Everyone shower till I bloodbath man off
I never forget shit, I'm half-man, half-mammoth
I'm talking, boy, you can't cut hard man off
Listen up, man are liquored up
Magnum inna ma system, let me ring a slut
I am inna the position where I live it up
I'm only going back in prison as a visitor
Still I might ride out, giddy up
By now, I should at least be a milli up
Everybody be rappin' about trappin'
I'mma find out how much food they're really pickin' up
I know a man that might type in a website
Just to see which one of you rappers are shining
Soulja Boy's ex got kidnapped
That's code talk for her grabbing a diamond
They be studying the whole music scene
And rappin the man up just look at Simon
Alright, my bruddas, pass with flying colours
It's your fault, look at what you're advertising
Tools and watches
The topic of the neighbourhood gossip
Heard he had a chain, then a hater took it off him
Heard he had a watch, like a hater wouldn't watch him
Who you watching, me? you do a Coffin
When it comes to guns,
I know man that have flew a lot in (ke-ke-ke-ke)
What's good? Heard you were shotting, where the food at?
Is it peng, fam? Let me review that
Sounds like me and my crew are plotting
Hand on my heart, I wouldn't do that
Two twos, me and my crew are shopping
Don't hate, man a the darg, give me the loot, fam
I don't wanna stab man, I don't wanna shoot man
I don't wanna do any of the above to you, fam
But, yeah, there's a but
Man are hungry and you ain't hearing me, blood
Stop that, start that, get that gwop
Cock back, blast that, get that gwop
What's that? Our gang, rep that block
Hot pan, Tarzan, check that pop
Old school, new school, man've been around
Me, I'm out here, never in my house
Who you was, I'm that nigga now
Where's your girlfriend? Better ring her now
Your Mrs
Is just another one of my bitches
Face it, we in the matrix
She the pussycat causing all the glitches
I'm lettin it all up inna your business
One man's trash is another man's treasure
One man's car is another man's whore
One man's wife is another man's mistress, what is this?
The song "Tarantula" by Ghetts is a reflection on the current state of the world, specifically for black individuals. The first verse opens with Ghetts comparing himself to a spider, moving smoothly on the riddim. However, this spider is a tarantula, representing how society views black men like himself as scary or dangerous. He then speaks about feeling sorry for the next generation of black individuals as he pays homage to Nelson Mandela, who fought for civil rights in South Africa. Ghetts also touches on the unfortunate trend of black men disrespecting and mistreating black women, calling out those who take the "black pill" but cannot handle strong and empowered women. He uses slang such as "peng" and "bloodclart" throughout the song, which is a nod to his British identity and upbringing.
In the second verse, Ghetts raps about the music industry and how it promotes unhealthy and negative values. He states that he does not want to resort to violence, but admits that his hunger for success may push him to do so. He calls out the music industry's obsession with material possessions, specifically tools and watches. He also touches on the topic of guns, stating that he knows people who have flown to obtain them. Ghetts then mentions the dangerous lifestyle of drug dealing and how it can lead to death or imprisonment. The song ends with a reference to the movie The Matrix, as Ghetts speaks about how he is living outside of society's norms and rules.
Line by Line Meaning
Creep on the riddim like a spider
The artist is emphasizing the extent of his skill in the music industry.
See, this one's called Tarantula
The name of the song is revealed.
I feel sorry for the next generation of blacks
The artist is concerned about the future of young black people.
RIP Mandela
The artist expresses his condolences to the late Nelson Mandela.
It's a mad world, black boy dissin' black girls
The artist highlights the issue of black men disrespecting black women.
Takin' a black pill but he couldn't handle her
The artist suggests that the behavior of some black men towards black women is unacceptable.
What a fuckboy, pengers alert though
The artist expresses disdain towards unfaithful men and warns others to be cautious of them.
Up goes my antenna
The artist is alert and aware of his surroundings.
Look at the bloodclart back off
The artist tells someone to stop what they're doing.
You ever seen a man take a step back
The artist asks if the listener has witnessed someone react in shock before.
In amazement and take his bloodclart hat off?
The artist describes the extent of someone's surprise.
I Bobby Shmurda a new era come
The artist notes that new trends arise from time to time, such as the Shmoney Dance trend that Bobby Shmurda started.
Like it grew legs and it bloodclart ran off
The artist suggests that new trends catch on quickly and spread rapidly.
Everyone shower till I bloodbath man off
The artist expresses his desire to be respected and command attention from his peers.
I never forget shit, I'm half-man, half-mammoth
The artist highlights his ability to remember things forever.
I'm talking, boy, you can't cut hard man off
The artist emphasizes that it's very difficult to remove successful people from positions of power.
Listen up, man are liquored up
The artist is addressing an audience that is in high spirits.
Magnum inna ma system, let me ring a slut
The artist is suggesting that he's consumed alcohol and is feeling confident enough to contact a woman.
I am inna the position where I live it up
The artist notes that he's in a position of wealth and is enjoying his life.
I'm only going back in prison as a visitor
The artist suggests that he's no longer involved in criminal activities and will only visit prison as a guest.
Still I might ride out, giddy up
The artist admits that he might still engage in risky behavior.
By now, I should at least be a milli up
The artist notes that he expects to have earned a million dollars by now.
Everybody be rappin' about trappin'
The artist notes that many rappers focus on the topic of drug dealing in their music.
I'mma find out how much food they're really pickin' up
The artist intends to uncover the truth about the amount of drugs other rappers claim to have sold.
I know a man that might type in a website
The artist hints that he has access to technology that can reveal information about others in the music industry.
Just to see which one of you rappers are shining
The artist seeks to determine who is truly successful in the music industry.
Soulja Boy's ex got kidnapped
The artist references a news story about Soulja Boy's ex-girlfriend being held hostage.
That's code talk for her grabbing a diamond
The artist suggests that there is more to the story of Soulja Boy's ex-girlfriend being kidnapped than was reported in the media.
They be studying the whole music scene
The artist suggests that other people are paying attention to the music industry and closely observing what is happening.
And rappin the man up just look at Simon
The artist references Simon Cowell, the creator of the TV show X Factor, as an example of someone who criticizes and judges artists harshly.
Alright, my bruddas, pass with flying colours
The artist offers his best wishes to his friends and colleagues.
It's your fault, look at what you're advertising
The artist suggests that people are influenced by what they see and hear in the media.
Tools and watches
The artist mentions the topics of discussion in his community.
The topic of the neighbourhood gossip
The artist suggests that people in his community enjoy discussing other people's business.
Heard he had a chain, then a hater took it off him
The artist references an incident where someone was robbed of their jewelry.
Heard he had a watch, like a hater wouldn't watch him
The artist suggests that people are envious of others who own valuable items.
Who you watching, me? you do a Coffin
The artist suggests that it's dangerous to stalk or harass someone.
When it comes to guns,
The artist changes the discussion to a more serious topic.
I know man that have flew a lot in (ke-ke-ke-ke)
The artist suggests that he knows dangerous people who are skilled in shooting firearms.
What's good? Heard you were shotting, where the food at?
The artist questions someone about their alleged drug dealing activities.
Is it peng, fam? Let me review that
The artist asks if the drugs are of high quality and offers to inspect them himself.
Sounds like me and my crew are plotting
The artist suggests that he and his friends are discussing a plan of action.
Hand on my heart, I wouldn't do that
The artist emphasizes that he is not involved in criminal activities.
Two twos, me and my crew are shopping
The artist suggests that he might be shopping with his friends.
Don't hate, man a the darg, give me the loot, fam
The artist asks someone to give him his money and not to become angry with him.
I don't wanna stab man, I don't wanna shoot man
The artist emphasizes that he wants to avoid violence.
I don't wanna do any of the above to you, fam
The artist addresses someone specifically and suggests that he has no desire to harm them.
But, yeah, there's a but
The artist introduces a caveat or exception to what he just said.
Man are hungry and you ain't hearing me, blood
The artist notes that he and others are in need of money and suggests that he is being ignored.
Stop that, start that, get that gwop
The artist suggests that the listener should take action to earn money.
Cock back, blast that, get that gwop
The artist makes a reference to gun violence and suggests that the listener should use weapons to intimidate others into earning money.
What's that? Our gang, rep that block
The artist identifies with his community and suggests that they should be loyal to their neighborhood.
Hot pan, Tarzan, check that pop
The artist uses wordplay to make references to cooking drugs and being active in his community.
Old school, new school, man've been around
The artist suggests that he has been part of the rap scene for a long time.
Me, I'm out here, never in my house
The artist notes that he is always out and about, never spending much time at home.
Who you was, I'm that nigga now
The artist suggests that he has become more successful than someone else he knew in the past.
Where's your girlfriend? Better ring her now
The artist taunts someone by suggesting that their girlfriend is interested in him and not them.
Your Mrs
The artist references someone else's wife or girlfriend.
Is just another one of my bitches
The artist implies that he is romantically involved with many women.
Face it, we in the matrix
The artist suggests that our reality is a construct like the one depicted in the movie The Matrix.
She the pussycat causing all the glitches
The artist suggests that the woman he is involved with is the source of problems or issues.
I'm lettin it all up inna your business
The artist brags about his ability to invade other people's privacy.
One man's trash is another man's treasure
The artist references a common saying about the value of different things.
One man's car is another man's whore
The artist uses wordplay to suggest that some people value their cars more than their significant others.
One man's wife is another man's mistress, what is this?
The artist suggests that people have different values and preferences when it comes to relationships.
Writer(s): justin clarke, ghetts
Contributed by Jeremiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.