Ghetts

Ghetts is a British-Jamaican grime MC from Plaistow, London, who also works in hip hop. Born Justin Clarke in 1984, he is formerly known as Ghetto. He begins recording and performing in east London’s grime scene with Nasty Crew, and he is also associated with The Movement, a collective that includes Scorcher, Wretch 32 and Mercston.

Early life and influences

He grows up in a Christian household, with gospel music and church singing forming an early part of his musical background. His aunt Andrea sings in the church choir, while his father listens to jazz. As a child, he develops an interest in rhythm and starts experimenting with song writing on a keyboard after repeatedly beating out patterns on tables and floors. He also struggles at school, says he cannot concentrate in class, and finds that music is the only thing that holds his attention.

Entry into grime

By his mid-teens, Ghetts is involved in crime and spends time in jail. A turning point comes when he visits a daytime rave in Leyton at the age of 14 and sees Heartless Crew perform, which strengthens his ambition to make music. Through his friendship with Sharky Major of Nasty Crew, he begins reciting rhymes and then recording tracks and performing on radio and in clubs with the collective.

Mixtapes and early releases

As Ghetto, he builds a following with his first mixtape, 2000 & Life, which draws on life in Plaistow and time in custody. It includes tracks such as “Simple Minded MC’s” and “Skinny Sort”. He then records Ghetto Gospel, which broadens his subject matter beyond conflict and includes songs about deprivation, his best friend and his mother. The mixtape features “Closest Thing To Heaven” and “Top 3 Selected”, the latter becoming the first song for which he shoots a video.

Work with The Movement and later mixtapes

Ghetts also records material with The Movement, including a CD called Tempo Specialists. He follows Ghetto Gospel with Freedom Of Speech, an all-original release that combines the aggression of his earlier work with more controlled wordplay. The mixtape addresses tensions with other artists in the scene, and songs such as “Mountain” and “Who’s Got?” help confirm his reputation within underground grime.

Work with Kano and wider recognition

He develops a relationship with fellow Nasty Crew member Kano and appears on two tracks from Kano’s major-label debut Home Sweet Home, including the single “Typical Me”. This leads to promotion and touring activity that includes dates with Nas and The Streets, support for Juelz Santana in New York, and an appearance at the MOBO Awards. His growing profile also leads to performances alongside some of the best-known names in UK rap and grime.

Name change and album plans

After moving away from the confrontational image associated with Ghetto, he adopts the name Ghetts and describes the change as part of becoming a more developed artist. He begins work on a debut album, and the first single, “Sing For Me”, is taken by All Around The World. He presents himself as committed to grime and says it remains central to his identity and roots.