Ghetts

Ghetts, born Justin Clarke-Samuel in 1984 in Plaistow, East London, is one of grime's most respected MCs, having emerged from the scene's earliest wave in the early 2000s under the name Ghetto. He built his reputation through blistering lyricism, dense internal rhyme schemes, and an aggressive, technically dazzling flow that set him apart even among grime's most skilled wordsmiths. His early years included clashes and pirate radio sets that cemented his status as a lyricist's lyricist before grime broke into the mainstream.

Over the following two decades, Ghetts evolved from a battle-ready MC into a more introspective, socially conscious artist without losing his edge, exploring themes of masculinity, fatherhood, mental health, and Black British identity across his catalogue. Tracks like «Artillery» and «Mozambique» showcase his rapid-fire delivery and command of grime's four-to-the-floor energy, while collaborations with artists across UK rap, drill, and R&B reflect his standing as a bridge between grime's old guard and its newer generations.

Ghetts is widely regarded, alongside peers like Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, as a foundational figure in grime, and his later albums earned critical acclaim for pairing lyrical ferocity with emotional depth. He remains an active and influential voice in UK rap, respected as much for his technical ability as for his willingness to address difficult personal and social subjects head-on.