Introducing Ghetts and Fraser T Smith for Esquire Townhouse 2020
One of the UK's most influential rappers, Ghetts came to the music scene in 2003 alongside The Movement and the N.A.S.T.Y. Crew under his former alias of Ghetto. Stepping out on his own, his music helped shape the grime scene, with his pivotal 2008 mixtape Freedom of Speech infused with the darkness that the genre is now synonymous with. The record saw him take home the BET Award for Best International Act, and remains one of grime's most seminal mixtapes more than a decade on.
The rapper's distinctive and staccato rapping flow, as well as his mix of influences including hip-hop, electronic music and leftfield, gives his music a unique energy and has earned him critical acclaim.
On his most recent studio album, Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament, Ghetts channeled a different, more positive energy into his storytelling, and in the last few years he has also collaborated with some of grime's biggest names, appearing with the likes of Stormzy and Giggs, as well as putting out music with Skepta earlier this year.
As part of this year's Esquire Townhouse line-up, Ghetts will provide a unique insight into a genre which has grown from sideline to mainstream, as well as the complicated experience of being a Black British rapper during those years. He will be appearing alongside industry titan Fraser T Smith, a music producer who has become equally influential within the grime and UK rap scene, albeit behind the scenes.
Smith produced Kano's seminal album Made in the Manor and Stormzy's Gang Signs & Prayer, both of which were nominated for the Mercury Price, before going one better in 2019 when Dave's Psychodrama, which he also produced, took home the award.
The pair will be speaking about their time in the industry and offering the dual perspectives of artist and producer in their talk at Esquire Townhouse this year. They will be in discussion with DJ and broadcaster Georgie Rogers from BBC Radio 6, a tastemaker in electronic and alternative music who will bring her insight to the table.
Stay tuned for full details of when and where you can watch along. The full schedule – and final names – will be announced over the coming days. To stay abreast of everything happening at this year's Esquire Townhouse, sign up to our weekly email now. You can also keep tabs on all the announcements, interviews and bonus content by following us on social media, and the hashtags #EsquireTownhouse and #SquadOnAMission.
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