Have You Heard George's Podcast?

In his teens, “Gangsta for life” was the signature war-cry sung by one of George’s favourite singers - Mavado. But after Mavado’s epic clash with rival, Vybz Kartel, George saw the line as a mentality...one that had empowered and terrorised Jamaicans for decades. Music, money and murder all feature in this complex case study of Black urban street culture.Warning: This episode discusses adult themes and has some graphic descriptions of violence.Credits: Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by BenbrickWith music from: Mavado - Last Night Vybz Kartel - Badda Dan Dem Mavado - Sunrise ft. Vybz Kartel Damian Marley - Welcome to Jamrock Mavado - Hope and Pray Vybz Kartel - Mr Officer Vybz Kartel - Bicycle Stephen "Di Genius” McGregor - Day Break Riddim Vybz Kartel - Broad Daylight Mavado - Nuh Bleach Wid Cream DJ Khaled & Mavado - Unchanging LoveAll original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.Thank you to: My team Sandra, Vidhu, and Birungi. Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC 1Xtra, Jamaica TVJ, Georgette, Aneeka, BBC World Service, Former Commissioner of Police Carl Williams, and finally Aza Auset. And shout out to Cutts barber shop.Archive: The vocal samples used at 03:38, 03:41, and 03:56 are taken from the Vybz Kartel records "Touch a Button” and “Badda Dan Dem" The clip of Vybz Kartel used at 04:20 and 05:05 is taken from a 2006 interview with Chris Goldfinger on BBC 1Xtra. The news report on Kartel and Mavado used at 06:31 and the clips of Mavado and Vybz talking at 07:33 is taken from a 2009 Jamaica TVJ News report entitled “We Are Not Enemies" The clip of Michael Manley used at 10:45 talking about their friendship with Cuba. The clip used at 11:47 talking about Edward Seaga is taken from the BBC documentary "Blood And Fire - Jamaica’s Political History”. The clip of Damian Marley talking about being human used at 12:11 is taken from his interview with Seani B on 1Xtra. The clip of Bob Marley talking about the shooting used at 12:41 is taken from his interview with Gil Noble for WABC-TV’s “Like It Is”. The clip of Vybz Kartel used at 15:28 is taken from TVJ Entertainment Report. The clip of Vybz Kartel talking about dancehall going through a happy phase used at 18:02 is taken from his interview with Robbo Ranx on 1Xtra from the Amsterdam Reggae Festival. The clip of Former Commissioner of Police Carl Williams talking about Violent Crime, and anti Dancehall Campaigner Aza Auset used at 18:43 and 18:52 are both taken from the BBC World service documentary “Jamaica: Does music shape society?”Soundtrack: Mavado - Last Night 00:17 - 02:55 Benbrick - The Underworld 03:03 - 04:09 Vybz Kartel - Badda Dan Dem 04:10 - 05:01 Mavado - Sunrise ft. Vybz Kartel 05:13 - 05:43 Benbrick - The Underworld 05:58 - 09:01 Damian Marley - Welcome to Jamrock 10:11 - 13:27 Mavado - Hope and Pray 16:13 - 17:06 Vybz Kartel - Mr Officer 17:06 - 17:58 Vybz Kartel - Bicycle 17:58 - 18:15 Benbrick - Empty 18:41 - 20:56 Stephen "Di Genius” McGregor - Day Break Riddim 20:59 - 21:15 Vybz Kartel - Broad Daylight 21:15 - 21:30 Mavado - Nuh Bleach Wid Cream 22:11 - 22:28 Benbrick - The Underworld 23:04 - 24:43 DJ Khaled & Mavado - Unchanging Love 24:55 - 25:21 Benbrick - Empty 25:45 - 27:54Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins

Story time. A man drifts away from his family after his brother is killed. His estranged wife struggles to raise four kids alone. Their youngest son turns to the streets. A mix of genius and luck propels him from the jaws of death to superstar status. What can we learn from the life and times of Shawn Carter?Warning: This episode contains some very strong language, language which may offend and adult themes.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.With music from:Nines - NIC (feat. Tiggs Da Author) Lonnie Liston Smith - A Garden of Peace Jay-Z - Dead Presidents Jay Z - My First SongAll original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.We had the following guests:The former DMC world champion DJ Blakey scratching those Jay-Z samples, and Sandra Makumbi.Thank you to:My team Sandra, Vidhu, and Birungi. Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, BBC Concert Orchestra, Jay-Z's Mum, Ms Lowden, Torrie Maas, DJ Clark Kent speaking on DJ Vlad, Kareem Burke talking on the Reasonable Doubt Documentary, Andrew Marr, Evan Rogers, Tom Kelly & Adam Miller, my nephews.Archive: The clip of Jay-Z in the restaurant at 12:10 is taken from the Jay-Z record Only A Customer.There are various clips between 15:12 and 15:27 introducing Jay-Z and these are taken from CNN’s Van Jones Show, Stephen A. Smith on ESPN, Jay-Z on Conan O’Brien, Jay-Z’s appearance on 106 & Park, and Canada’s Breakfast Television.The clips of Jay-Z’s mum Ms Gloria Carter used at 17:18 are taken from the Jay-Z record December 4Th.The clips of Jay-Z’s teacher Renee Rosenblum-Lowden used at 18:11 are taken from the Brut Media video “Jay-Z Credits Teacher With His love of Language”.The Jay-Z acapellas used at 18:03, 18:57, 19:46 are taken from the Jay-Z record Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)The clip of DJ Clark Kent used at 20:21 is taken from the DJVlad show titled “Clark Kent on Introducing Biggie to Jay Z, Biggie Best Rapper but Jay Z Best MC".The clip of Kareem Burke used at 23:06 is taken from the Tidal documentary Reasonable Doubt. The clip of Jay-Z used at 27:04 is taken from the BBC Andrew Marr show.Soundtrack:Nines - NIC (feat. Tiggs Da Author) 00:37 - 02:30Benbrick - Young Intro 02:18 - 03:51Jay Z - My First Song [Benbrick Remake] 04:41 - 05:30Benbrick - Young 05:45 - 06:40Benbrick - Back to the kid 07:15 - 07:49Benbrick - All Aboard 08:02 - 08:21Benbrick - All Aboard 09:08 - 10:08Benbrick - Damon 11:16- 12:03Lonnie Liston Smith - A Garden of Peace 12:27 - 15:09Jay-Z - Dead Presidents 15:10 - 15:54Benbrick - Back to the kid 16:20 - 17:13Jay Z - December 4Th (Benbrick Remake) 17:15 - 18:01Benbrick - Dec 4 18:10 - 18:54Benbrick - Back to the kid 19:05 - 19:46Benbrick - Rodolfo 19:54 - 21:15Jay Z - My First Song [Benbrick Remake] 21:48 - 22:45Benbrick - Roc 23:04 - 24:00Benbrick - Back to the kid 24:50 - 26:05Jay Z - My First Song [Benbrick Remake] 26:08 - 26:57Jay Z - My First Song 26:35 - 28:00Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds. Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins

The Peabody Award-winning podcast from George the Poet is back with a new series on 15th July.

The Insecurity Guards hunt down ideas before they can make it onto George’s podcast. Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick. Featured songs: Playa Hater by The Notorious B.I.G., St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins, Middle of the Night by The Clovers, Easy Snapping by Theophilus Beckford, Freedom Sound by The Skatalites, Simmer Down by The Wailers, My Boy Lollipop by Millie Small, Joe Liges by Delroy Wilson, I Spy (feat. Headie One & K-Trap) by Krept & KonanFeatured guests: Jawad Ifraz, Andrew Bell, Chris Bernard, Patrin, Tasneim Zyada, Aaron Daniels, Lams, Tyra Mai, Petra Clips taken from the BBC Archive: Reggae – The Story of Jamaican Music (Forward March). Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds. Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor for BBC: Jason Phipps

George finds himself torn between different audiences at a crossroads in his writing.Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick.Featured songs: Who Am I by Beenie Man, Step Out by Busy Signal, I Really Mean It (feat. Cam’ron & Jimmy Jones) by The Diplomats, When I’m ‘Ere by Roll DeepFeatured guests: Diggy, and Conroy.We read an extract from The Guardian / The Observer article Yardie Terror Grips London published on Sunday 18th July 1999, and accessible online. We took elements from DJ Target talking about Grime from the “Welcome to the World of George The Poet” live event.Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds. Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor for BBC: Jason Phipps

George contemplates his relationship with the audience before giving a personal account of conflict in his area.Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick.Featured songs: Barbar G by Mark Kavuma, 10 Man (feat. Gappy Ranks & Big Zeeks) by Patrin, Running by Abi OciaFeatured guests: Diggy, Henry StoneHave You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds. Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor for BBC: Jason Phipps

Having lost his way, George encounters a mysterious figure who offers to help him, but on one condition. Chaos ensues as the poet ends up travelling 10 years into the future.Written by George The Poet Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet Original music by BenbrickFeatured songs: High For This by The Weeknd, Both by Headie One, Gigantalous by SLFeatured guests: Jamala as Samira the Oracle, Julie Adenuga as Dija, Sir Martyn Lewis as the Newsreader, J Man as Genna, GK as Spinner, George’s Mum, Diggy, Natalie, Zizi, Vidhu, Cristale, Young Talented Individuals, Lola, DaminiThank you to Matthew Walker and Penguin for allowing us to use elements from the book Why We SleepHave You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor for BBC: Jason Phipps

George reflects on the role of trauma in black art. A slice of American history provides insight into the ghettoisation of African voices, leading to a strangely familiar story.Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick.Featured songs: Across 110th Street by Bobby Womack, The Message by Grandmaster Flash, Ghetto Quran by 50 Cent, Many Men (Wish Death) by 50 CentFeatured guests: Julie Adenuga as DijaThis episode features clips taken from Foxy Brown, Trouble Man, The Spook Who Sat By The Door, and The Mack. It also features comments from Vonetta McGee, Oscar Williams, and Jim Brown taken from the documentary Black Hollywood: Blaxploitation And Advancing An Independent Black Cinema (1984). The clip of Cicely Tyson is taken from an interview with ABC News (1972) and appears at 00:07:26. These comments on Blaxploitation are chosen to show that black people working within different areas of the movie industry had similar reservations and concerns in how black people were being used as accessories, and that even back in the 1970’s-1980’s that feeling was understood and could be voiced clearly and concisely. The quotes by Ari Melber on 50 Cent growing up in Queens and surviving a 9-shot gun attack are taken from the October 2nd episode of The Beat With Ari Melber produced by MSNBC Network. Clip appears at 00:23:23.Foxy Brown (1974) directed by Jack Hill. Production Company: American International Pictures (AIP), Hollywood West Entertainment. Distributor: American International Pictures (AIP). Clip appears at 00:06:46Trouble Man (1972) directed by Ivan Dixon. Production Company: JDF/B Productions. Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox. 00:06:49The Spook Who Sat By The Door (1973) directed by Ivan Dixon. Production Company: Bokari. Distributor: United Artists. 00:06:54The Mack (1973) directed by Michael Campus. Production Company: Harbor Productions, Harvey Bernhard Enterprises. Distributor: Cinerama Releasing. Clip appears at 00:06:57Black Hollywood: Blaxploitation And Advancing An Independent Black Cinema (1984) directed by Howard Johnson. Distributed by Screen Edge / MVD. Featuring clips of Actress and Producer Vonetta McGee, Writer and Director Oscar Williams, and Actor and Producer Jim Brown. Clips appear at 00:07:34, 00:07:39, 00:07:44, and 00:08:13.Additional clips from the BBC Archive: Panorama Crack Crisis – Is Britain Next? The U.S. Presidential Inauguration of Ronald Reagan Friday Night With Jonathan Ross (courtesy of Open Mike Productions) Top Of The Pops Saturday The Graham Norton Show (courtesy of So Television)We also used clips from the Pan African Alliance documentary The Nation of Gods and Earths: Who are the Five Percenters? Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds. Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins Commissioning Editor for BBC: Jason Phipps

Award-winning podcaster and spoken word artist George the Poet comes to the BBC’s own Radio Theatre for a one-off live show exploring what rap can teach us about education.For George, rap was always a vehicle for knowledge. But it isn’t always taken seriously by an establishment that often sees it as unconstructive. Rap was an essential part of George’s own development as a poet, and studying Sociology at Cambridge University allowed him to look more closely at what rap can do for marginalised communities. This show charts George’s own story of education – his evolution from Grime MC to Cambridge student to spoken word artist – and pays homage to the rap music that shaped him and his peers.George brings a number of friends to the stage to explore what rap can teach us about education.DJ Target is a 1Xtra DJ and a founding member of UK Grime collective Roll Deep. In his book Grime Kids he charts the creation of the groundbreaking music genre that gave voice to a generation.Neuroscientist Dr Becky Inkster and psychiatrist Dr Akeem Sule are co-founders of Hip Hop Psych. Hip Hop Psych dissects hip hop lyrics to analyse the mechanisms of mental health problems, signals which are sometimes overlooked because of their mode of communication.Temi Mwale has been committed to the fight against youth violence since her childhood friend Marvin Henry was murdered. At 17, Temi founded the 4Front Project, a grassroots organisation based in the estate she grew up in, which delivers specialist programmes that support personal development, legal empowerment and social action across vulnerable communities. Holly Branson joined the Virgin Group as an active member of the Leadership team in 2008, after achieving medical and physiology degrees from University College London and realising her dream of working as a doctor. She is Chair of Virgin Unite, a Founder and trustee of education charity Big Change and Co-Chair of WE Day UK. In 2018, Holly published her first book, co-authored with Marc and Craig Kielburger: WEconomy: You can find meaning, make a living, and change the world. Sonita Alleyne OBE is the new Master of Jesus College, Cambridge. She is the first woman to be the Master of Jesus College and the first black person to lead any Oxbridge college. Sonita is the co-founder and former CEO of media production company Somethin’ Else. Alleyne’s board roles have included the National Employment Panel and the London Skills and Employment Board, chair of the Radio Sector Skills Council and non-executive director of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Featuring an exclusive poem from Chapter Two of the podcast with music written by Benbrick.With performances from the BBC Concert Orchestra and Maverick Sabre.An extended version of this programme is available as a podcast on BBC Sounds, and on iPlayer.Produced by Anne Isger

On a mission to find the best use of his platform, George casts his gaze 2000 miles across the Mediterranean Sea to explore the modern Libyan slave trade. Ugly truths about corruption, accountability and the rule of law force him to consider Ugandan politics in comparison to the last years of Gaddafi's Libya. Eventually, he finds hope in an unexpected message from an old friend. Featured songs: Mega - Chariot Written by George the Poet Original score by Benbrick Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet.

Have you ever wished you could teleport? Or mind-read? Or time travel? All of these are easier than you think. Every time you press play you step into another world and open yourself up to someone else's experience. This might not sound like a groundbreaking discovery in an era of constant verbal and visual bombardment, but the potential of this truth is limitless. In his own wildly unconventional way, George the Poet uses music from his environment to convey this point. All you have to do is press play.Featured songs: Mucky - It's On Me Maleek Berry - Gimme Life Bonnie Beretta - Team Bonnie Guala - Guala Gala 1011 - Next Up?Written by George the Poet Original score by Benbrick Produced by Benbrick and George The Poet

A young teacher's daily struggles provide the backdrop for this harrowing reflection on the Grenfell Tower tragedy. In a move from journalism to drama, George departs with the documentary-style narration of previous episodes to deliver a heart-wrenching story of resilience and neglect in London's inner city.Enlisting the help of rising star Jade Alleyne, poet Sophia Thakur as well as his own brothers, Freddie, Michael and Kenny Mpanga, George introduces a small universe of characters whose witty exchanges offer insight into their respective environments. Featured songs: Chika Dole - Touch Abi Ocia - Running Written by George the Poet Original score by Benbrick Produced by Benbrick and George The Poet

In the series debut George invites his listeners to step into the speakers and join him on a meandering ride aboard his own train of thought. The Poet muses on the interplay between crime and music in his community, painting an audio-portrait that is in equal parts complex and compelling.