Foundation Portfolio St.Angelas 2013: 2013

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

1st article draft

Deprived to developed

Everyone has heard it before, where the deprived child at a young grows up to be the next 'big thing'. So what makes this any different?

First of all this child's name is James, he is no ordinary artist. He is an expert of capturing meaning in his words, this talent became apparent when he woke up one morning and had nothing. However instead of him looking for help, he helped himself.

He was left by himself at the age of 15, one morning he woke up and there was no-one there. There was no note, money or anything left for him so he decided to try live for himself. Although he tried for a while, he realised that he needed the support of family and friends. Throughout his first year of his loss he found himself on a path of music, specifically hip hop.

James did what any growing artist would do which was to go on YouTube and spread his name there. His most viewed track which is my story was the song that got his name out there. Not only did he receive funds to help towards his aspiration, he himself said “I gained more family”

Later on he started attending rap battles at different venues in his area. Soon after this he became recognised as JJ. His next step was 'fire in the booth' which attracted artists such as Tinchy Stryder. Tinchy then asked him to feature in his concert, this got him a lot of recognition.

When asked by the media about the disappearance of his mother all he said was “She left because she had to”. James still to this day believes that his mother’s choice was only meant to benefit him, somehow he believes that it was done in his best interests.

The community he grew up in only has positive things to say about him. One individual said that “The pain he deals with makes him a real man”. There were many comments like this and comments about his motivation. From what everyone is saying in his community, he is a very good role model.

So what happens now? Surprisingly unlike some hip hop artists he decided to hold back on fame and help his childhood area. He has invested in a venue for people aged 16- 24 to express their talent. So far he has had a positive turn out which is still growing as we speak. It is obvious James will be a big impact in many people’s lives and when he leaves us he will be remembered as an amazing artist. One of his best quotes were “Stand strong and stand together”. It is what keeps him going, take a leaf out of his book.