Have You Heard George's Podcast?

George talks to John Wilson about some of his most formative cultural influences including the grammar school that taught him the essay-writing skills he still puts to use when making his podcast. He reveals how Tupac Shakur’s 1998 song Changes ignited his interest in hip hop, and discusses the impact of rap and grime on his own verse. He also remembers how his local community radio station gave him his first break and encouraged the development as a performer.Producer: Edwina Pitman

In Uganda’s capital city, a young cab driver forms an unlikely bond with a sex worker during the crippling lockdown of 2021. They are both forced to make tough decisions. Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick & George the Poet Original Music and Sound Design by Benbrick.

George responds to audience questions taken from Common Ground, the platform he co-created in Chapter 3. Listeners discuss everything from art to race using prompts from previous episodes, reaffirming the importance of the artist/audience relationship.

Shaken by the passing of his grandmother, George reflects on the post-colonial struggles of her generation. 1970s Jamaica provides an early case study of the weaponised debt that went on to re-colonise much of the global South. A look back on previous episodes illuminates patterns of exploitation and extraction across African/Western relations. This is the global context that frames the questionable role of the International Monetary Fund in the perpetuation of poverty. George is reminded by his grandmother’s legacy that fighting for justice is always an option. Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick & George the Poet With an original score composed by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.

When keeping it real goes…wrong? For a moment in the seventies, Jamaican democracy produced an ambitious plan to end inequality between countries. But when the island’s socialist leader, Michael Manley, flew too close to the sun, he got burnt. What was the New International Economic Order? Why did it rattle Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan so much? On this fast-paced tour of Jamaican history, George looks back at the rise and fall of the Third World’s biggest political project.Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Original score composed by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra

When is a breakup not a breakup? When your ex controls every aspect of your life. After walking through the freedom struggles of Ghana and the Congo in previous episodes, George turns his attention towards the “former” French colonies of West and Central Africa. What happens when freedom is gifted conditionally, not won through revolution? Is all independence created equal?Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Original Score by Benbrick recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra Sound Design by Benbrick

The power of Western languages over African economies is undeniable, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Black music. Despite "Francophone” meaning French-speaking, across Africa, it signifies so much more. George looks at the power dynamics between the English-speaking world, the French-speaking world and the Africans forced to navigate both. How did these languages become so important? And what do they reveal about the legacy of colonialism? Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick & George the Poet Original score composed by Benbrick and performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra

After achieving independence, Ghana gave support to freedom fighters across Africa. What went wrong?Written by George the Poet. Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet. Original score by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sound Design by Benbrick.

With enemies lurking in every corner, Patrice Lumumba is trapped in his own home. As the first democratically elected prime minister of the Congo, he planned to use the country’s natural wealth to improve the lives of its people, but secret actions by the US and Belgian governments stopped that from happening. These actions give a small indication of how far empires will go to hold onto power.Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the poet Original Score by Benbrick, recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra Sound Design by Benbrick.

Before Nigeria took over the African music scene, the Democratic Republic of Congo had us in a chokehold. But just like its minerals, the country’s music has yet to produce an industry that eases the economic suffering of its people, despite decades of supply and demand. Why? George goes to the genesis of the DRC’s economic reality by exploring the rise of Patrice Lumumba, Congo’s first prime minister.Written by George The Poet Produced by Benbrick and George The Poet Original music by Benbrick, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sound Design by Benbrick.

Too many people don’t know that Ghana was the first African country to break free from colonial rule. Why does that matter? How could it not? Control of Africa’s resources keeps the rich world rich. What would happen if Ghana’s example set off an anti-colonial cascade across the continent? George revisits the country’s freedom struggle through the rise of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president.Written by George the Poet. Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet. Original music by Benbrick, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sound Design by Benbrick.

Since its rise to international acclaim, the multi-award-winning "Have You Heard George’s Podcast?" has remained famously undefinable. In its explosive new season, however, this finally changes, as George the Poet pieces together fragments of the African and Caribbean independence struggles. Poignant tales of strength and sacrifice frame some of the most important yet least discussed events of the last six decades, from the perspective of history’s unsung heroes.George's verses flow over an evocative soundtrack, composed by long-time collaborator Benbrick, and brought to life by the BBC Concert Orchestra in Abbey Road. The season is peppered with timeless music from all corners of Black life - from Africa to the Caribbean and beyond.The fourth season of HYHGP? brings to light the hidden tragedies and triumphs that have shaped our world.

Over one billion Africans on the continent. 200 million in the diaspora. 18% of the world’s population. Thousands of artists with a gazillion listeners every day. What will it take for Black music to truly liberate Black people? Warning: This episode contains very strong language and language that may offend.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.Soundtrack: Mahalia Jackson - Summertime / Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child00:57 - 07:36Dave & Stormzy - Clash09:39 - 11:26Nas - If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) ft. Lauryn Hill12:34 - 13:04Bobi Wine - Maama Mbile ft Juliana14:17 - 14:46Damian Marley - Welcome to Jamrock19:01 - 20:20Jazmine Sullivan - Pick Up Your Feelings20:42 - 21:41 Solange - F.U.B.U (feat. The-Dream & BJ the Chicago Kid)22:47 - 24:47Benbrick - Falling Tide (performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra)24:57 - 29:04Thank you to:My team: Sandra, Vidhu, Birungi, Luke AG. BBC Sounds: Dylan and Jason. BBC Concert Orchestra. Evan Rogers, who worked with Benbrick on the orchestrations and prep for Abbey Road, Tom Kelly, our conductor, and Adam Miller, our engineer, for those Abbey Road sessions. The Common Ground team. Zeze Mills and Trend Centrl. My PHD team Mariana Mazzucato and Karen Edge. The Fisk Jubilee Singers.A very big thank you to Kasana and Jade for their contributions on Common Ground which we included in this episode used at 08:35 and 08:50. Want to contribute? www.GTPCG.comArchive:The clips of George chatting with Zeze Mills used first at 00:34 are taken from George’s appearance on The Zeze Mills show. The clips of George chatting with economist Mariana Mazzucato used first at 01:36 are recorded by George.The clip of Sam Cooke used at 05:28 is taken from his interview with Dick Clark on American Bandstand.The clip used at 06:29 is taken from the ABC News 20/20 Hip Hop special report from 1981.The clip used at 07:02 is taken from the BBC News documentary London’s Bleeding.We used various clips from different Chapter 3 episodes:The clip from Episode 20 used at 11:52 featured Benbrick’s remake of My First Song, originally by Jay-Z.The clip used at 12:34 is taken from Episode 21 .The clip from Episode 22 used at 19:01 features archive of Damian Marley from his interview with Seani B on 1Xtra, and a clip of Bob Marley taken from his interview with Gil Noble for WABC-TV’s “Like It Is”.The clip from Episode 23 used at 13:28 featured Dot Rotten’s BBC 1Xtra Westwood freestyle.The clip used at 14:17 is taken from Episode 23.The clip used at 20:42 is taken from Episode 25.The clip from Episode 26 used at 15:17 featured the music Sounds & Vibrations, and The State of the Ends both by Benbrick. The archive clip used is taken from the BBC documentary “Roots, Reggae, Rebellion”.Have You Heard George’s Podcast is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Assistant Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Senior Producer: Alex Entwistle Commissioning Executive: Dylan Haskins

As a soon-to-be-married man, George reflects on all the things that made him propose to his partner, Sandra. He thinks about teamwork and the value of culture, sharing what he has learned about both through the transition from friendship to relationship to marriage.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.With music from:WizKid - True Love Benbrick - Memories Sara Tavares - Balancê Benbrick - Sandra’s Hand Chosen Blood & Winnie Nwagi - Yitayo Vinka - Overdose (feat. Kent & Flosso) Orezi & Sheebah - Sweet Sensation Mac Ayres - Jumping Off the MoonArchive:The clips of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle used at 00:47 and 02:20 are taken from their Spotify podcast Archewell Audio, from the Episode ‘2020 Archewell Audio Holiday Special’.The poem by Vidhu used at 19:15 is called ‘My Name is Vidhu’ and is on her YouTube page BananaSharma.Thank you to:Sandra! Meghan and Harry, Archewell Audio, and Spotify. My brothers Kenny, Nathan, Freddie, Barney, Damini, Benbrick, Suuna, James, Michael, and Marc. Shout out to Vidhu and Birungi. GRM daily. Thanks to Amara Agili-Odion for the voice note about Sandra, and of course for attending our Barbican show.Have You Heard George’s Podcast is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Assistant Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Senior Producer: Alex Entwistle Commissioning Executive: Dylan Haskins

There was a moment, somewhere between the 1980s and 1990s, when Black music turned gangsta. This moment shaped two of the world’s most influential genres: American Rap and Jamaican Dancehall. The story behind the music is one of oppressed Africans unlocking the ancient powers of their ancestors to break free. The dark side of this story is that many of those Africans, descended from slaves, embraced the pattern of violence that had cursed them for so long and slowly turned against each other. Was gangsta music the explosion of Black culture, or the implosion of Black power? In the end, the market decides.Warning: This episode contains very strong language and language which may offend, as well as adult themes.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.With music from:Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up The Sugarhill Gang - Rapper’s Delight Billy Boyo - One Spliff A Day Ninja Man - Murder Dem Eric B. & Rakim - Paid in Full Super Cat - Boops Ice-T - New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme) Mad Cobra - Bad Boy Bounty Killer - Copper Shot The Notorious B.I.G - Juicy Craig Mack - Flava In Ya Ear Remix Bounty Killer - Disrespect The Notorious B.I.G - Hold Ya Head (feat. Bob Marley)All original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.Thank you to:Benbrick, my Groomsmen and my nephews. My team: Sandra, Vidhu and Birungi. Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, Alex Entwistle, Adam Eland. BBC Concert Orchestra. Archive:The first four clips document scenes of street violence and are taken from various YouTube channels. The channel names are Toyin Made (used at 01:14), axolotol (used at 01:18), Eyez-wide-Videos (used at 01:41), and The Scuttlebutt Report (used at 02:01).The clip of Sam Cooke used at 03:27 is taken from his interview with Dick Clark on American Bandstand.The clip about Rastafari used at 03:51 is taken from the BBC documentary “Roots, Reggae, Rebellion”.The clip about Black people expressing their true selves used at 04:21 is taken from the BBC documentary “Soul Deep: The Story of Black Popular Music”The two clips used at 05:06 and 05:22 are taken from the BBC documentary Jamaica 40: Blood and Fire.The clips used at 07:55, 08:03 and 08:08 are taken from the ABC News 20/20 Hip Hop special report from 1981.The clips used at 19:40, 20:36 and 21:01 about Bounty Killer are taken from the 1994 classic feature with Jamaica TVJ ER host Anthony Miller. The clips used at 19:51, 20:21 and 20:58 is taken from the Yendi Phillipps Untold Journeys interview with Bounty Killer.The clip used at 20:46 is taken from the BBC documentary “Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music”Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Assistant Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Senior Producer: Alex Entwistle Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins

R&B music has changed. It was once the soundtrack of love, but is now more like a journal of pain. Through this music, George tracks the breakdown of the African American family since the 1970s. He discovers that higher poverty and incarceration rates among African Americans left a generation of children to fend for themselves. By the 1990s Gangsta rappers were displaying disrespect to women - and the market loved it and rewarded it. At the same time, Black women were pushing back through songs calling out immature men, and celebrating financial independence.Warning: This episode contains very strong language and language which may offend, as well as some adult themes.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.With music from:Ginuwine - Differences Jhené Aiko - P*$$Y Fairy (OTW) Kaash Paige - Love Songs George The Poet - Baby Father Cardi B - WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) Megan Thee Stallion - Cash Shit (feat. DaBaby) Rick Ross - Sanctified (feat. Kanye West & Big Sean) Drake & GIVĒON - Chicago Freestyle Chris Brown - Loyal (Instrumental) Candi Staton - Young Hearts Run Free Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing) Whitney Houston - It’s Not Right But It’s Okay Dr Dre - Bi*****s Ain’t S**t Destiny’s Child - Bills, Bills, Bills Sunshine Anderson - Heard It All Before TLC - No Scrubs Jazmine Sullivan - Pick Up Your FeelingsAll 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. Torrie Maas. My Common Ground team: Anne Whitehead, Darshan Sanghrajka, and Benbrick.Archive:The clips of Candi Staton used at 07:31, 08:05, 08:28 and 08:59 are taken from her interview with Paul Morley on Guardian Music.The clips of Jay-z used at 11:06 are taken from his interview on the Scandinavian talk show Skavlan, and his interview with Sway for MTV.The clip of Tupac used at 11:32 is taken from his BET Networks interview with Ed Gordon.The clip of 50 Cent used at 12:23 is taken from his interview with Larry King for Ora TV.The clip of Barack Obama used at 13:01 is taken from CBS News.The clip of Lauryn Hill used at 14:26 is taken from her 1998 BET Rap City interview.The clip talking about crack used at 20:05 is taken from the Glide Memorial Church conference “The Race Against Crack”.Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Assistant Producer: Adam Eland Commissioning Senior Producer: Alex Entwistle Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins

The 1960s was a mad time for Black people. It was a mad time for the world, but especially for Black people. The African Independence movement boosted morale but quickly descended into cut-throat strongman politics. Meanwhile, the American Civil Rights movement empowered new voices but failed to eliminate racism. Both ended in violence. George revisits the birth of Uganda through the story of his grandfather - Andrew Frederick Mpanga. The disappointments of this period put into context the birth of Black Power, and the emergence of gang culture among African American youth.Warning: This episode contains very strong language and language that may offend, as well as adult themes.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.With music from:Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come The Last Poets - Black Soldier David McCallum - Edge 2Pac - 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted (feat. Snoop Dogg)All original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.We had the following guests:Nikissi SerumagaThank you to:My team - Sandra, Vidhu, and Birungi; Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, BBC Concert Orchestra; the Common Ground team - Anne Whitehead, Darshan Sanghrajka, and Benbrick. Archive:The clip of Kabaka Mutesa II used at 09:10 is taken from The BBC World Service show Witness.The theme used at 10.21 is the New Line Cinema ident.The clip of my Grandfather Andrew Frederick Mpanga talking with Robert Serumaga used from 11.54 to 15:16 is taken from BBC Africa Abroad.The clip of Malcolm X used at 16:56 is taken from his interview at Berkeley from 1963.The clips talking about The Black Panthers used at 18:44, 19:06, 19:17, and 19:22 are taken from the New York Times documentary “Black Panthers Revisited”.The announcement of Martin Luther King Jr’s death at 19:31 is taken from BBC News.We used Fred Hampton’s legendary “I am a revolutionary” clip at 20:38.The clip of Tupac Shakur at 24:25 is taken from the BET Networks video titled “Tupac Shakur: The World Is Hash And I just Don’t Got No Beautiful Stories”.Soundtrack:Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come 00:16 - 02:09Benbrick - Change 03:42 - 04:55Benbrick - The Sixties 05:42 - 11:29Benbrick - Libya 11:35 - 16:24Benbrick - The Sixties 16:53 - 18:04Benbrick - The Sixties 18:44 - 19:30The Last Poets - Black Soldier 19:46 - 20:38David McCallum - Edge 21:33 - 22:512Pac - 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted (feat. Snoop Dogg) 23:17 - 25:55Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come 26:19 - 27:38Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan Haskins

At the end of 2020, George proposed to his girlfriend, Sandra, after one year of dating. Well, technically it was after years of friendship then one year of dating. When the two met as teenagers at a Ugandan event, they were both finding their place in the world. For George, Uganda provided answers that Britain couldn't. Like many in their generation, he and Sandra developed a pattern of holidaying in the Motherland before returning to their lives in the UK. However, as the harsh realities of African politics became clear to George, he began to rethink his relationship with UG.Credits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet production for BBC Sounds.Commissioning Executive for BBC: Dylan HaskinsWith music from:Bebe Cool - Wire Wire Flukes - Wifey Riddim (Instrumental) Fergie - Glamorous ft Ludacris Griminal (Freestyle) Dot Rotten (Freestyle) Double S (Freestyle) Chip (Freestyle) Giggs - Saw Obsessions - Jangu Madtraxx - Skaramess Bobi Wine - Maama Mbile ft Juliana The Afrigo Band - Mundeke All original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.We had the following guests:The soon to be Sandra Mpanga, my guy Mase, and my cousin AggieThank you to:My team Sandra, Vidhu, and Birungi. Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, BBC Concert Orchestra, Channel 4, BMD, Mase, and Aggie.Archive:The clips of Griminal used at 08:33, Dot Rotten used at 09:17, Double S used at 10:01, and Chip used at 11:10 are all taken from their respective BBC 1Xtra Westwood freestyles.The clip used at 13:20 is taken from the Journeyman Pictures documentary “Who Is To Blame For London’s Increasingly Violent Gangs?”The clip used at 21:50 is taken from the New Vision TV clip “Why Museveni went to war"The clips used at 22:46 and 23:06 are taken from the Channel 4 video “Uganda blocks internet after elections”, and the clip used at 23:26 of Museveni is taken from the Channel 4 video "Uganda election: President Museveni says opposition are agents of foreign interests“. Soundtrack: Bebe Cool - Wire Wire 00:43 - 02:29 02:50 - 03:20Benbrick - Wire 02:30 - 02:50 03:20 - 03:31Flukes - Wifey Riddim (Instrumental) 05:00 - 06:08Fergie - Glamorous ft Ludacris 06:09 - 07:14Griminal Westwood Freestyle 08:33 - 09:15Dot Rotten - Kurrupt Freestyle 09:17 - 09:52Double S Freestyle on Westwood 10:01 - 10:33Chipmunk Westwood Freestyle 11:10 - 11:53Giggs - Saw 12:00 - 13:25Benbrick - The Phone Call 13:24 - 14:56Obsessions - Jangu 15:08 - 15:58Benbrick - Obsession 15:58 - 16:58Madtraxx - Skaramess 17:00 - 18:32Bobi Wine - Maama Mbile ft Juliana 18:34 - 19:35Benbrick - No Message 19:35 - 20:33Benbrick - Walt Disney 20:34 - 24:34The Afrigo Band - Mundeke 26:58 - 28:30

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

Once upon a time, the General Public pinned their hopes, dreams and issues on the Entertainment Industry. Society stalked celebs, music moved millions, and the industry expanded endlessly. Where did this obsession start?Warning: This episode contains strong language 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:Mahalia - What You Did ft Ella Mai Ray Charles - America The Beautiful Drake - Lust for Life Jeff Beal - House of Cards Main Title Theme Ella Mai - Boo’d Up Ella Mai - Not Another Love Song Nas - If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) ft. Lauryn HillAll original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.We had the following guests:ZeZe Mills as The General Public, Big Narstie, Alhan Gençay, and Kae Kurd.Thank you to:My team Sandra, Vidhu, and Birungi. Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, BBC Concert Orchestra, ZeZe Mills, Mahalia, SK Vibemaker, Big Narstie, Alhan Gençay, Kae Kurd, Lewis Hamilton, Bloodworks Live Studio, Ella Mai, Mr Bounce and the Applebum Show, Chuckie Online, Evan Rogers, Tom Kelly & Adam Miller.Archive:The clip of Mahalia talking about vulnerability used at 09:47 is taken from her interview with SK Vibemaker, and the clip used at 11:16 is taken from MTV News.The clip used at 15:10 celebrating Lewis Hamilton’s first victory is taken from Formula One.The clip of Mark Zuckerberg used at 15:18 is taken from CBS Evening News.The clips of George Marshall calling for Aid to Europe after WW2 used at 16:45 and the clip taken from Harry Truman’s State of the Union used at 17:28 are both in the public domain.The used at 17:45 is taken from Harold Macmillan’s speech at the Cape Town parliament.The clips used at 18:18 and 18:30 are taken from the documentary “Windrush" by the BBC. The clip of Queen Elizabeth used at 18:42 is used courtesy of The Royal Family.The live version of What You Did by Mahalia used at 19:38 is taken from the Bloodworks Live Studio YouTube channel, and the clip of Mahalia talking about wanting to work with Ella Mai used at 20:18 is taken from The Applebum Show.The clips of Ella Mai singing used at 20:34 are taken from Ella Mai’s Instagram page, and the clips of DJ Mustard talking about Ella Mai used at 21:01 is taken from his interview with Bootleg Kev & DJ Hed on Real 92.3 LA. The clip of Ella Mai talking about Boo’d Up used at 21:23 and 22:34 are taken from her interview with Chuckie Online for JD in the Duffle Bag.The clips of Boo’d Up winning the GRAMMY used at 21:46 and 22:08 are taken from The Recording Academy.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 Ltd. 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

George’s Train of Thought travels through the madness of 2020 to find light at the end of the tunnel - his audience. The success of this journey depends on your next move. You've heard George’s podcast, and now George wants to hear from you. He’s driven by the idea that Black culture could one day provide economic security for Black people worldwide. As a listener, you play a special part in this vision. George’s Train of Thought is departing from his new online platform, built for the Chapter 3 audience. Your seat has been reserved. Go to GTPCG.comCredits:Written by George the Poet Produced by Benbrick and George the Poet Mixing, recording and editing by Benbrick.With music from:J Hus - Repeat (feat. Koffee) Marc Five - It’s Go Stormzy - Crown All original music is written by Benbrick and recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.We had the following guests:George’s nephews, Sandra Makumbi, Marc 5, Darshan Sanghrajka, Anne Whitehead, Benbrick.Thank you to:My team Sandra, Vidhu, and Birungi. The Common Ground team. Dylan Haskins and the team at BBC Sounds, BBC Concert Orchestra, JET magazine, AKA Dope, CNN, Podbible, NTV Uganda, David Lammy, Windrush Campaigner Anthony Brown, Florence Eshalomi, Jane Wing, Remel, Mo, Julie Adenuga, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Robert Bruce, John Boyega, Evan Rogers, Jade Alleyne, Anne Isger, Tom Kelly & Adam Miller.Archive:The quote from John Lennon on importance of Black Musicat 06:50 is taken from JET - A Johnson Publication. October 26, 1972, Vol XLIII, No. 5.We use various clips of people talking about George’s work between 08:18 and 08:40: Remel London (taken from George's Black Lives Still Matter YouTube show), Mo Gilligan and Julie Adenuga (from the GRM Awards), Krishnan Guru-Murthy (taken from Ways to Change The World podcast), AKA Dope introducing George, and Robert Bruce (from George’s MOBO Instagram Live).The two clips used between 09:38 and 09:59 on George’s headphones are taken from George's CNN interview, and Podbible episode #39.We used various clips over Stormzy’s Crown: the BBC News report on Feltham Young Offenders Institute (used at 15:09), NTV Uganda Report on the Presidential campaign (used at 15:19), the BBC News report “Thousands join anti-racism demonstrations across the UK” (used at 15:24).We also had various voices in this section - John Boyega (used at 15:35), David Lammy talking about the cruel and inhumane treatment of the Windrush Generation taken from Parliament TV (used at 16:20, and 16:46), Windrush Campaigner Anthony Brown on Sky News (used at 16:34), Florence Eshalomi on structural inequality taken from Channel 4 (used at 17:01), and The Guardian's 'Just the Beginning': Voices from the Black Lives Matter protest in London video (used at 17:11)Soundtrack:Benbrick - My Nephews 04:17 - 08:10J Hus - Repeat (feat. Koffee) 08:13 - 10:42Benbrick - The Secret to Survival 11:36 - 12:42Marc Five - It’s Go 12:57 - 14:11Stormzy - Crown 14:20 - 17:40Benbrick - Train of Thought 20:49 - 24:44Benbrick - The Secret to Survival 24:55 - 26:26Have You Heard George’s Podcast? is a George the Poet Ltd. 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.

Following difficult conversations with Uganda and Britain, George drops a bombshell. Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick. Featured songs: You Can Fly by Price Love, Think Twice by Celine DionFeatured guests: Anne Isger as Britain. 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

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’s relationships continue to fall apart as his mind descends into a battlefield. Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick. Featured songs: Empire Army by Vybz Kartel, Must Be by J Hus, No Manners by Teyana Taylor, Wishing On A Star by Rose RoyceFeatured guests: Julie Adenuga as Dija, Lola, Jawad Ifraz, Andrew Bell, Chris Bernard, Stephen Boateng, Sir Martyn Lewis, Kenny Imafidon, Patrin, Tasneim Zyada, Aaron Daniels, Lams, Tyra Mai, and Vidhu Sharma 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

The two competing parts of George’s brain - contentment and ambition - battle it out. George looks at how black creativity shapes trends through music to fashion and beyond.Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick.Featured songs: Didn’t Cha Know by Erykah Badu, 1,2,1,2 by George The Poet, Scribble Paper by Little Dragon, Real N****** (feat. Cam’ron, Jimmy Jones & Juelz Santana) by The Diplomats, Ambition (feat. Meek Mill & Rick Ross) by WaleFeatured guests: Ty Logan as Benji, Arnold Jorge as Damario, Young Talented Individuals, Hussain Manawer (presenting the Best Arts & Culture award at The British Podcast Awards 2019), Patrin, Andrew Bell, Tyra Mai, Tasneim Zyada, and Kenny Mpanga.Thank you to CJ Obi and everybody who attended my meeting to discuss the future of St Raph’s, Matthew Walker and Penguin for allowing us to use elements from the book Why We Sleep, Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson for writing the book Why Nations Fail, and Peter Gregson for his cello performance.Clips taken from the BBC Archive: BBC News October 28th 2019 Brexit delay agreed as MP’s vote again on an election & EU agrees Brexit extension to 31 January.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

George dives deeper into his dreams via a circus of characters - some old, some new.Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick.Featured songs: Memories by A Pass, You Can Fly by Price Love, A Night To Remember by ShalamarFeatured guests: Barney Artist as Inua the Intern, Mandi as Anna the analyst, Anne as Britain, Sandra & Petra as George’s friends in the carThank you to Robert Serumaga.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

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

An intimate portrait of George’s love life highlights his struggles to keep a work/life balance. He constructs an elaborate analogy that spirals out of control, leaving him lost.Written by George The Poet. Produced by Benbrick & George The Poet. Original music by Benbrick.Featured songs: Up Late by Ari Lennox, Running by IAMDDB, What Do You Mean? (feat. J Hus) by Skepta.Featured guests: Julie Adenuga as Dija, TrueMendous as TrudyThis episode features clips taken from Knight Rider, Aladdin, Rick and Morty, and Space Jam.Knight Rider (2008) directed by Steve Shill. Production Company: Dutch Oven, Universal Media Studios (UMS). Distributor: National Broadcasting Company (NBC). Clip appears at 00:10:53Aladdin (1992) directed by Ron Clements & John Musker. Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV, Walt Disney Feature Animation. Distributor: Buenva vista Pictures. Clip appears at 00:14:51Rick and Morty (Season 1, Episode 3 Anatomy Park), directed by John Rice, Pete Michels. Production Company: Harmonius Claptrap. Justin Roiland’s Solo Vanity Card Productions, Starburns Industries, Williams Street. Distributed by Warner Home Video. Clip appears at 00:14:55Space Jam (1996) directed by Joe Pytka. Production Company: Warner Bros., Northern Lights Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Feature Animation. Distributor: Fathom Events, Warner Bros. Clip appears at 00:15:01Have 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 Dija This 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 00:06:46 Trouble 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

A quick introduction to the podcast from George the Poet.

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

The season finale sees a return to the inside of George's Mind. Episode 6 introduced Sanyu, a young idea on a mission to break out of the Poet's overcrowded headspace and reach his audience with her most meaningful contribution. After escaping the "Research and Development" faculty of George's Mind, Sanyu participated in a version of Episode 8 that simply wasn't all that, by her standards. Determined to deliver unprecedented value to the audience, Sanyu decides to "save" Episode 8 from averageness, fighting off insecurities and the ever-changing conditions of a creative mind. The ensuing adventure is a story of hope, fear and sacrifice relevant to anyone who dares to dream big. In many ways, Sanyu embodies the message of the podcast, put most aptly by Victor Hugo: nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.Featured songs:Ambush "Man Can't"; Dun Dee "Ooh Wee"; KwayorClinch "Renting"; Mucky “It’s On Me”; Jorja Smith "The One"; Maverick Sabre & George the Poet ft. Jorja Smith "Follow the Leader"Written by George the Poet Original score by BenbrickProduced by Benbrick and George the Poet

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.

A stroll down memory lane takes George to the beginning of his journey with poetry, before a call from a friend reminds him how far he still has to go. Asking about an idea George had previously shared, (“Sanyu”), the friend complains that George is overthinking, hoarding his potential and ultimately shortchanging the world. What follows is a Disney-style dive into the life of an idea in George’s mind. From the clubs of Kampala, to the corners of the imagination, to the frontline of Ugandan politics - the journey is crazy.Featured songs: Radio & Weasel ft. General Ozzy - Potential; Radio & Weasel - Ngenda Maaso; Radio & Weasel - Kuku; Coco Finger - Emikono Wagulu; Rabadaba - Bwekiri; Isaac Blackman - To the Ceiling; Bobi Wine - Badman from KamwokyaWritten 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

Following a highly publicised run-in with the police, George looks at the fraught relationship between his community and law enforcers. With poignant contributions from family and friends, the Poet tells the story of the historic and ongoing tensions that contributed to the England riots of 2011. Featured songs: Mucky - It's On Me Ghetts - Menace Written by George the Poet Original score by Benbrick Produced by Benbrick and George The Poet

George continues his Grenfell story.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

George explores the roles of family and formal education in the lives of marginalised young people. With more elaborate scene-setting, his lyrical stream of consciousness flows over a soundscape that is increasingly cinematic and journalistic. The Poet argues that inner city music acts as a pressure valve for voiceless young people who face systemic disadvantage. Expanding on the points of the previous episode, he advocates for youth having space to "speak their truth," and for listeners to take consideration of the problematic realities behind this art.

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.