More than a million records have been shifted by Plan B, who has amassed a fortune and is on the verge of releasing a film he wrote and directed.
The tough-talking Brit winner, known as Ben Drew, certainly recalls his challenging upbringing in east London.
The riots from last summer have left a lasting impact on his thoughts. They have fueled his inspiration for the gripping new film iLL Manors, along with his frustration.
He expressed: “I’ll never forget where I come from. I could have ended up being one of those kids on the streets last summer.”
“Nothing has changed since that time. What’s to prevent it from happening again?”
“My aim with my music and film is to assist kids like me, who feel overlooked and ridiculed. I believe it possesses that potential.”
This sentiment is shared by others. Plan B’s upcoming single reflects a generation of youth who feel hopeless.
Plan B has been tirelessly working to release the film, which he defines as a “hip-hop musical,” so these young voices may be acknowledged.
He provided me with a sneak peek, and while in a West London studio where he has been working diligently, he shared: “I want iLL Manors to broaden perspectives across different social classes.”
“And it’s meant to inspire hope in kids from estates. Hip-hop transformed my life; I desire it to do the same for them.”
Filmed in the same East End estate where the rapper grew up, the movie draws significant inspiration from the London riots and includes authentic footage of the city being set ablaze.
Ben, who won a Brit award for Best Male and three Ivor Novello songwriting awards last year, stated: “We need to understand the reasons behind the riots.”
“It’s essential to comprehend why numerous kids in this country perceive a lack of future and don’t care about their criminal records.”
He feels no animosity towards them for rioting and stated: “Society has shown no concern for them. They were demonstrating their disregard for society. Yet, I believe their perspective can be transformed.”
The rapper could have easily found himself in the same situation as the rioters he aims to support.
Raised in Forest Gate, East London, Ben’s father, Paul Ballance, a former punk rocker, left when Ben was just five months old.
Ben was expelled from school at 16 due to fighting, engaged in a bar scuffle, and endured a police raid on his residence by armed officers.
by Wallace McTavish
