Mark Can't Rap Mark Grist
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- Society & Culture
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Writing rap lyrics is much harder than you think - particularly when you’re living through a global pandemic.
Mark Grist, a 39-year-old Ex-English teacher & multi-award-winning poet, has been using his time in lockdown to learn how to rap. Along the way he’s interviewed some of the world’s greatest emcees & learnt lessons that have made him completely re-think his life.
Whether you're an aspiring rapper, a fan of the English language, or just interested in hearing an incredible story about fear, hope & the power of human connection, then this is the podcast for you.
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Series 2 Episode 1 - Just Do What They Say? Ft. Mikill Pane
Mark was in the process of finalising dates for a national tour when the pandemic hit. Now, like everyone else, he’s trapped inside with no plan. To make matters worse, he’s also being bullied by a group of 7-year-olds online. Mark needs to overcome his fears - and quickly.
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Season 2 Episode 2 - Are You Gonna Fold? Ft. Chali 2na, Lupe Fiasco, RA The Rugged Man, Ghostface Killah
With the lockdown extended, all live shows cancelled & the UK Prime Minister in & out of intensive care, Mark turns to an unconventional source of hope. One that, with each glimmer it brings, also reveals just how trapped he is. Will he ever find a way out?
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Season 2 Episode 3 - It's Just A Conversation Ft. Jeffrey Boakye
It’s now several weeks into the UK-wide lockdown & Mark has arranged an interview with fellow teacher & author Jeffrey Boakye. As they chat, it becomes clear that the lack of rap in our curriculums is just the tip of a very complex iceberg.
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Season 2 Episode 4 - You Have To Have A Bit Of Range Ft. Lunar C
With every day in lockdown feeling the same, Mark is in need of an escape, or at least a way to keep motivated. Fortunately, he’s got an interview lined up with UK battle legend Lunar C. Lunar shares his own creative process & experiences at school & sets Mark two challenges. One challenge in particular seems impossible.
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Season 2 Episode 5 - Tell Me More Ft. MysDiggi
It’s the autumn of 2020 and across the UK people are arguing - nobody can agree, it seems, on which rules to follow. Some are even denying that Covid exists.
Mark is getting angry. And frustrated. He’s trying to write a ‘banger’ but…where does he even start?
In turning to UK rap legend MysDiggi for help, Mark learns that the rules of rap (like the rules of lockdown) are never easy to agree on.
Link to 'Around my Way': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HgrILC9XXQ&ab_channel=mysdiggi -
Season 2 Episode 6 - A Fun Battle Ft. Blizzard
Mark needs to find a beat that bangs if he’s going to write a ‘banger’ during lockdown. Fortunately, his old friend Blizzard is an expert when it comes to music production. They schedule a chat and Mark’s can’t wait. After all, Blizzard and Mark have history - they went head to head in a rap battle once that became the most viewed UK VS UK rap battle of all time. Link to the Mark Grist V Blizzard rap battle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp4wEewrQdU
Customer Reviews
Analysis through paralysis!
This legitimizes my anxiety...thank you for having the courage to put this out! You inspire me!
Actual Diamonds!
It is so uncomfortable to learn something new. Mark is funny as hell, but also incredibly vulnerable as he shares his journey learning to rap. I’m less afraid now of expanding my own creativity. Thanks Mark! I’d love to see a second season.
Brilliant
Interesting, funny, inspiring. Check it out :)