Professor Green

This article is about a musician. For the professor of history, see Judith Green (historian). For the solar energy researcher, see Martin Green (professor). For the professor of physics, see Michael Green (physicist). For the professor of statistics, see Peter Green (statistician).
Professor Green

Professor Green in 2012
Background information
Birth name Stephen Paul Manderson
Born 27 November 1983
Hackney, London, England
Genres Hip hop, rap rock, grime, electronica, pop
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2005–present
Labels The Beats (2006–08)
Virgin (2010–present)
Associated acts
Website professorgreen.co.uk

Stephen Paul Manderson (born 27 November 1983), better known by his stage name Professor Green, is an English rapper and singer-songwriter. He was signed to The Beats, a record label run by Mike Skinner and Ted Mayhem, until 12 February 2008, when the label terminated. He rose to success upon winning the inaugural JumpOff MySpace £50,000 battle rap tournament in July 2008. Following this in 2009, Professor Green worked with Lily Allen on her 2009 concert tour.

In 2006 he released his first mixtape, Lecture #1. After his first record label, The Beats, went under he produced on his own an EP called The Green EP. After he toured with Lily Allen he was signed to Virgin Records and released "I Need You Tonight" featuring Ed Drewett, based on INXS's "Need You Tonight" through the label.[1] He also joined up with Allen on his second single "Just Be Good to Green", which is based on The SOS Band's "Just Be Good to Me".

In July 2010, Professor Green released his debut album, Alive Till I'm Dead, which features guest vocals from Lily Allen, Emeli Sandé, Fink, Labrinth and Example, as well as The Streets. He followed this with the album At Your Inconvenience in October 2011.

Early and personal life

Professor Green was born in Hackney on 27 November 1983.[2] and was raised by his grandmother, Patricia, from the age of one on the Northwold Estate. His father, Peter, committed suicide in 2008 in Brentwood, Essex. Green has stated previously he feels his father's death has made him a better person, saying: "I'd had a turbulent relationship with my dad. He was always in and out of my life and I was raised by my grandmother Patricia. Mum, who had me at 16, was there for the most part but my grandmother was the most influential. I last saw my dad alive on my 18th birthday. He came over to see me but after that we just stopped talking. There was no real reason. He hanged himself and I had to go and identify the body in the morgue." Manderson also talked about his father's death in the songs "Goodnight" and "Forever Falling" and about the problems with his family in "Read All About It" from the album "At Your Inconvenience".

Professor Green said he "fell in to rapping accidentally" as he was at a party at a friend's house, where everyone was freestyling, and he got put on the spot and he said it worked for him. Then, on seeing a flyer for a freestyle night called LyricPad, he decided to go. Despite having no experience freestyling, he won. After going to LyricPad again the next month, a scout from JumpOff spotted him. From there he battled and won every week, eventually becoming Champion. As of June 2011, he remains the only MC to win seven times in a row, a feat he accomplished twice. At JumpOff, Mike Skinner from The Streets saw and signed Manderson up to his record label, The Beats, although Manderson is never very complimentary when asked about his experiences there. Manderson gained the alias of 'Professor Green', the 'Green' part derives from the slang of cannabis, and he continued to sell cannabis until he was signed to The Beats.

On 23 May 2009 Professor Green was attacked with the neck of a broken bottle in the Cargo nightclub in Shoreditch, East London. He has a tattoo of the word "lucky" where he was stabbed with a bottle, though ironically this existed prior to the attack on his neck. His assailant was later convicted of the crime and sentenced to eight years in prison.[3]

On 16 October 2012, Puma launched an exclusive apparel collection designed by Professor Green.[4]

On 25 March 2013, Millie Mackintosh announced on her Twitter account that she and Professor Green were engaged.[5] They married at Babington House, Somerset, on 10 September 2013.[6]

On 24 May 2013, Professor Green was crushed between two Mercedes cars when travelling to perform a live show at Hartpury College in Gloucester. He was thought to have broken his leg, but soon returned to appear at Harper Adams University in Shropshire after just three weeks followed by a long set at Glastonbury during the last weekend in June, including running along the front of the audience.[7][8]

Controversy

Professor Green has caused online controversy by claiming that bulimia is "an intelligent eating disorder" on Twitter. In a tweet posted on July 28, the Hackney rapper said: "bulimia is quite an intelligent eating disorder... it'd be easier just to chew food and spit it out but still, you get to eat whatever you want and stay skinny. #winning"

He then added: "cue all the people who start telling me how insensitive I am and how bulimia jokes aren't funny yadda yadda yadda... I'm just trying to find a way to be in New York and not become a fat b*stard." He also quoted a line from Nas' 'Queens Get The Money', writing: "'I'm over they heads like a bulimic on a seesaw'."

The comments made by the hip-hop star – real name Stephen Manderson – resulted in a number of his Twitter followers branding him 'sick' and 'disgusting', reports Metro, while clinical nurse Dan Round told The Sun: "There is a lot of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding eating disorders. They are not just about food and wanting to be thin". "Here's to Mr and Mrs Manderson! Millie Mackintosh embraces new husband Professor Green at countryside wedding". Daily Mail (London).

Career history

Professor Green performed as a special guest of Lily Allen in 2009.

2010–11: Alive Till I'm Dead

He confirmed his debut album's title was "Alive Till I'm Dead" (sic) on his official MySpace. The first single off the album was produced by The ThundaCatz and called "I Need You Tonight", which was released on 12 April 2010. It samples the 1987 hit from INXS 'Need You Tonight'. It peaked at #3 in the UK, and #15 in Ireland. The single was also certificated silver status in the United Kingdom.

He released his second single 'Just Be Good to Green', on 11 July 2010 in the UK. The single features British singer Lily Allen. It became a top 5 hit in the UK, a top 20 hit in Ireland and on the European Hot 100 Singles. It also peaked at #32 in New Zealand and #49 in Australia. The song samples 'Just Be Good To Me' by the SOS Band.

His album was released a week later, and peaked at #2 in the UK and #18 in Ireland. He released Monster as the third single from the album. The track features UK rapper Example (Elliot Gleave). Released on 3 October 2010 the single became a top 30 hit on the UK Singles Chart. His album has been certificated Gold with sales of over 100,000 in the United Kingdom.

On 10 September 2010, Professor Green joined Lily Allen on stage at Wembley Stadium whilst supporting Muse, to perform her number one hit 'Smile', and 'Just Be Good To Green'.[9]

On 19 October 2010 Professor Green released the video for his next single 'Jungle' which features Maverick Sabre. It was released on 3 January 2011 and reached #33 in the UK Singles Chart.

On 8 December 2010, a feud erupted on social networking site Twitter between Professor Green and fellow grime artist Wiley. The argument arose when Wiley said that Professor Green would not exist if it were not for the success of American rapper Eminem, adding that he himself was a superior artist to Green. In retribution Green responded by saying '"I will always be a fan, but that's not to say I won't s**t all over you. It's not a problem for me." This then escalated into a larger argument before Professor Green attempted to defuse the situation, to little avail.[10]

Professor Green appeared on Soccer AM where he was challenged to a rap battle by Tubes, after several starting spits, Green said "I'm the Professor, the one that you don't wanna test, Tubes is about as smart as the Soccerette". This got a big reaction from everyone in the studio.

Professor Green is also UK Ambassador for SportLifestyle brand Puma, focusing on the fashion and lifestyle side of the brand.

2011–2012: At Your Inconvenience

Green's second album is titled At Your Inconvenience and was released on 31 October 2011.[11] The title track "At Your Inconvenience" was premiered by Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 on 13 July 2011.[12] That track was released as a promotional single only, as an instant download upon preorder of the album on iTunes. The first official single, "Read All About It" (with guest vocals from Emeli Sandé), was released on 23 October 2011. On 30 October 2011, it reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart.[13]

The second single released from the album was "Never Be a Right Time", with guest vocals from Ed Drewett. The EP featured remixes from Document One and Drums of London, and a remix of "How Many Moons" featuring fellow UK rappers Dream McLean and Rinse. The "How Many Moons" remix premiered on Mistajam's show on 1Xtra in January 2012. The third single released was "Remedy", featuring Ruth-Anne Cunningham. A remix contest was hosted where producers could download the stems for the track and use them to create a remix. The winner won a trip to meet and greet Professor Green in Hyde Park on 7 July 2012 at the Wireless Festival.[14]

In May 2012, Professor Green released his own signature beer "Remedy". An American style pale ale, brewed with English ingredients.[15]

The fourth single set to be released is "Avalon" featuring Sierra Kusterbeck,[16] which appeared on an advert for the energy drink Relentless. Pro Green is a brand ambassador for Relentless, and performed for them at a secret gig in his home town of Hackney, London on 15 November 2012.[17]

2013–present: Growing Up In Public

Green expressed interest to work with Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé and Lana Del Rey, however none of these artists made it onto the album. Possible producers so far for the album, includes Mike Skinner, Sid Wilson of Slipknot,[18] iSHi, Pharrell Williams and Skrillex. Green has created a single with former collaborator Example called "Fast Life" which he believes will be successful.[19][20][21] A promotional non-album single, titled "Are You Getting Enough?", features Miles Kane and was released on 21 July 2013.[22] After the single failed to chart even in the UK top 100, Green announced that the first "proper" single from the album would be released in January 2014 and the album would follow shortly. These were later delayed to July and September 2014 respectively. He has also delayed his tour to November 2014 to coincide with the album which comes out in August.[23]

Green also performed new tracks titled "I Need Church" and "Little Secrets" in his 2013 live sets.[24] Green has also posted clips of new songs "Name in Lights" (produced by Cores and featuring Rizzle Kicks)[25] and "Jealous Girl" on his Instagram.[26] Tweets and Instagram posts have also revealed a collaboration with Wretch 32 and iSHi titled "Gross" and another track titled "The Middle". Green also posted a short clip of a collaboration with iSHI and Ella Eyre which didn't make the album.[27]

Green also appeared on CBBC show 12 Again talking about his life at age 12.

In 2013, Green was found to have driven with 52 mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35. He has been banned from driving for 12 months after pleading guilty to boozing behind the wheel.[28] On 14 April, Green released a 54-second teaser of the album's first promotional single "Not Your Man", which features vocals from Thabo.

In 2014, he appeared on a remix of "German Whip" by Meridian Dan, also featuring Skepta, Bossman Birdie and Jordan Stephens. "Not Your Man" premiered in full on 3 July 2014, and was released on 5 July as an "instant grat" download on iTunes when you pre-ordered the album. The album's second "instant grat" promotional single, "I Need Church", was released on 16 July. The lead single from the album, "Lullaby" featuring Tori Kelly, was released on 14 September 2014. Growing Up in Public will be released on 22 September 2014.[29] The album features guest appearances from James Craise, Tori Kelly, Mr Probz, Rizzle Kicks, Whinnie Williams, Thabo, Cas and Dream Mclean.[30]

Discography

Albums
Mixtapes
EPs

Awards and nominations

References

  1. ↑ Swash, Rosie (20 April 2010). "How Professor Green gatecrashed the charts". The Guardian (London).
  2. ↑ How Professor Green gatecrashed the charts - The Guardian
  3. ↑ "Broken bottle attacker of rap star Professor Green is jailed eight years for stabbing | Mail Online". London: Dailymail.co.uk. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  4. ↑ "PUMA x Professor Green Apparel Launch PREVIEW". puma.com. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
  5. ↑ "Made in Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh engaged to rapper".
  6. ↑ "Here's to Mr and Mrs Manderson! Millie Mackintosh embraces new husband Professor Green at countryside wedding". Daily Mail (London).
  7. ↑ "Professor Green Taken To Hospital With Suspected Broken Leg After Car Accident - Capital FM". Capital FM. 2013-05-25.
  8. ↑ Mail on line Retrieved 2013-06-30
  9. ↑ "Lily Allen performs with Professor Green at Muse show". Metro.co.uk. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  10. ↑ "Professor Green & Wiley Involved In Twitter Battle | Professor Green | News | MTV UK". Mtv.co.uk. 8 December 2010. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  11. ↑ "At Your Inconvenience by Professor Green - Preorder At Your Inconvenience on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 27 November 1983. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  12. ↑ Zane Lowe. "Zane Lowe's Hottest Records blog: Hottest Record - Professor Green - At Your Inconvenience". BBC. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  13. ↑ "Connecting to the iTunes Store". Itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  14. ↑ http://www.yourspin.ie/prize/view/32
  15. ↑ The Sun (2012-05-23). "Beer's 5.9% Prof". London: The Sun.
  16. ↑ https://twitter.com/professorgreen/status/232596237931663360
  17. ↑ http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/professor_green_wows_crowds_at_st_john_at_hackney_church_1_1707515
  18. ↑ http://www.nme.com/news/slipknot/62851
  19. ↑ https://twitter.com/#!/professorgreen/status/158942130889433088
  20. ↑ https://twitter.com/#!/professorgreen/status/159328528964399104
  21. ↑ https://twitter.com/#!/professorgreen/status/158942727671787521
  22. ↑ "Professor Green - Are You Getting Enough? (feat. Miles Kane) by Professor Green". SoundCloud. 2013-05-28.
  23. ↑ "UK Tour Postponed Until May 2014". Professor Green - Official Website. 2013-09-24.
  24. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ej58q9/acts/abqhzc#p01c22b9
  25. ↑ http://instagram.com/p/cO-4Cpvsyc/
  26. ↑ http://instagram.com/p/cJyFGZPs5_/
  27. ↑ "Professor green". Facebook. 2013-10-17.
  28. ↑ http://instagram.com/p/cO-4Cpvsyc/
  29. ↑ "Professor green - Facebook photos". Facebook. 2014-07-05.
  30. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Growing Up In Public by Professor Green". iTunes Store. 2014-09-22.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Professor Green.