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Track Record: Me, Music, and the War on Blackness

THE REVOLUTIONARY MEMOIR FROM THE UK'S MOST CREATIVE VOICE

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Track Record: Me, Music, and the War on Blackness

By: George the Poet
Narrated by: George the Poet
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About this listen

The ground-breaking memoir by acclaimed rapper and podcast host, George the Poet

'When Grime became the soundtrack to our lives, it gave a voice to the hustle. We were all looking for money, but it was deeper than that; we were looking for a future.'

George the Poet knows better than anybody the importance of understanding your surroundings.

Born to Ugandan parents on the St Raphael's Estate in Neasden, north-west London, George Mpanga has always been aware of his community. It was both his teacher and his inspiration - giving him the language, the experiences, and the skills to become the person he is today.

In Track Record, George unveils the power dynamics that shape our world, shedding light on the forces that restrict Black creativity and put limits on Black excellence. By interrogating the history of colonialism and exploring capitalism's racist legacy, George offers a fresh perspective on the world around us.

Delving into the music scene and iconic films from his childhood, as well as crucial political and economic moments in history, this book provides the backstory of where we are today.

Honest, thought-provoking, and passionate, Track Record is a ground-breaking memoir by one of the UK's most unique voices.

©2023 George the Poet (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Art Entertainment & Celebrities Political Science Politics & Government Thought-Provoking Inspiring Colonial Period Capitalism

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All stars
Most relevant  
Thank you George for studying this issue and articulating it so well. And for making the story so personal. I've learnt a lot about your journey. You have also highlighted some of the challenges we face as black people. Thank you for speaking out.
I'll be listening to this book again and promoting it within my peer groups.

Absolutely brilliant.

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The sheer bravery of George has to be commended. The things mentioned in this book are not things you can say aloud, anywhere in the western hemisphere. And he knows this. And he said them all at once.

Leading by example in terms of speaking truth to power and using the privilege he has, making us think about the relative privilege we all have. Even if that privilege is to pursue different avenues of thought or simply to vote and affect the world stage. They are jailing people for protesting the wrong thing right now in the U.K.

Yes I was uncomfortable listening because injustice and unfairness are laid bear, it’s like a bright light you just want to look away from. Injustice and unfairness go against our human sensibilities and it takes a sickness to ignore them. If we are not sick in a sick world, then we are part of the sickness.

I consider myself at the sharper end of this as a working class person of the diaspora raised in London, it’s stuff I had a strong reference to but it still hit me hard. I started listening some months ago but had to stop and come back to it.

You won’t hear a book like this anywhere else. Only the diaspora in London could produce it, being that we are so interconnected with the rest of the world, so outward facing. That is our role if anything, to think globally, commentate / organise and act locally, for our class interests because they aren’t just coming for working class & black people (shame the two are seen as distinct) they are hollowing out the middle class too. Standing up for humanity and our children’s futures is non-negotiable.

I was also touched by the message of hope at the end and the answers he wants to be able to give his son about the world. The only way this can happen is if we stand up against the needs of capital. Because they have, and always will work against the needs of humanity.

Uncomfortable listening

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Very informative from both a micro and macro point of view. The transition from liberalism to radicalism was also very profound but I guess in the post grad, listeners will hear more on these practical solutions

Very informative

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This book is the book I didn’t know I needed to read in this moment. It has changed me. My parenting, educating and existing has changed. Thank you George for sharing your awakening. For documenting the journey of piecing together all the chapters in your life and creating the chapters in this book. I felt so seen in a way I never really have in literature. As an 80’s baby Londoner of Jamaican heritage there was nostalgia, but deep truth in the reckoning as I also entered into the world of work and then the deep realisation of what I didn’t know. The learning never stops, but I’m so grateful for this moment, for your words and for your commitment to liberation for all.

Moved beyond words

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A deep dive into how capitalism plays its part on black music. Learnt so many things throughout this book, and George’s voice is poetic in itself. A must read

Powerful

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This book was incredible
I enjoyed learning more about George and his journey to where he is but also this book awakened me to do more digging into learning more about Africa as I do believe that the history of GB was and always been glossed over

Does it again!

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George the Poet's Talking Book is a masterpiece of modern spoken-word artistry, blending poetry, storytelling, and music into a powerful commentary on identity, history, and social justice. Furthermore from Pan-African perspective, the work stands out as an essential exploration of Black consciousness, colonial legacies, and the resilience of African heritage in the spoken word.

Gman

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Part memoir, part historiography, part UK grime music discography and mostly a demand for revolutionary thought, understanding and action. George Mpanga takes the listener on a journey through aspects of his life and skillfully uses his experiences to elucidate how historical harms and violence are still present in our contemporary context. Filled with moments that transcend a range of emotions, this audio book will cause the listener to pause it and take time to reflect on just how salient his analysis is. I was really pleased that it was read by the author himself. I found this audiobook to be outstanding and I will definitely be returning to it and recommending it to my university students.

A critical book for our historical and contemporary times

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For anyone who wants to knowore about music, anti-racism, and the widespread legacies of colony and empire.

Simply a must-read book

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Brilliantly insightful, engaging, and captivating insights for a white/asian mixed person living in the UK.

Outstanding

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