All Segments
Wretch 32: How To Build Unstoppable Self-Belief | E132
48 segments available
Wretch 32 is a British rapper and the co-founder of Green Machine, a company that specialises in CBD products. One of the leading rappers of his generation, he is noted for his especially personal lyrics that movingly convey his making a better life for himself, as well as his relationship with those around him, especially his mother. This weeks topics: 00:00 Intro 01:23 Early Years 14:15 Your beginnings as an artist 25:47 How did you know you were going to succeed? 34:26 How did it feel to reach your dream? 43:39 Rap culture and materialism 48:37 Staying true to yourself 53:09 Impact of media pressure 55:03 Imposter Syndrome 01:01:07 Your CBD business 01:05:49 Working with Def Jam Recordings 01:07:44 Your relationships 01:14:58 The modern music industry Influences 01:16:38 Our last guest's question Wretch: https://www.instagram.com/officialwretch32/ https://twitter.com/wretch32 Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT... FOLLOW ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-ba... Sponsors: Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Craftd - https://bit.ly/3LLgrwj
Segments Timeline
The Turning Point at 16
Wretch 32 reflects on a pivotal moment in his life when he was thrown out by his mother at the age of 16. He discusses how this harsh decision forced him to mature quickly and take responsibility for his life, ultimately leading to his success as a rapper. This segment highlights the importance of discomfort in personal growth and the lessons learned from being pushed out of his comfort zone.
"could you do me a quick favor if you're listening to this please hit the follow or subscribe button it helps more than you know and we invite subscribers in every month to watch the show in person mus..."
Growing Up in Tottenham
Wretch 32 shares his experiences growing up in Tottenham, a place known for its challenges and crime. He emphasizes the impact of his upbringing on his identity and how navigating through difficult circumstances shaped him. This segment explores the significance of early life experiences in forming one's character and resilience.
"one what if it just hadn't worked out it had to so without further ado i'm stephen bartlett and this is the diary of a ceo i hope nobody's listening but if you are then please keep this to yourself [M..."
Lessons from a Tough Childhood
In this segment, Wretch discusses the harsh realities of his childhood, including the violence and crime surrounding him. He reflects on how these experiences influenced his perspective on life and the importance of understanding one's environment. Wretch emphasizes the need to adapt and learn from challenging situations to grow stronger.
"a lot of understanding about certain things that were probably above my age i feel like i was always someone that could get along with everyone like whether our cool kid uncle kid whatever i like i co..."
The Impact of Being Thrown Out
Wretch elaborates on the moment his mother threw him out of the house, describing how it forced him to confront adulthood. He shares his initial pride and resistance to the situation, but ultimately recognizes it as a crucial lesson in responsibility. This segment highlights the transformative power of tough love and the necessity of facing reality.
"so before that i was you know walking around the house had a bravado had attitude for i was a big man for i was a bad boy for i was whatever and you know all the time my mom's kind of like single mom ..."
Understanding Adult Responsibilities
Wretch reflects on the lessons learned about adult responsibilities after being thrown out by his mother. He discusses the difference between financial contributions and the reality of household expenses, emphasizing the importance of understanding the full scope of adult life. This segment underscores the gap between youthful perceptions and adult realities.
"did she throw you out i was too too vibing man i just thought i was too i thought i was it do you get what i'm saying and i think as well it's like when you think you're it and you're making a little ..."
Gratitude for Tough Love
In this heartfelt segment, Wretch expresses gratitude for his mother's tough love, acknowledging that being thrown out was the best thing that ever happened to him. He reflects on how this experience propelled him toward success and maturity. This segment captures the essence of how adversity can lead to personal growth and achievement.
"i was just like right i actually thought i was a big man and it's like like years i i was angry with my mum for a bit at the time as you would be not speaking to her kind of like kind of trying to be ..."
The Role of Family in Shaping Identity
Wretch discusses his relationship with his father and the influence of his family on his upbringing. He shares insights into his father's strict nature and the respect he commanded in the community. This segment highlights the importance of family dynamics in shaping one's identity and values.
"the man of your house did you know your father yeah yeah did you have a relationship yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah my dad's a very was very very serious man very serious very serious very strict very well ..."
Lessons from Loss and Care
Wretch reflects on the impact of watching his grandmother care for his grandfather during his illness. He shares how this experience taught him about strength, love, and the realities of life and death. This segment emphasizes the profound lessons learned from witnessing familial bonds and the care that defines them.
"obviously him and my mom parted ways and um yeah still still kept a relationship like i don't have that i don't know my dad thing like i know my dad yeah and uh your grandmother one of the things you ..."
Confronting Mortality at a Young Age
In this poignant segment, Wretch recounts his first experiences with death and how they shaped his understanding of life. He discusses the naivety of youth and the harsh realities that come with loss. This segment explores the emotional impact of confronting mortality and the lessons that arise from such experiences.
"food we're doing this so i'm thinking yo we're fighting it but every time i'm going back it's like he's becoming like i don't know less and less and smaller and smaller and now i can see it but i'm st..."
Navigating Danger in Tottenham
Wretch shares a harrowing experience from his childhood when a car approached him in a threatening manner. He reflects on how this incident influenced his perception of safety and belonging in a dangerous environment. This segment highlights the challenges faced by youth in high-risk areas and the impact of such experiences on their choices.
"tinted cars rolling through the estate just looking for whoever they're looking for but i live in the middle of it and being young but being tall and remember back then when when when everyone's warm ..."
The Cycle of Violence and Self-Defense
Wretch discusses the cycle of violence in his community and how it often leads to self-harm. He reflects on the mentality of joining gangs for protection and how it can escalate into further violence. This segment addresses the complexities of self-defense and the consequences of living in a hostile environment.
"the next couple years which obviously is what led to my mum feeling like now you're feeling yourself a bit too much go and fly the nest like if you don't you know if you don't if you don't push the bi..."
The Weight of Expectations
Wretch discusses the tension that arises from unspoken expectations in relationships and environments. He emphasizes the importance of communication to alleviate misunderstandings and prevent conflicts that stem from unclear intentions.
"first place and at that age what did you want to be when you grew up what was the aspiration probably wanted to be ian wright realized early on that ain't gonna happen um i liked music i didn't want t..."
Dreams of Becoming a Musician
Wretch 32 shares his childhood aspirations, initially wanting to be a footballer like Ian Wright. He reflects on how he enjoyed music but never considered it a viable career path, feeling disconnected from the world of professional musicians.
"space so i guess like i was into trying to understand what else happens outside my estate because because also what happens you feel like your family your friends become your family in the estate the ..."
Discovering New Possibilities
In this segment, Wretch recounts how seeing a friend in an advertisement sparked his curiosity about the entertainment industry. He describes his efforts to explore opportunities beyond his immediate surroundings, including looking for auditions and understanding the broader world of music and performance.
"else exists like what other people are doing then i'd see something about the british school i'm like i wonder what that is like all these things that we don't know nothing about anna shears i used to..."
The Birth of a Mixtape
Wretch 32 discusses the creation of his first mixtape, 'Learn from My Mixtape,' released in 2006. He shares the excitement of recording and the challenges of getting it pressed, highlighting the personal significance of this project in his journey as an artist.
"then once i had seven or eight cds with about nine songs on each it's like right what about 50 60 some songs like this is mad maybe i should just do do a project so then i came up with the idea learne..."
A New Chapter: Fatherhood and Music
Wretch reflects on the birth of his son coinciding with the release of his mixtape. He describes the emotional whirlwind of becoming a father while pursuing his music career, illustrating the deep connection between his personal life and artistic ambitions.
"get the cds i'm like thank you man jumped in the car ripped the cred and picked up a thousand cds thousands you got them all in the car thousand all in the car bro thousand like seats two of us in the..."
The Struggle for Recognition
In this segment, Wretch talks about the challenges of promoting his music and the sacrifices he made to get his CDs into the hands of listeners. He shares anecdotes about the hustle of selling his mixtapes and the determination to be heard, despite financial pressures.
"return is long because you're no one the the shop guy he shows up fool so he's like yeah we'll take five i'm like my guy i have a thousand of these take 50 bro i won't even come back for the money i s..."
Crafting Unique Experiences
Wretch explains his strategy of creating tailored mixtapes for different audiences, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He discusses how this approach helped him connect with listeners and ultimately led to the decision to compile his best work into a single project.
"be able to spin what you get i'm saying they'll put the cop will put the baby to sleep whatever you know what i mean sma champagne um so yeah but that was like that was when i was understanding that y..."
Measuring Success Through Radio Play
In this segment, Wretch 32 reflects on how he gauged his success as an emerging artist by the frequency of his songs being played on the radio. He recounts the excitement of hearing his music on air and the validation it provided during his journey.
"space there's lots of things but it's hard to find something that is nice especially when consumed just with water and that is nutritionally complete and that has about 100 calories in total while als..."
Building Connections in the Industry
Wretch discusses the pivotal relationships he formed in the music industry, highlighting how each connection led to new opportunities. He shares anecdotes about meeting influential figures and how these interactions helped him navigate the complexities of the music scene.
"every time i heard it i was like cool i'm a manager we are ying and young like i'm all creative and this guy is ooh genius in another way so he would be like i'd go to his house and he'd be like all r..."
The Toll of Pursuing Passion
Wretch 32 opens up about the personal sacrifices he made while pursuing his music career. He reflects on how his dedication to his craft affected his relationships, particularly with his partner, and the challenges of balancing passion with personal life.
"the whole body i promise you know what i mean like in that in that phase you're starting to get these radio plays and stuff which is kind of like a sign for you it's that reinforcement that things you..."
Dreams and Inspirations
In this segment, Wretch shares a unique experience of writing music in his dreams. He discusses how this phenomenon fueled his belief in his artistic journey and the importance of capturing inspiration whenever it strikes.
"do you i'm saying that's just being present so it's like but then it's like in my head i'm thinking yeah but if i'm in a studio for eight hours i'm at home yeah i'm at home but it's it's actually all ..."
The Road to Signing a Record Deal
Wretch 32 recounts the significant moments leading up to his record deal, including pivotal conversations and collaborations. He emphasizes the importance of timing and understanding what a label can offer an artist.
"and twin b twin b from one extra um always having conversations with him like he just gave me an understanding of the game on on the other side because at the time he was working with at ministry and ..."
Navigating Relationships Amidst Success
Wretch reflects on how his rising fame impacted his personal relationships, particularly with his partner. He discusses the complexities of balancing love and ambition as he pursued his music career.
"like center levels like you know and ministry as well and i just i just knew that that was the right thing to do at the time when you get that news that yeah they want to sign you what's ashley saying..."
The Breakthrough Single: 'Tractor'
Wretch 32 discusses the release of his breakthrough single 'Tractor' and the excitement surrounding its success. He shares insights into the creative process and the anticipation of how it would change his life.
"one because of the things what everything i was weighing it up against she knew that this is a need like this guy needs to do this like he needs it so yeah and then black and white and then black and ..."
Experiencing Rapid Success
In this segment, Wretch describes the whirlwind of success following his single's release. He shares the thrill of charting and performing at major festivals, illustrating how quickly his life transformed after achieving his first hit.
"the charts and literally everything changed everything changed after that take me through that process so it goes in the charts and then you start just what's it like because i've you know never had a..."
Staying Grounded Amidst Fame
Wretch 32 reflects on the challenges of maintaining focus and dedication to music amidst newfound fame. He discusses the importance of staying true to his passion and avoiding distractions that could derail his artistic journey.
"and i don't know socially we prepared for that train to pick you up and and drag you off into your dream like that i don't think so now but i think luckily the only thing i wanted to do still at that ..."
The Pressure of Expectations
Discussing the pressure that comes after a successful album, Wretch talks about the expectations from the music industry to replicate success. He likens it to flipping a coin multiple times and feeling the weight of needing to achieve the same results repeatedly.
"and then so that album becomes a huge success um a real breakthrough moment for you um and then obviously when the album's done you have another pressure right which is the expectation of that album r..."
Navigating Industry Friction
Wretch discusses the challenges he faced with his record label regarding creative differences. He expresses his desire to address deeper issues in his music, contrasting with the label's focus on producing hit records, leading to tension in their relationship.
"after black and white and all of that and all the things like you know just i think i had a lot of frustration in me and and and it was it was almost it's almost the side of my life which i i saw my u..."
Reflections on Success and Behavior
In a moment of introspection, Wretch reflects on his behavior following the success of his album. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication within the music industry and how he managed his frustrations without resorting to aggression.
"is there do you wish you'd behaved differently following the the release of that album and its success is there something you wish you would you know in with the wonder of high school yeah yeah change..."
Passion for Music Beyond Fame
Wretch asserts that his passion for music has never waned, even after achieving success. He discusses his continuous drive to be the best rapper and the importance of maintaining that hunger for creativity and artistry.
"always kept it 100 always was just like look if we can have if there's any moments where we can i think they're like you need to say what you need to say in it you know what i'm saying and if their ot..."
The Importance of Legacy
Wretch emphasizes the significance of maintaining a strong legacy as an artist. He draws parallels with sports figures who lose their edge and stresses the need for musicians to stay connected to their passion to avoid compromising their artistic integrity.
"the things that people are like how did you get to that i'm saying like so that that never left me so like there was always freestyles there was always you know always raps always versus you know coll..."
Materialism vs. True Success
Wretch critiques the materialistic culture prevalent in hip-hop, expressing disappointment in artists who flaunt wealth instead of promoting financial literacy. He shares his own experiences and the lessons learned about investing and building a solid foundation for success.
"of the things that's always made you stand out even when i listen to your fire in the booth and i listen to all of them i have them on replay i actually played one last night to my girlfriend i was li..."
Learning from Mistakes
Wretch reflects on a significant mistake he made regarding property investment early in his career. He discusses the lack of guidance from successful individuals and emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge with the younger generation to help them avoid similar pitfalls.
"think we've growing up here i think like we were so like bedazzled by the american rap culture and we'd always seen them have things have jewelry have all these things and whatever and i think even my..."
Understanding the Music Industry's Nature
Wretch explains the unpredictable nature of the music industry, likening it to a game of thrones where success can be fleeting. He stresses the importance of building a solid foundation and being prepared for the ups and downs of a music career.
"the first one that's like yo where are you going to rent like think about what you're doing because then even myself like i wasn't even in princess part mana forever and even in there like i wasn't ev..."
Creating for Yourself
Wretch emphasizes the importance of authenticity in artistry, urging creators to make music for themselves rather than for external validation. He shares insights on the pressure of public expectation and the significance of being proud of one's work, as it becomes part of their legacy.
"is not work every time you don't once again you don't you don't just you don't get 10 heads in a row bro you get i'm saying you get toes one time and then it's and then it's how you bounce back from t..."
Navigating Fame and Public Perception
Wretch reflects on the challenges of fame, discussing how public attention can feel empty if not tied to meaningful artistic expression. He shares his experiences with media scrutiny and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst external pressures.
"like me now i try and look at my like it all made sense to me when i started seeing my career from the end till today and i'm like what what what navigates me is will i be happy with this at the end s..."
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Wretch talks about experiencing imposter syndrome and how influential figures like Richard Anthony helped him recognize his worth. He shares anecdotes about navigating the music industry and the importance of confidence and fearlessness when entering high-stakes environments.
"really liked it man i never liked it man i was the one i was hiding from the patch man all the time in your comment but did you ever experience what they call like imposter syndrome walking into rooms..."
The Power of CBD
Wretch 32 shares his journey into the CBD industry, explaining how he became involved with Green Machine, the largest CBD shop in Europe. He highlights the potential of CBD as a natural alternative to traditional medicine, recounting personal experiences and feedback from family members who found relief from various ailments through CBD products.
"like just just a g he was a lawyer he was a lawyer as well a music lawyer so he he understood that side as well so he could he could speak whatever language do you get what i'm saying at any table he ..."
Building a Business with Purpose
In this segment, Wretch 32 elaborates on his vision for Green Machine, aiming to create a business that not only sells products but also educates customers about their benefits. He discusses the future of CBD in medicine and his aspirations to expand the business significantly, emphasizing the importance of helping people manage their health.
"that's why i buy crafted green machine you started this business with your um business partner and it's um now i believe the the largest cbd shop in europe by the number of shops that you have a numbe..."
Creative Direction at Def Jam
Wretch 32 talks about his role as the creative director at Def Jam Recordings, sharing insights into the collaborative environment he works in. He reflects on his experiences as an artist and how they inform his approach to supporting emerging talent, highlighting the importance of nurturing creativity within the music industry.
"so to me this sounds like paracetamol because i don't believe in paracetamol it don't work on me so i haven't i don't need to i don't take it i haven't taken it for years so i'm right cool so i can't ..."
Finding Balance in Life
Wretch 32 opens up about the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while pursuing a demanding career in music. He discusses the importance of balance, maturity, and being present for his family, sharing how his perspective has evolved over time and the impact of his partner on his desire for a more balanced life.
"anything to do with me they're just being honest so i'm like all right cool what do i have that i can personally try so i'm like all right i can't sleep so let's try some of the others try some of the..."
The Role of Family
In this heartfelt segment, Wretch 32 reflects on his responsibilities as a father and the importance of being actively involved in his children's lives. He shares the emotional challenges of being away from family due to his career and the efforts he makes to strengthen his relationships with his children, particularly with his daughter who has limited memories of living with him.
"of medicine man like and so hopefully you know it will go down the route where you'll become prescribed like if you look at if you and and for us it's like it's about growing a business we're hoping t..."
Finding Balance in Life
Wretch 32 discusses the importance of balance in his life, emphasizing how his relationship with his children and partner has shaped his perspective. He reflects on how he used to work excessively without breaks, but now prioritizes spending time with loved ones, illustrating the significance of nurturing relationships while pursuing his career.
"but she has given me the desire to want to be balanced in my life which means like today during the work day i went for lunch with her then came back quickly and like carried on with my research on yo..."
Rebuilding Relationships with Kids
Wretch shares his emotional journey of rebuilding his relationship with his daughter, who has little memory of living with him. He contrasts this with his bond with his son, highlighting the challenges of being a present father and the importance of making an effort to create lasting connections with his children.
"like you used to live like i'm like what do you mean yeah i used to of course i'd used to live there you should wake up when you come to me and i remember then i'm like you i need to over extend to bu..."
The Drive to Succeed
In this segment, Wretch 32 reflects on his relentless pursuit of success in music. He discusses the fear of failure and how his obsession with improvement fueled his growth as an artist. He emphasizes that his determination and hunger to excel were crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving his dreams.
"well what if um you know when you were shot on those cds and trying to get people to buy those first thousand cities from your mixtape line for my mixtape what if it just hadn't worked out has that ev..."
Navigating the Modern Music Industry
Wretch talks about the impact of platforms like TikTok on the music industry, describing it as a new discovery tool for artists. He stresses the importance of maintaining high-quality music regardless of changing trends and how artists can leverage these platforms to their advantage while staying true to their craft.
"you say to musicians that you know are now coming up in this world of tick tock and you know what what do they what do you think they need to to make it and to follow in your footsteps i mean now that..."
Living in the Moment
Wretch 32 shares his philosophy on living a fulfilling life, emphasizing the importance of being present and appreciating each moment. He believes that every interaction has value and can lead to personal growth, encouraging listeners to engage fully with their experiences and the people around them.
"you can't skip it you can't skip leg day man you're at me then we have a closing tradition on this podcast where um the last guest writes the question for the next guest and they don't know who they'r..."