UK rap fans have been left in disbelief following reports that Ghetts, one of Britain’s most respected lyricists, has been remanded in custody after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

According to reports, the alleged incident took place earlier this month and involved a fatal collision somewhere in London. The acclaimed artist and actor, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, allegedly failed to stop after hitting a 20-year-old man in Redbridge Lane East, Ilford, on Saturday, 18 October, the Met Police said.

The 41-year-old appeared at Stratford Magistrates' Court on Monday, the same day the man died in hospital. The indictment is expected to change from causing serious injury to causing death by dangerous driving. Sources say the rapper may have been under the influence at the time. The rapper, from Woodford Green, was remanded into custody and is due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Monday, 27 October.

Ghetts has long been regarded as one of the most skilled and thoughtful rappers to come out of the UK. His name carries weight far beyond the grime scene, influencing generations of artists with his sharp lyricism, emotional honesty, and ability to tell hard truths about street life and survival.

Born and raised in Plaistow, East London, Ghetts’ story has always been one of transformation. A product of the early grime explosion, he first gained attention in the early 2000s as a member of N.A.S.T.Y Crew, one of the most influential collectives in the genre’s history. Back then, his fiery delivery and raw authenticity quickly set him apart. But what truly defined his career was his growth, both as a man and an artist.

After leaving N.A.S.T.Y Crew, Ghetts carved out his own path. His early mixtapes, “2000 & Life” and “Ghetto Gospel”, became cult classics, balancing street bravado with vulnerability and reflection. His music stood out not just for the bars, but for the heart behind them.

By the time he released his debut studio album “Rebel With A Cause” in 2014, Ghetts had fully reinvented himself , moving from raw aggression to introspective artistry. The project earned him MOBO nominations, critical acclaim, and renewed recognition as one of grime’s most important voices.

His 2021 album “Conflict of Interest” solidified that status, featuring collaborations with major UK acts including Skepta, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, and Dave. The record was nominated for the Mercury Prize, and its storytelling cemented Ghetts as a cultural elder statesman, one who could rap about redemption, faith, and fatherhood with the same power he once used to describe life in the ends.

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His fearsome reputation is why news of his reported remand has hit fans so hard. On social media, reactions have ranged from shock to cautious empathy. Many longtime listeners have pointed out that Ghetts’ journey has always symbolised growth and second chances making this latest chapter especially difficult to process.

At this stage, the full details of the case are still emerging. Authorities allege that the fatal crash took place between late September and early October, and investigations into the incident are ongoing. The case is expected to move to Crown Court in the coming weeks, where Ghetts will either enter a plea or face trial proceedings.

Neither Ghetts nor his management team have released an official statement so far, and no verified comments have been made from his close circle or record label. Police have asked the witnesses to the incident to come forward.