A Quick Ting On: Grime

About Franklyn Addo

Franklyn is a social commentator, journalist, youth worker and rapper whose work revolves around the promotion of social justice. His biographical experiences of growing up in (pre-gentrification) Hackney, where he continues to reside, has led him to become devoted to understanding the causes of issues like serious youth violence and the criminalisation of young people, as well as acting to resolve them.


He has written articles for publications including The Guardian, The Independent and Sky News, and has been featured in The New Yorker. His productions include a short documentary on crime induced trauma for BBC3 and a narrative about the human consequences of inequality for BBC Radio 4's 'Four Thought' programme. His main focus is working directly with young people, in settings ranging from schools and youth clubs to prisons and hospitals. This latter setting is where he is presently based, working with young victims of stabbings, shootings and other incidents of serious violence.


In addition to journalism and youth work, Franklyn creates and is deeply passionate about urban music, believing it to be an indispensable tool for reaching young people and allowing them to harness and reflect their own realities.