Rugby rapper encourages young people away from knife crime in new song
Jordan Oliver, known as J Lanez, has written a song about the problem
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
A rapper from Warwickshire has written a song to encourage young people away from knife crime, after his friend died after being stabbed during argument.
Jordan Oliver - known by rap name J Lanez - decided to use the death of his friend as an opportunity to steer others away from a life of crime, after admitting his upbringing drove him to make unfortunate decisions.
J Lanez, from Rugby, said: "He was a valued friend of mine, but didn't want to fall into a path of vengeance. Instead, I decided to do youth work and gain qualifications to inspire others.
"I use music to influence people to recognise the struggles people face when growing up on the streets and understand that it's no life to live. It's not all parties and money, it can lead to depression, homelessness and potentially even death."
Jordan has appeared on popular rap and drill music channels online in an attempt to "de-glamorize" the life of crime which is generally seen in the drill music genre.
He's been encouraging young people to, instead, write positive lyrics in an attempt to steer them away from the lifestyle generally associated with crime.
Using his qualifications he received from the Trinity College of London, Jordan now wants to go into schools to tell his story and inspire young people across Warwickshire to stay away from knife crime.
Jordan said: "I wouldn't have been able to achieve the things I have without escaping my old life. I've got an amazing girlfriend, a daughter and now a business that I can use for positive change. A dream without a plan is only a dream. Your worth as much as you deem yourself to be. Stand tall be true to yourself and you will get to where you belong."