Mark Can't Rap

Mark was in the process of finalising dates for a national tour when the pandemic hit. Now, like everyone else, he’s trapped inside with no plan. To make matters worse, he’s also being bullied by a group of 7-year-olds online. Mark needs to overcome his fears - and quickly

The completed mixtape. What do you think? Which track do you like the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Twitter/Instagram: @Montygristo

Email: [email protected]

Mark heads to Juxta’s to record his mixtape but things don’t exactly go to plan. After many hours of recording it’s time to share what they’ve made with Mark’s mentors. The feedback takes Mark by surprise.

Mark heads to Samm’s Bar in Peterborough for their weekly open mic. He’s planning on performing two tracks to the audience but he’s incredibly nervous. Some of his material is much more personal than he’s used to performing and there’s a very real possibility that this could go badly.

Mark has only three episodes of the podcast left to complete his mixtape, and he’s struggling. He bumps into an ex-student,Lewis, in town and they share their frustrations. Later, Mark calls up rapper and teacher, Shay D, to help him work out why he can't complete anything. Shay questions Mark on his reasons for doing this and challenges him to write something with meaning.

Mark follows Tony's advice and starts rapping along to a bunch of his favourite tracks. Then he drives to Cambridge to meet up with Inja (Winner of DrumAndBaseArena’s 2018 awards for Best Emcee and Best Live Performer).
Together, they start improving Mark’s material. Inja shares his experiences and some of what he tells Mark leaves him reeling .

Mark has just a week to write two verses to perform up against Tony D, the UK’s undefeated battle rap champion. He interviews his friends and family, learns what he can legitimately brag about and also writes a verse full of the most outrageous claims he can think of. When his time runs out, he travels to London to face Tony.

Mark has just a few weeks to put together his first Mixtape and he desperately needs to find emcees that can help him. First off is Tony D: a UK battle rap legend. Tony once mentioned Mark in a rap battle; using Mark’s name and background as a punchline. Mark asks him why it went down so well and Tony explains why.

As a huge fan of hip hop, and after years spent writing poetry, Mark really wants to learn how to rap. He’s been given a huge opportunity too. Red Bull’s ‘Global head of Music innovation’ Stefan Lukic has agreed to listen to his tracks. The catch? Mark will have to fly to Mexico. And he’ll have to be prepared for some very honest feedback.