Shocka
{{short description|British rapper and mental health activist (born 1988)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Shocka
| image = Impact over numbers.jpg
| alias =
| birth_name = Kenneth Erhahon
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|7|8}}
| Label =
| origin = Tottenham, London, United Kingdom
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| occupation = Rapper, mental health advocate
| years_active = 2008—2011
2014—present
| label =
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
}}
}}
Kenneth Erhahon (born 8 July 1988), better known by his stage name Shocka, is a rapper and mental health advocate from Tottenham, London. He gained recognition for being one/third of Grime collective Marvell alongside Double S and Vertex. After dealing with mental health issues himself, Shocka became a Mental health advocate to help those with their own problems with his music. He has since aimed to raise awareness of mental issues and has been a speaker on TED and a guest on numerous talk shows.
Life and career
=2008-2011: Career beginnings and Marvell=
Shocka was born and raised in Broadwater Farm in Tottenham, North London. He experienced a lot of things whilst growing up there including crime and poverty, and wishes to shine a positive light on an area that has seen so much negativity. He began his musical journey in 2008, when he released his first mixtape "Beast on the Loose" which led him in joining the Grime group Marvell, alongside Vertex and Double S.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_QkvrFh8lc|title=BBeast On The Loose Vol.1|website=YouTube|date=29 January 2013 |access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909123940/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_QkvrFh8lc|url-status=live}} Marvell were noted for being one of the first UK rap group to adopt of the direct-to-fan mentality that most musicians have now accepted; they released numerous mixtapes for free via their own blog, which was consistently updated with singles including Tim Westwood freestyles to studio encounters with Drake and Rihanna. The BBC named Marvell as "Hot for 2010" alongside Tinie Tempah, Chip, Skepta and Diversity.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p013t31z/p013t3yw|title=BBC Radio 1Xtra - Max, Vis meets the MOBOs 2010 nominees - Marvell|website=BBC|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909123708/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p013t31z/p013t3yw|url-status=live}} During this time, Shocka also worked with Ghetts' Grime collective "The Movement", alongside Devlin, Wretch 32, and Scorcher.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/30/shocka-grime-mc-marvell-grenfell-tower-fire-mental-health|title='I have to confront it': Shocka, the grime MC who came back from a breakdown|first=Ian|last=McQuaid|date=October 30, 2018|website=Theguardian.com|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192139/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/30/shocka-grime-mc-marvell-grenfell-tower-fire-mental-health|url-status=live}} Marvell were eventually signed by Grime label Risky Roadz in 2011. However, the debut single by Marvell didn't perform as expected, and Risky Roadz later dropped Marvell. This eventually led Shocka to cope with mental health issues.
=2012-2017: Mental health issues and solo career=
After being dropped, Shocka felt that the highs of being a musician had been taken from him in an instant, which sent him on a downward spiral. This became too much for him to cope and he ended up in a mental health hospital.{{cite web|url=http://thedreamersdisease.co.uk/shocka-self-love-mental-health-episode-82|title=Shocka: Self Love & Mental Health – Episode 82|date=February 28, 2019|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921085045/http://thedreamersdisease.co.uk/shocka-self-love-mental-health-episode-82|url-status=live}}
Shocka, however, returned to music in 2014 with Fire in the Booth with Double S.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sh4vc|title=BBC Radio 1 - 1Xtra's Rap Show with Charlie Sloth, Marvell Fire In The Booth, Fire in the Booth - Marvell|website=BBC|date=18 February 2014 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909123708/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01sh4vc|url-status=live}} He began his solo career in 2015. He released his debut warm-up session with SB.TV in March 2019. In the freestyle he talks about his future, getting married and one day starting a family. The artist also reflects on his life as he approaches turning 30.{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-warm-up-session-freestyle|title=shocka-warm-up-session-freestyle|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|date=31 March 2019 |access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909123710/https://grmdaily.com/shocka-warm-up-session-freestyle/|url-status=live}} This was followed by the single "My Revolution which was released on 27 April 2015 and featured a cameo appearance from Russell Brand.{{cite web|author=Moves Recordings |url=https://moves.life/shocka |title=SHOCKA — Moves |website=Moves.life |date= |accessdate=2020-05-21}}{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-my-revolution-music-video|title=shocka-my-revolution|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|date=27 April 2015 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708103847/http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-my-revolution-music-video|url-status=live}} He was enlisted on Joey Clipstar's "Hardest Bars" series on Season 8 Episode 5 alongside Stormzy and Cashtastic.{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/joey-clipstar-hardest-bars-s1-e5|title=joey-clipstar-hardest-bars-s1-e5|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923133826/http://grmdaily.com/video/joey-clipstar-hardest-bars-s1-e5|url-status=live}} Shocka teamed up with Marvell affiliate Double S, after 6 long years since making music together, to release the single "One Take" which was released on 2 February 2016.{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/premiere-double-s-shocka-one-take|title=premiere-double-s-shocka-one-take|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|date=2 February 2016 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921130007/http://grmdaily.com/video/premiere-double-s-shocka-one-take|url-status=live}} He again made it on Clipstar's "Hardest Bars" but this time on Episode 12. He released the single "1 God" on 20 April 2016.{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-releases-deep-new-song-1-god|title=shocka-releases-deep-new-song-1-god|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|date=20 April 2016 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920215227/http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-releases-deep-new-song-1-god|url-status=live}} Over a freestyle to Cadet's "Letter To Krept", Shocka wrote his own "Letter To Marvell", his former crew, directly addressing a long-rumoured situation involving his fellow ex-teammates Vertex and Double S. The freestyle was released 16 September 2016.{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-letter-to-marvell|title=shocka-letter-to-marvell|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|date=16 September 2016 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919130836/http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-letter-to-marvell|url-status=live}} Shocka went viral after releasing a freestyle titled "Now" in light of the Grenfell Tower fire. The freestyle was reposted by British musicians including Giggs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/30/shocka-grime-mc-marvell-grenfell-tower-fire-mental-health|title='I have to confront it': Shocka, the grime MC who came back from a breakdown|date=October 30, 2018|website=the Guardian|access-date=9 September 2022|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192139/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/30/shocka-grime-mc-marvell-grenfell-tower-fire-mental-health|url-status=live}}
He released the EP "Kenneth is a King" which looks at he's life follow him on his rise to stardom from an introspective view.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/76fFlbX737z6RGZrTJ5yY5|title=Shocka|website=Spotify|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916230809/https://open.spotify.com/artist/76fFlbX737z6RGZrTJ5yY5|url-status=live}} His return to music has been labelled as conscious, affirmative music inspired by Kendrick & J. Cole.{{cn|date=July 2023}} Shocka aims to provide a positive message of Self Love in his music and promotes the message of putting yourself first from his experiences.{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2019-03-26/the-rise-fall-and-comeback-of-grime-artist-shocka-returning-from-breakdown-with-a-message-of-self-love/|title=The rise, fall and comeback of grime artist Shocka - returning from a breakdown with a message of self-love|website=ITV News|access-date=19 April 2020|archive-date=29 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329090903/https://www.itv.com/news/london/2019-03-26/the-rise-fall-and-comeback-of-grime-artist-shocka-returning-from-breakdown-with-a-message-of-self-love/|url-status=live}}
=2018-present: Mental Health advocacy and ''Impact over Numbers''=
He released a solo Fire in the Booth on 27 January 2018.{{cite web|url=http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-fire-in-the-booth|title=shocka-fire-in-the-booth|website=GRM Daily - Grime, Rap music and Culture|date=28 January 2018 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222190500/http://grmdaily.com/video/shocka-fire-in-the-booth|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://urbanforefront.com/artists/shocka/videos/shocka-fire-in-the-booth/|website=Urban Forefront |title= Shocka: Self Love (Ft. Brooke Baili)}} He released the single "Self Love" on October of the same year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shocka-self-love-brook-baili/|title=Shocka drops visuals for his "Self Love" single featuring Brook Baili|first=Zangba|last=Thomson|date=October 31, 2018|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028071627/https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shocka-self-love-brook-baili/|url-status=live}}
On 26 November 2018, Shocka was featured on a podcast by Roundhouse where he gave his guidance and support to aspiring musicians on how to cope with mental health from the industry, discussing his time as an upcoming artist which lead him to experience a mental health breakdown.{{cite web|url=https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/transmission/radio-shows/peace-of-no-mind/|title=Peace of No mind|website=Roundhouse.org.uk|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116054829/http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/transmission/radio-shows/peace-of-no-mind|url-status=live}} In an early 2019 interview with ITV News, Erhanon highlighted the highs and extreme lows of showbusiness. He spoke about his journey from being alongside famous names like Skepta to being dropped by his record company.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/itvnews/posts/10156611296097672?comment_id=10156611361242672&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D|title=The rise, fall and comeback of grime artist Shocka|website=Facebook.com|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909123711/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fitvnews%2Fposts%2F10156611296097672%3Fcomment_id%3D10156611361242672%26comment_tracking%3D%257B%2522tn%2522%253A%2522R%2522%257D|url-status=live}} Shocka was involved in an interview with The Pit LDN on 27 March 2019 to further raise awareness of mental health associated with music.{{cite web|url=https://www.thepitldn.com/pitnews/artist-spotlight-shocka|title=Artist Spotlight: Shocka|website=Thepitldn.com|date=27 March 2019 |access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=9 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909123711/https://www.thepitldn.com/pitnews/artist-spotlight-shocka|url-status=live}} Shocka released his third EP Conscious Crud on 26 April 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.lemzi.com/events/hglshocka|title=Hidden Gems LIVE Presents: Shocka - Conscious Crud|website=Lemzi}}
Shocka was a speaker in the 2019 TEDxLondon Beyond Borders event held on 18 May 2019.{{cite web|url=https://tedxlondon.com/attend/beyondborders2019/speakers/Shocka|title=Shocka|website=Tedxlondon.com|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510222841/https://tedxlondon.com/attend/beyondborders2019/speakers/Shocka|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ted.com/talks/shocka_self_love_is_the_glue_that_puts_us_back_together|title=Self love is the glue that puts us back together|date=11 June 2019 |via=www.ted.com|access-date=9 September 2022|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610014252/https://www.ted.com/talks/shocka_self_love_is_the_glue_that_puts_us_back_together|url-status=live}} During his talk, he highlighted his personal journey with mental health issues and how he has come to terms with these difficulties. Shocka believes self-love is part of the cure for mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and low self-image.{{cite web|url=https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/31461|title=TEDxLondon | TED|website=Ted.com|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=15 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115214716/https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/31461|url-status=live}}
In September 2019, Shocka reached out to Stefflon Don for cancer treatment for his mother. Stefflon Don held a giveaway after reaching a billion streams, and decided to give the money for his mother's treatment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.legit.ng/1257667-burna-boys-bae-stefflon-don-send-n22m-treat-nigerian-mans-sick-mother.html|title=Burna Boy's boo Stefflon Don vows to send N2.2m to treat Nigerian man's sick mom|first=Simbiat|last=Ayoola|date=September 3, 2019|website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news.|access-date=9 September 2022|archive-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904204656/https://www.legit.ng/1257667-burna-boys-bae-stefflon-don-send-n22m-treat-nigerian-mans-sick-mother.html|url-status=live}}
Erhanon went on to feature in a 10-episode series called "Mind Yourself" produced by Barcroft Studios. It focuses on young people who have or are recovering from poor mental health and was released on February 14, 2020, via Snapchat whilst also highlighting his own battle with schizophrenia and anxiety disorder.{{cite web|url=https://www.prolificlondon.co.uk/tv-broadcasting-news/social-media/2020/02/barcroft-studios-creates-mental-health-docuseries-london|title=Barcroft Studios creates mental health docuseries with London rapper for Snapchat|date=February 14, 2020|website=Prolificlondon.co.uk|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930143208/https://www.prolificlondon.co.uk/tv-broadcasting-news/social-media/2020/02/barcroft-studios-creates-mental-health-docuseries-london|url-status=live}}
Shocka released his debut album Impact Over Numbers on 16 May 2020. It features Burna Boy on the intro, production from Ayo Beatz, and vocals from Brook Baili and Chrissy Day as well as a tribute single to the late rapper, Cadet. The album was noted for exploring a variety of topics including mental health, friendship, and miscarriage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.asbomagazine.com/home-featured/shocka-impac-over-numbers|title=Music and Mental Health: Why Shocka is choosing to focus on Impact OverNumbers|website=ASBO}}
Discography
=Studio albums=
- 2020: Impact Over Numbers
=EPs=
- 2016: Against the Grain
- 2017: Kenneth is a King
- 2019: Conscious Crud
=With Marvell=
2014: Marvell FM 5
=Singles=
==As featured artist==
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
| scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:16em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:1em;"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |
|---|
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| UK
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:85%;"| UK |
| scope="row"| "Maybe Ting Refix" (Ozzie B featuring Lip E, Double S, Shocka, Flirta D, Lethal Bizzle, Jme and Frisco) [https://soundcloud.com/djraphrelentless/maybetingrefix Maybe Ting Refix – GMTA, Firecamp, Marvel + Boy Better Know Refix DJ RAPH MASHUP REMIX by djraphrelentless | DJ Raph Relentless | Free Listening on SoundCloud] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152626/https://soundcloud.com/djraphrelentless/maybetingrefix |date=2 April 2015 }}. Soundcloud.com. Retrieved on 2 November 2015. | 2010 | 182 || — | {{N/A|Non-album single}} |