Drill rapper TEN has been revealed as the killer of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen.
The rapper – real name Jake Fahri – was found guilty of the killing of the 16-year-old in South London back in 2008, and given a life sentence.
Mizen’s murder took place after an argument broke out at a bakery in South East London. Then aged 19, the rapper hurled a Pyrex dish at the 16-year-old, severing an artery and killing him.
Fahri pleaded not guilty to murder but was found guilty at the Old Bailey in March 2009. He was handed a sentence to life with a minimum of 14 years.
He was released on license in June 2023 and launched his career as a drill rapper named TEN. Since then, he has been given airplay on DJ Theo Johnson’s BBC 1Xtra radio show.
As per reports by BBC and The Sun, he frequently uses themes of violence in his music and some uncensored lyrics of his seem to allude to the killing of Mizen.
“Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry’s/ Sharpen up my blade I’ve got to keep those necessary/ Stay alert and kept it ready, any corner could be deadly/ Judge took a look at me, before the trial even started he already knows he’s gonna throw the book at me,” read lyrics to one of his tracks.
Another sees him rap: “See a man’s soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone/ I wanted more, it made it less wrong/ Seeing blood spilled same floor he was left on.”
Speaking to the BBC, a representative for HM Prison and Probation Service said: “We are aware of this content and are investigating it as a priority. We take any material that could glorify violence or distress victims extremely seriously.”
The victim’s mother, Margaret Mizen, also spoke to the outlet about the existence of the songs. “We’re a bit shocked, we’re just taking it in. How can someone be allowed to play this kind of music? The words are absolutely horrendous,” she said.
“I think he’s a coward. To be able to play his music with a balaclava on and not show his face says to me he’s a bit of a coward. I don’t want him to turn into some sort of celebrity just because he has been on the news,” she added.
Discussing TEN’s songs being aired on 1Xtra, BBC said: “Decisions on music are made case by case. We have strict editorial guidelines in place before any content is broadcast or posted. BBC 1Xtra does not glamorise violence.” It is worth noting that none of the songs that seem to refer to the murder were aired.
Following their son’s death, Mr and Mrs Mizen set up the Jimmy Mizen Foundation. It is involved in providing help and support to young people in London who are fleeing violence. In 2013, Margaret Mizen was awarded an MBE for promoting peace.
