Lucky

by Stephen Manderson

It was never easy for Professor Green. Born into a tough Hackney estate and raised by his grandmother, the rapper was always learning the hard way - whether at school, on the streets of east London or during impromptu freestyling shows at friends' house parties. Indeed life and music have always been intertwined for the young rapper, but it wasn't until he was 18 that the two were brought into focus by the suicide of his father - and his emotions, ever since, have been reflected in the raw and often passionate line of his inspirational lyrics. In this wonderful autobiography, Professor Green - a.k.a. Stephen Manderson - reflects on his life so far and how his tough upbringing shaped the person and musician he is today. Passionate, raw and totally open, Lucky is the story of a boy's journey, from life close to the streets, to a time briefly behind bars, followed by a life making it as a musician and becoming the man you want to become. Lucky is accompanied by a unique digital app, which takes you closer to Professor Green and his with exclusive digital content for readers to enjoy, this is a rare insight into one of the most exciting and controversial musicians working in music today.

Genres: Nonfiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2015

Reviews

[Flyss Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen Prof Green on lip sync challenge and watched all of his documentaries about difficult topics such as homelessness, drug use and depression. I thought he seemed like a genuine and interesting person, this biography reinforced that view. Although I'm not a massive fan of rap or hiphop I do love a true life rags to riches story of hard graft that ultimately leads to the reward. Although he hasn't always been a prefect angel he makes no excuses for his behaviour and learns from past mistakes, giving him a unique and experienced perspective on many of the topics he discuses in his documentaries, which is probably the reason they are so engaging.

[Lisa-Jaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Prof Green's music and recently caught a couple of documentaries he did on both homelessness and suicide / depression so I was interested to read his story. Delves very deeply into his music and I like many of the artists mentioned so this was of added interest to me. He also came from a council flat in East London as did I so I did feel connected. He makes no bones about his past, has a honest charm about him and this made for good reading.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into pro greens life. Although I did enjoy it, I did find that it started to get a bit boring towards the end.

[Samantha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read and I've learnt a lot about PG and his background. Shocking behaviour but he knows that and is living life to the fullest now!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched him on Sunday brunch talk about the book and the documentaries. I hadn't really listened to his music much but I thought he spoke with a passion and interest and so read the book. A really great read. I love how a book lets you get into someone's lives. He is right there is a stereotype about tattooed rappers. And there are all rubbish. What a really genuine guy who has had some tough times but usually manages to see the good side. It inspired me to go back and listen to more of his music. A really great book and a really interesting guy. Loved it!!!

[Janette Baillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. The professor takes you on his journey from early life growing up on a tough hackney council estate, to his rise to the top, the journey in between fame and the struggle to survive on the streets of east London, trying to break into the ever difficult music industry whilst holding down menial jobs, this is a fantastic read that will leave you exhilarating but with a lump in your throat at the end. Go buy it now!!

[Marcin Machowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written biography of a guy who despite a difficult background, a broken family where his mum and father were rarely ever around and being single-handedly raised by his nun, makes it to the top in the music industry through rap, tenacity, hard work and support of good people he has met on his way. It lacks a wow effect for me, but after all, I find it a pleasant and easy read.

[Shahbaz Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in his own words and style, it's an insightful and deeply revealing book on his life. I was shocked with the depth he explores and how his journey to fame arose. Fantastic book that shows what it takes to make it big in the music scene and the highs and lows once you're there. Also simply an inspiring story of a troubled kid who makes it out of a bad spot - would easily recommend!

[Paul Lawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seen Professor Green in interviews before and found him to be very interesting and knowledgeable. Didn’t realise he’d written a book so this was a welcomed find. Enjoyed the read and finding out about his early life. He was open in his accounts, good and not so good. In particular liked the way he spoke about his upbringing and his relationships the family and friends. Decent.

[Roisin Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Professor Green since I was a teenager, so it’s surprising it took me this long to read his autobiography. It’s quite sad to realise how much has changed since this coming out (his divorce to Millie, his illness diagnosis etc) but this is still a hopeful story of his life that I found inspiring :)

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more talk about anxiety and depression but I still enjoyed hearing about his life.

[Connor Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific book just found hard to finish

[Susan Galligan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legend

Truly inspirational man. Legend of music and now mental health. As a sufferer myself and having experienced the loss of loved ones by suicide this hit home.

[Adam Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a interesting read, I guess it's easy to stereotype pro green with his look and sounds, but there is more to this fella then just the look.
really enjoyed it.

[Coin eyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read, passes the time and easy to digest

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very honest and open book. Very easy to read. Great insight into his life. But it did seem to drag at the end.

[Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I’ve finished in a day!😁

[Flapper72 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite like reading books about people I think I 'know' because the gutter press tell us all about their lives and what they're up to. I'd thus heard about Professor Green through his beautiful wife, Mille, as they've become good fodder for the paparazzi. Also, I'd seen a couple of TV documentaries that PG had presented on the TV related to the suicide of his father and how that had affected him and his own mental health so thought that this would be interesting. I wasn't expecting a fantastically written book (and it isn't, acceptable but not great) but it was an interesting. PG had an awful start in life, brought up by his nan and great nan and very little contact with his biological parents. Interestingly, his father has become more important since his suicide. PG has also suffered with his own mental health. Basically, it's the story of a young guy who does drugs, sells drugs, makes a living from the music industry, drinks alcohol, parties hard and then meets his wife. The saddest part about this life story? Not the fact that PG self medicates (and, it seems, continues to do so with various chemicals and alcohol) but that the end of the book was almost 'I'm so happy, life is fab, I'm looking forwards to spending the rest of my life with Mille and having children together' and yet since the book was published we know that PG and Mille have divorced. Makes me sad really because one feels as if this story isn't going too have a couple of chapters' PS which are going to be nothing other than a sad disaster. I desperately hope that this isn't the case but PG presents himself as quite a brittle young guy emotionally - I hope he gets the support and guidance at what is probably proving a rather challenging time in his life.

[Mollie Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st read 2016 - 5* Now this review is likely to be very bias seeing as professor green is one of my biggest idols and I simply love him!
Reading this book just made me so happy! I laughed, I cried, I got annoyed and everything else in between!
I feel like I know Stephen so much more as a person and now that I have a much bigger insight on his life before fame and on his journey, I feel as though I can relate to him a lot more! Some of what he said really resonated with me and I took a lot from his book!
All I want to say now is thankyou Pro!

2nd read 2019 - 4*

[Vicky Herbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan for a good few years and really admire that he helps raise awareness of depression and suicide so wanted to read more. It's an entertaining book and my first experience of a paperback book having digital content using a free app. Would recommend it to anyone, fan or not.

[sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a read

I know nothing about rap or HipHop and I still found this an engaging and interesting read. He comes across as a pretty decent bloke, who works hard and enjoys his music.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3½/5

[farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

I would definitely recommend to a friend.
Great insight in to his life and the starting of his career. Could read over and over.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an interesting autobiography. Not that interested in the rapping and musical related sections but liked learning more about Professor Greens personal life and childhood

[Claire Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read. Very fun having the video content but not sure the videos particularly enhanced the content but always good to have a celebrity insight!

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest insight into his life. Enjoyable to read. Seems like a lovely bloke. Would definitely recommend.

[Susan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight