“I don't want to be just another guy hanging about on the streets.”
These were the determined words of 18-year-old Dalton hip hop musician Tommy, who goes by the name T Mac.
Things haven’t always been easy for the teen, who in March came out of prison after spending a year inside for stealing a phone.
T Mac is now determined to turn his life around and make a career for himself, and wants to use his music to reach out to youngsters and dissuade them from getting involved with gangs.
“I just rap about things that have happened in my life and experiences that have influenced me, instead of about fake stuff like wearing gold chains.
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“None of that means anything to young people growing up in communities like ours.”
The youngster is currently working with friends to produce music and starting to record songs and videos, as well as performing at local gigs.
Pal Paul McDermott, 36, is using the music studio he built in his Moldgreen home to help launch T Mac’s career, while friend Wesley Cunliffe, 30, is working to get his name out there.
T Mac says his year spent at Wetherby Young Offenders Institute gave him time to reflect on his future.
“You can still go down a wrong path even in prison getting involved with gangs.
“It’s the worst feeling being inside and knowing your mum is at home stressing about it.
“I started thinking about a music career, listening to the radio and freestyle rapping with other people during social time.”
Now working to produce his first album, the teen says music has helped him to rediscover his confidence.
T Mac is also working with Dom Mills, a Deighton anti-gangs campaigner who is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and works with local youngsters on a project called Global Diversity.
Dom said: “Young people from less privileged communities need that extra arm of support.
“Music and sharing music online seems to be the best way for people to express themselves and improve confidence.”
