Professor Green facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Professor Green
Stephen Manderson in 2012
Born	Stephen Paul Manderson (1983-11-27) 27 November 1983 (age 41) Clapton, London, England
Occupation	Rapper singer songwriter actor television personality mental health activist
Spouse(s)	Millie Mackintosh ​ ​ (m. 2013; div. 2016)​
Children	1
Musical career
Genres	Hip hop grime electronica
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Virgin (2010–2015) Relentless (2016–2020) Gang Green (2019–present) Cooking Vinyl (2021–present)

Stephen Paul Manderson (born 27 November 1983) is a famous English rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is better known by his stage name Professor Green or just Pro Green. He also works as an actor, a TV personality, and an activist for mental health. He grew up in London.

Professor Green became a very successful music artist, selling millions of records in the UK. He used to host the TV show Lip Sync Battle UK on Channel 5. His book was a bestseller, and he supports a charity called CALM, which helps people with mental health challenges.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Manderson was born in London. When he was very young, he had a stomach operation. He was raised by his grandmother, great-grandmother, and uncles in a flat in Clapton, London. He has said his home life was sometimes difficult.

His great-grandmother, Edie, was very important to him. She taught him to read and encouraged him to learn new things. Her death affected him deeply because they were so close. Stephen was a smart student and once dreamed of becoming a lawyer. However, he faced sadness when his parents were not around. He left Stoke Newington School without finishing his qualifications. His father passed away when Stephen was 24 years old.

Music Career Highlights

Professor Green performed as a special guest of Lily Allen in 2009.

Early Music and First Album: 2006–2011

In 2006, Professor Green released his first mixtape, called Lecture #1. He won a big rap battle competition called JumpOff MySpace in 2008, which came with a £50,000 prize.

After performing with singer Lily Allen, Professor Green signed with Virgin Records. In 2010, he released his first album, Alive Till I'm Dead. His first pop song, "I Need You Tonight", became very popular, reaching number 3 in the UK.

He released his second song, 'Just Be Good to Green', in 2010. This song featured Lily Allen and was a top 5 hit in the UK. His album came out a week later and reached number 2 in the UK charts. He then released "Monster" in October 2010, featuring the rapper Example. This song also did well, and his album sold over 300,000 copies in the UK.

In 2010, Professor Green joined Lily Allen on stage at Wembley Stadium. They performed her hit song 'Smile' and 'Just Be Good To Green'. In 2011, he released the song "Jungle", which featured Maverick Sabre. This song reached number 31 in the UK.

Professor Green also worked with the sports brand Puma. In 2011, he became their first social ambassador, focusing on the fashion side of the brand. In 2012, Puma even launched a clothing collection designed by him.

Second Album: At Your Inconvenience (2011–2012)

Professor Green's second album, At Your Inconvenience, came out in October 2011. The main song from the album, "At Your Inconvenience", was first played on BBC Radio 1.

The first official song from the album was "Read All About It". It featured the singer Emeli Sandé and was released in October 2011. This song became a number 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart.

Other songs from the album included "Never Be a Right Time" with Ed Drewett, and "Remedy" featuring Ruth-Anne Cunningham. He also released "Avalon" with Sierra Kusterbeck, which was used in an advert for the energy drink Relentless. Professor Green is also an ambassador for Relentless.

Third Album: Growing Up In Public (2013–2014)

In July 2013, Professor Green released a song called "Are You Getting Enough?" with Miles Kane. He also performed new songs like "I Need Church" and "Little Secrets" at his live shows. He worked with other artists like Wretch 32 and Ella Eyre on songs that didn't make the album.

In 2013, he appeared on the CBBC show 12 Again, where he talked about what his life was like when he was 12 years old. In 2014, he was featured on a remix of "German Whip" by Meridian Dan.

The main song from his third album, "Lullaby", featured Tori Kelly and was released in September 2014. His album, Growing Up in Public, came out in September 2014. It included songs with artists like Tori Kelly, Mr Probz, and Rizzle Kicks.

Recent Music: Matters of the Heart (2016–Present)

In November 2016, Professor Green released the song "One Eye on the Door" with a music video.

In June 2019, he announced his second EP, Matters of the Heart. The main song was released in July, and the full 6-song EP came out in September. He also toured to support the album. In 2020, he released "Bad Decisions" with NAHLI.

In August 2021, Professor Green signed a new deal with the independent record label Cooking Vinyl.

Public Life and Activism

Political Views

In 2017, Professor Green supported the Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in the UK general election. He encouraged his fans to learn about Corbyn's views, saying he was "for peace and not war." In 2019, he and many other musicians signed a letter supporting Corbyn again, asking for an end to austerity.

In July 2017, while filming a documentary in Rochdale, he spoke with leaders of a far-right political group called Britain First. He filmed an anti-Muslim march and interviewed one of the co-leaders.

Charity Work

Professor Green has contributed to several charity projects. In 2020, he was one of 100 famous people who wrote for the book Dear NHS: 100 Stories to Say Thank You. All the money from this book went to NHS Charities Together and The Lullaby Trust.

In 2023, he supported the British Gas Post Office Pop-Ups campaign. This campaign set up advice centers in post offices across the UK. These centers offered free advice on money, energy, and mental health support.

Personal Life

Professor Green has faced some difficult situations. In 2009, he was attacked at a nightclub in London. In 2013, he was hurt when he was crushed between two cars. He had a suspected broken leg but was back performing at Glastonbury Festival just a few weeks later. In 2019, he fractured his neck during a seizure, right before a UK tour.

Professor Green married Millie Mackintosh in 2013, but they divorced in 2016.

His autobiography, a book about his own life, is called Lucky and was published in September 2015. It became a bestseller. He also loves football and supports Arsenal F.C.

In 2021, his son was born with his partner, actress Karima McAdams. The family lives in London.

TV and Film Appearances

Music Albums

• Alive Till I'm Dead (2010)
• At Your Inconvenience (2011)
• Growing Up in Public (2014)

Awards and Recognitions

• BT Digital Music Awards 2010
  • Breakthrough Artist of the Year – Won
  • Best Newcomer – Nominated
• MTV Europe Music Awards 2010
  • Best Push Act
• MOBO Awards 2010
  • Best Newcomer – Nominated
  • Best Song - "I Need You Tonight" - Nominated
  • Best Hip Hop/Grime Act - Won
• MP3 Awards 2010
  • Radio/ Charts/ Downloads - "Just Be Good to Green" – Nominated
• Urban Music Awards 2010
  • Best Newcomer – Nominated
  • Best Hip-Hop Act – Nominated
  • Best Song - "I Need You Tonight" – Nominated
• NME Awards 2011
  • Best Dancefloor Filler - "Jungle" – Won

See also

In Spanish: Professor Green para niños

• List of people from the London Borough of Hackney
• Stormzy