Convicted Murderer Jake Farhi Sparks Outrage with Violent Rap Lyrics

LONDON, England — The Ministry of Justice has launched an investigation into Jake Farhi, a convicted murderer, following reports that he recorded music referencing the 2008 killing of 16-year-old schoolboy Jimmy Mizen. Farhi, now 35, was released on parole in June 2023 after serving 15 years of a life sentence for the murder.

Jimmy Mizen died on May 10, 2008, after Farhi threw a large glass dish at him in a bakery in Lee, south London. The dish shattered, severing an artery in Jimmy’s neck. Farhi, then 19, was convicted of murder in 2009. Recent reports allege that Farhi is the anonymous drill rap artist known as TEN, whose music often features violent themes and who conceals his identity with a balaclava in videos.

In one track, available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, TEN appears to reference Jimmy’s death with lyrics such as, “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.” Another track includes the line, “See a man’s soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone… I wanted more, it made it less wrong.”

A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service told the BBC, “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.”

Margaret Mizen, Jimmy’s mother, described the lyrics as “absolutely horrendous.” She told the BBC, “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 added, “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.”

Following Jimmy’s death, the Mizen family established the Jimmy Mizen Foundation, which promotes forgiveness, peace, and hope among young people in London. Margaret Mizen emphasized that the foundation’s mission remains unchanged despite the controversy. “Our message will stay: forgiveness, peace and hope, that’s the message we give to young people in schools – that will continue,” she said.

Two songs by TEN have been played on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Introducing show, though not the tracks referencing the murder. A BBC spokesperson stated, “This individual does not feature on any BBC playlists, we have never played – as we pointed out to the Sun – the lyrics they have printed. 1Xtra has no further plans to play his music, we were not aware of his background and we in no way condone his actions.”

Farhi’s parole conditions may now be altered to require him to share his lyrics with parole officers before releasing music. The Ministry of Justice confirmed it is investigating the matter as a priority.