Ashley Walters: An Iconic Black British Rapper, Actor and Producer
Image via Complex UK
Today we’re honouring Ashley Walters: an iconic Black British rapper, actor and producer. This individual’s influence and longevity within the entertainment and music industry must be recognised. He has continuously broken barriers for young Black men and women, but most importantly, the younger generations.
Walters has worked and pushed tirelessly for the acceptance and entrance of Black people, ensuring the door of such a white-dominated industry remained ajar for such authentic and talented individuals.
Therefore, it’s only right to expand more on his career, work and touch on why Ashley Walters is for the culture.
Image via Digital Spy
Ashley Walters also known as Asher D, was a member of the iconic So Solid Crew in 2001. The British Garage and Hip Hop group have been credited for being pioneers in the UK music scene and gaining mainstream success, particularly with 21 seconds. They went on to obtaining top 10 singles, releasing albums, achieving wide success in the early 2000s.
After the split of So Solid Crew, Walters went on to producing albums, particularly The Appetiser, which was a 12 track studio album. The famous entertainer signed with SK Records and collaborated with another Black British innovative rapper and singer, Alesha Dixon. The two collaborated on Your Love - becoming an imperative single within his music career.
However, we can’t forget his influence in the film and movie industry. As Walters gained success in the music industry, later resulting in the split of the legendary British group, So Solid Crew, the all-around entertainer turned all of focus on acting. He began appearing in numerous television programmes and popular movies. As a Black Brit, you must have seen Bullet Boy, right? If not, this movie focuses on a young London-based black boy trying to change his life around after an unfortunate incident, but is forced to face the realities of his surroundings. Nonetheless, Walters also appeared in 50 Cent’s ground-breaking ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Bulletproof alongside the legend Noel Clarke and Top Boy which needs no introduction.
Expanding his résumé, Ashley debuted his role as producer for Bulletproof - a series awaiting their third season. The rapper, actor and now producer respectably established his own production company in 2017 called SLNda - focusing the lens on the heart of UK street culture.
With over a decade experience in an industry proven difficult to enter or remain relevant, Ashley Walters’ story and name will forever be celebrated and shared for many years to come.
