Professor Green , born Stephen Manderson in Hackney, has certainly lived a life. The 41 year old rapper and father to three year old son Slimane, with actress Karima McAdams , has been candid about his troubled upbringing which saw his mother abandon him at a young age and his father take his own life. Raised by his grandmother on a North London council estate, the feelings of abandonment sparked deep-seated anxiety that he continues to grapple with.
However, it's also driven him to become an outspoken advocate for mental health, turning his personal darkness into a force for good. In this exclusive interview with OK! , the musician, who was once married to Made In Chelsea's Millie Mackintosh , speaks eloquently about his resilient nan, upcoming music projects, and a venture that might finally help him get a good night's sleep..
. Hello, Stephen! How are you? Good, bit stiff - I was on a horse yesterday. Welcome to the wonderful world of mid-life.
I hadn’t been on one since I was on holiday in Jamaica. I got bitten by a police horse in primary school, too. But they say, ‘Get back on the horse’ - so I did.
And I enjoyed it. The rhythmic sound and pace of the hooves is really calming. I’ll definitely do it again.
And how’s life with your little boy, Slimane? Great. He’s always running round the house shouting, ‘I do NOT want to wear these pants!’ Fatherhood’s magic - you see things in a more childlike way. I’d never stopped to examine a leaf for half an hour .