Moses McGeorge, also known as M Dot R, has become a sensation on TikTok with his viral hit "Turn Red." This white Englishman from Kent, with a penchant for Jamaican dancehall music and perfect Patois, has left TikTokers initially bewildered. However, delving into his story unveils a story that spans over a decade.
Mentions of the musician can be found online as far back as 2011, with a local Kent website profiling the then 26 year old. Born and raised on Sheppey Island, the article details the early career of M Dot R, who was said to be seeking a record contract to propel his career and put his hometown on the map. The article mentions that, by 2011, the artist had released five released CDs, amassed 1,000 Facebook followers, and a signature "money man dance." It is also revealed that M Dot R started rapping at 10 and began performing on pirate radio stations and nightclubs at the age of 14.
The article also lists his Influences, such as N-Dubz, Wiley, and Chipmunk. The artist states that he aspires to change perceptions of UK urban music, emphasizing positivity in his lyrics: "I want to show that you don't have to be a bad boy from London to be famous. You can rap about absolutely anything. I don't even swear in my music. I want mums and dads to listen to my music and not say this will be bad for my kids." This sentiment, however, appears ironic given the mature subject matter and lyricism of his viral hit "Turn Red."
Another article from the same local publication, this time from 2017, shows M Dot R's gradual rise to fame, gaining attention with his CD, "100 Gyals." The 11-track mixtape featured viral hits like "Dugga Daggaa," "Yard Man Link," and "Gimme More." The self-styled "white Jamaican" recently expressed his views on BBC Radio One Xtra after a video garnered 6.7 million hits. The article also revealed he attended Minster College.
In 2019, Cene Magazine profiled the dancehall artist. At this point, his online presence was marked by "over 265,000 views of his freestyle patwa-infused rap on the Toddla T show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and a further 635,000 hits on his Bl@ckBox YouTube appearance...Some 50,000 followers on Instagram and another 2,000 Facebook fans means that M Dot R produces hit tracks and videos on a regular basis. Oh, and he has an online Caribbean-style cooking show - Cook & Vibe."
In a 2021 interview with Clash writer Mason Meyers, M Dot R discussed his love for Jamaica, his use of a Jamaican accent in songs, and addresses accusations of cultural appropriation. He attributes his affinity for Jamaica to early exposure to dancehall music through family, and emphasizes his positive reception in Jamaica, acknowledging the country's pride in its culture.
Meyers asked the rapper "Are you a character? Why do you think people think you are?" to which he responds that while he understands it, "...when you see someone like myself, it could come across that way, until you start watching Cook And Vibe and then you start to understand who I am. If I was doing what I am now twenty years ago, I would be mad famous bruv."
The interviewer also asked if the musician believed he was appropriating Jamaican culture, with M Dot R encouraging an open-minded perspective, emphasizing individuality and purpose in his artistic expression: "Open up your mind and appreciate other people, don't look down on people in any way. I'm just serving my purpose and doing my thing, it doesn't really bother me."
As of 2024, M Dot R has over 400,000 followers on Instagram, 750,000 followers on Tik Tok, and "Turn Red" has been used in 44,000 videos. The original music video has close to 4 million views.
M Dot R's journey from a local rapper in Sheerness to a TikTok sensation is a testament to his perseverance and distinctive approach to music, leaving an indelible mark on the evolving landscape of UK urban music.
