A READING artist has created a thought-provoking music video about the town he was raised in, which has earned the seal of approval from many users on TikTok.
JHyde’s rap “This is Reading” has been watched 70,000 times on the app, receiving 426 comments and being shared more than 5,000 times.
The 3 minute 18 second-long track mentions numerous Reading locations, such as Tilehurst, Whitley Street and Oxford Road provides an authentic commentary of what life in the town is like.
The rapper introduces the song with: “Welcome to my home, welcome to my ends,” before moving into the chorus where he says: “This is Reading, home sweet home to me, where we hustle nine-to-five just to make that pea.” Pea is a term used to describe money.
The song highlights the struggle many residents find themselves in to survive day-to-day. JHyde says: “I fight to the death like Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. You can’t get saved like the Ark of Noah.”
Comments from viewers were positive, with TikTok user Sharnai saying: “The words just got so much truth in them.”
Pedro Mariano said: “Big up Whitley Street.”
Scott Andrews explained: “Oxford Road was my home for many years. What an interesting childhood.”
Many viewers delighted in the mention of their home wards being mentioned, tagging their friends and family to share the video with them.
