True Blue

PREM performing at The Albany, Deptford in 2022 as part of a Lewisham curated night, headlined by his brother Novelist and DJ performance from their mother Positive Dee. PREM: instagram / youtube

This short film by Kahlil Joseph, created for Kendrick Lamar’s album good kid, m.A.A.d city, is a useful reference point for True Blue. Specifically how music and visuals are used to tell a story rooted in a specific place and lived experience.

The film captures an honest portrayal about Compton - not just its role in hip hop, but the everyday realities that shape the people and culture there. That balance between music, environment, and personal narrative is something we want to bring into this project.

True Blue looks to explore Lewisham in a similar way. It’s a town with deep musical and cultural legacy, birthing a strong influence on UK rap, but it’s often misunderstood or reduced to stereotypes; These stereotypes often drawn in from gang culture and a lens far expired, focused on civil dysfunction.

Lewisham is home to distinction.

Its soul is true, with relationships long standing across the community, boasting a rich and unique regional flavour, born from the huge melting pot of working and middle class, and their pride in kindred-ship.

This project aims to show a fuller picture - one that recognises both the creativity and the complexity of the area. Spotlighting the talent and tales that gel the community, serving as both the badge and the hallmark, of a Lewisham life.

By combining original music, film, stills and storytelling, we want to create something that feels authentic to the people and culture it represents. At its core, True Blue is about giving space to voices and stories from Lewisham, and exploring how music and environment shape identity.

Below: Images taken from my upcoming book The Palm, On Piru - a long-term documentary project exploring G-Funk and Gangster Rap artists across Piru and Blood-affiliated neighbourhoods in South Central Los Angeles, Compton, Carson, and Inglewood. Shot on Infrared film to emphasise the Piru/Blood red connection; a play on colour which I intend to explore with True Blue, rather with a blue palette.

This work reflects my ongoing interest in place, music, and identity, and is included here as a parallel reference point - demonstrating my experience documenting culturally significant music scenes within complex social environments, and informing my approach to exploring Lewisham in True Blue.

The Palm, On Piru - recipient of the Sony World Photography Awards 2026 & FotoSlovo Gold Medal Award 2026. Previously exhibited at Somerset House, London (17th April - 4th May)