Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette 'We all bleed the same'
Her words are incredibly powerful
Last updated 23rd Jun 2020
Black Lives Matter has been in the news a lot recently following the death of George Floyd. George was a black man in Minneapolis who died after a white policeman was videoed with his knee on his neck, as he struggled to breathe.
With protests happening across the world, including here in the UK, and support from a number of high profile artists including Star Wars actor John Boyega, it seems fitting that Hits Radio Breakfast's Fleur East's Rap Roulette was about Black Lives Matter.
Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette
With incredibly powerful lyrics such as, 'People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?' Fleur's Rap Roulette has been described as 'brilliant' and 'powerful' by Hits Radio listeners.
Fleur East's Rap Roulette - Black Lives Matter lyrics
Read Fleur East's full lyrics for her Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette.
'Black lives matter that’s the message that’s the fight, the fight against racism and not against white / It’s a movement with a message that is centuries old, so if you stand against injustice then speak up and be bold
We’ve seen everybody come together, stay at home and work together fighting against a virus that we can’t even see / Now we face another virus one called racism, and silence isn't gonna save lives or protect you and me.
8 minutes 46 seconds can you believe?! / George Floyd was held down saying he couldn’t breathe
It’s time to stand up. Time to put your hands up. Time to understand love’s the answer and enough is enough / People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?
The hashtag does not accuse you or exclude you, saying all lives matter is only seeing what you choose to, if you don’t have a clue it’s like crashing a stranger's funeral and screaming ‘yeah I lost someone too!’
The inequality, complexity, the pain and the perplexity / The gunning and running and shunning and numbing the pain, the sheer immensity
We’re meant to be in this together so speak up for your brothers for your sisters, sons and daughters for the slaughtered
Born to a black mother and my father was white / My future children will be black and we’ll continue the fight
Do something, say something yeah, we all have a voice / And in the colour of our skin, none of us had a choice / You can continue to divide, but the truth will remain / Underneath our skin we all bleed the same.’
Taliha's version of Fleur East's Black Lives Matter
Following Fleur's amazing Black Lives Matter rap, 9-year-old Taliha did a version of it, saying 'It's important because everyone should be treated the same and it's all about what's in the heart and not the skin colour. The words just meant a lot to me so I decided to try the rap' 👏.
Now take a look through Fleur East's career highlights
The X Factor (2005)
Fleur East was a contestant on The X Factor back in 2005 as part of Addictiv Ladies. The group consisted of Fleur with her childhood friends, Nicola Owusu-Akontoh, Stephanie Yamson and Vivienne Umeh. They were mentored by Simon Cowell, but were eliminated in week one.
The band went their separate ways after taking part in The X Factor.
Tour with DJ Fresh (2012)
Fleur sang on DJ Fresh's song 'Turn It Up' and toured with the DJ throughout 2012. Speaking about her performance at V Festival with the 'Hot Right Now' DJ, Fleur said, "We got the chance to perform on the 4 Music stage in place of Nicki Minaj (who couldn't make it) and it was an incredible experience!! There were something like 60, 000 people in the audience and it was so surreal."
The X Factor (2014)
Fleur returned to The X Factor as a solo contestant in 2014, this time she had more success on the show, getting all the way through to the final. Fleur's first song on the show was John Legend's 'Ordinary People', which gave her three 'yes' votes.
'Uptown Funk' performance on The X Factor (2014)
In the semi-final of The X Factor, Fleur performed 'Uptown Funk' by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Although not released as an official single by Fleur, the song was so popular with the audience that it went to Number 1 on the iTunes chart. Fleur became the first X Factor contestant to reach Number 1 during the competition.
Debut single 'Sax' (2015)
'Sax' was Fleur East's debut single after The X Factor. The song was a massive hit in 2015. The song reached Number 3 in the UK and was certified Platinum. Speaking about her debut song, she said she wanted her music to be fun to listen to and that's what 'Sax' is for her.
Debut album 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' (2015)
In the same year that Fleur had huge success with 'Sax', she released her debut album, 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks'. The album reached Number 14 in the UK and featured 12 songs, including her hits 'Sax' and The X Factor song 'Uptown Funk'. Nine of the 12 songs on 'Love, Sax and Flashbacks' were co-written by Fleur.
Fleur East appeared on I'm a Celebrity (2018)
In 2018, Fleur was back in the public eye appearing on series 18 of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! The radio presenter was eliminated 8th, from the show that was eventually won by Harry Redknapp. Fleur later said that they were like family.
In the Jungle Arms, the campmates took part in a little karaoke, when Fleur's song 'Sax' came on and they all tried to learn her dance routine, but Harry wasn't convinced.
Fleur East joined Hits Radio (2019)
Fleur joined Hits Radio's breakfast show in July 2019. She was late on her very first day, but arrived in style. While Greg and James were at the Hits Radio studio bright and early to prepare for their first show, Fleur had to explain why she was "running a little bit late" and ended up speeding along Manchester's canals in a speedboat, finally arriving at Hits Radio.
Fleur surprises fans with a performance at Hits Live (2019)
Fleur took to the stage for a surprise performance at Hits Live Birmingham, performing 'Sax' and 'Size'. Armed with dancers, pyrotechnics and amazing vocals, Fleur looked phenomenal with her changed-up hairstyle.
'Size' was used in a TV advert (2019)
'Size' was the ever-catchy release from Fleur in the autumn of 2019. The song was also featured in the Debenhams Christmas advert.
Fleur reveals dates Fleur East: The Fearless Experience (2020)
Fleur's first UK headline tour, 'Fleur East: The Fearless Experience', was announced in early 2020, however unfortunately due to the Coronavirus pandemic it has been postponed.
Fleur confirms first song of 2020, 'Lucky' (2020)
'Lucky' fuses rhythmic percussion, smooth vocals and a pulsating bass line. Speaking about her excitement for her new release, Fleur said: "I'm really excited for people to hear 'Lucky'. It's such an uplifting, feel good song with a positive message. It's all about being grateful for the blessings you have in your life, and understanding that everything worth having is hard work."
Fleur annnounces second album 'Fearless' (2020)
After much teasing, Fleur East has confirmed her second album will be called 'Fearless' and out in March 2020. Her album is now available to pre-order and features her songs from the past few years, including her most recent, 'Lucky'.
Fleur releases 'Not Alone' to raise money for the NHS (2020)
Fleur's song, 'Not Alone' was initially written for an exclusive performance on The One Show, encouraging viewers to stay at home amidst the Coronavirus crisis. However, after getting so much attention online, she's decided to write an extra verse and chorus so the song can be released to raise money for the NHS. 💙
Fleur East's Black Lives Matter Rap Roulette (2020)
With incredibly powerful lyrics such as, 'People fear for their lives through the shade they were painted / Can you see the picture has been tainted?' Fleur's Rap Roulette was described as 'brilliant' and 'powerful' by Hits Radio listeners.
Fleur launches The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East (2020)
Hits Radio Breakfast presenter Fleur East, who has been on a number of reality TV shows herself, takes us behind-the-scenes with her podcast The Reality of Reality TV with Fleur East.
Don't Rock The Boat (2020)
In November 2020 Fleur East took part in TV show Don't Rock The Boat. She was part of the winning red team along with Tom Watson, Jodie Kidd, Craig Charles, Victoria Pendleton CBE and Adam Thomas.
Fleur East releases 'You're Christmas To Me' (2020)
Fleur East released 'You're Christmas To Me' in December 2020. The song came about after a 'spontaneous studio session'.
Fleur hosts The Void alongside Ashley Banjo (2021)
Fleur East launched her show The Void alongside Ashley Banjo. Those taking part faced mental and physical challenges whilst trying not to fall into The Void, a 520,000-litre water tank which stretches across the arena floor in the seven-part series.
Fleur East appears on Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway (2021 and 2022)
Fleur East joined Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway for the 2021 series, giving away holidays to lucky viewers! She returned for the 2022 series to give away even more getaways.
Fleur East stars in musical film Tomorrow Morning (2022)
Fleur East starred in musical film Tomorrow Morning which was released on 6th September at selected cinemas. The film is about one couple seen in two separate timelines, a decade apart.
Fleur East joins Strictly Come Dancing (2022)
In August 2022, it was announced that Fleur East would join Strictly Come Dancing. Speaking about the announcement the Hits Radio presenter said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much."
Speaking about how she's found her Strictly journey so far, Fleur said: 'I'm dancing for a minimum of seven hours a day - it's hardcore! But the thing is you don't even realise you're dancing that long because you're enjoying it and you're focusing on getting the steps right and then before you know it it's over. I'm really enjoying Strictly but if I'm honest it's been a lot harder than I thought it would be - in terms of my fitness levels and what my body feels like.
"And learning the technique has been really, really difficult but above all of that I've just loved the experience, learning new dances, learning from Vito, building relationships with everyone I'm doing the show with. It's just so much fun'
Fleur gets her first 10s on Strictly Come Dancing (2022)
In Week Four, Fleur and her partner Vito performed the first Argentine Tango of the series. They danced to 'Paint it Black' by Ciara and it earned Fleur two 10s from the judges, placing them 2nd on the leaderboard.
Fleur East heads to Blackpool for Strictly Come Dancing
We brought the Hits Radio Breakfast show to you live from Blackpool ahead of Fleur taking to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom floor for Strictly Come Dancing. James and Producer Matt had a touching gesture in store as they arranged a flyover with a 'Vote Fleur' banner to surprsie her with.
Fleur East gets first 40 of Strictly 2022
Having scored an impressive 39 in Week Eight, Fleur and Vito came back even stronger with their Couple's Choice to 'Destiny's Child Megamix', which earned them a score of 40! Taking place at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, it was the first perfect score of the 2022 series - go Fleur!
Fleur East becomes a Strictly Come Dancing Finalist
After 12 weeks of stunning dance routines, Fleur East and her dance partner Vito Coppola made it to the Strictly Come Dancing Final along with Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Helen Skelton and Gorka Márquez, as well as Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
Fleur gets a surprise visit from a special guest
We had a few surprises in store for Fleur on her last Hits Radio Breakfast Show before the Strictly Final, as we played her recorded messages of support from her family and friends. Then we surprised her with a visit from her Uncle Sean.
Fleur was left feeling emotional and said: "I think we really needed something like this, Strictly has just bought so much joy to our family's lives and it came at the perfect time. And the fact that it was Dad's favourite show was the best thing and it means so much more for that reason."
Fleur East and Vito Coppola in the Strictly Final
Fleur and Vito performed a Samba, their Couple's Choice and a Showdance in the Final, two of which earned them a perfect score! Overall they got an incredible 119/120 from the judges but unfortunately were not crowned the winners.
Hamza and Jowita took home the Glitterball Trophy as the 2022 winners.
Fleur reflects on her Strictly journey
Following the Strictly Final, Fleur and Vito shared a post, thanking fans for their support and looking back on their time on the show.
Posting a photo of themselves, they wrote: 'Wow! What a ride! This entire experience has been incredible. We made memories we will cherish forever, friends we will keep for a lifetime and shared moments that are priceless. Congratulations to Hamza and Jowita for winning, we are so happy for you! But above all else, we feel like we won because we found each other. Thank you for all of your support and love. Thank you Strictly, for the adventure of a lifetime. ❤️✨🪩'.
We are so proud of Fleur and Vito!
Fleur announces 'Count The Ways' single
In December 2022, Fleur announced she would be bringing out a new single called 'Count The Ways' which she released in January 2023! This is the first of the big music plans she has promised fans.
On the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, she teased: "There's a lot more music coming from me! I've been really inspired this year and I've written some new songs and played them to Vito in rehearsals and got his approval. And I've booked him for my next music video so he's all ready for that!"
Her return to music also includes a headline show at Union Chapel in London on 16th March 2023.
Fleur East is announced for Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
In January and February 2023, Fleur will be dancing her way across the UK as part of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. She will be performing with her partner Vito and the line-up also includes Helen Skelton and Kai Widdrington, Will Mellor and Nancy Xu, Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Kuzmin, Tyler West and Dianne Buswell and Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
Looking ahead to the shows, Fleur said: "As a huge Strictly fan, being part of the TV competition has been an unbelievable experience and I'm absolutely over the moon to have the chance to get back into those fabulous sequinned outfits for the live tour next year!"
Fleur East tops Heat's Fit List 2023
As well as showing off her incredible moves while on Strictly Come Dancing, Fleur also proved her fitness levels, especially while juggling training, performing and hosting the Hits Radio Breakfast show.
She bagged the top spot on Heat World's Fit List and commented on some of the physical challenges she's taken on: "Strictly is definitely up there, but when I did Don't Rock The Boat (the ITV show where celebs rowed the length of Britain) – that was so hard. The repetitive movement of rowing for hours on end was crazy. I had a moment where I realised that fitness was part of my life and wasn't just something to help me look good, then I just started to embrace more challenges, as I want to see how far my body can go and how strong I can actually be."
In 2022, Fleur also launched her own fitness programme through fitness brand SWEAT with a workout called Energising HIIT with Fleur.
Fleur East released 'Count The Ways'
In 2023, Fleur released her song 'Count The Ways', which had a fantastic music video full of 70s vibes. She also had a headline gig in London which sold out!
Fleur East lands TV acting role
Fleur East lands the role of Miss Meesha in the BBC Three series Phoenix Rise. Her role will appear on screen in 2024.
Catch Fleur East every weekday morning on Hits Radio from 6am. Wake The Fun up with Fleur joined by the biggest names in music, movies and entertainment.