British Rapper Giggs has released a powerful new track titled ‘Own Motion’ in collaboration with his son ML, which explores on their shared experiences with autism. The song touches on themes of neurodiversity, self-acceptance, and the challenges of navigating life on the autism spectrum.
‘Own Motion’ is a remix of an original track written and produced by ML. The release of the remix follows recent revelations from Giggs who shared that his son’s openness about his autism diagnosis led the UK hip-hop star led him to seek one for himself. Over a bouncy, soulful beat, the track features candid lyrics like ‘I used to be ashamed, I used to hide it, but now I own it’ – a declaration of the growth and ownership of the journey both artists have undergone.
Giggs has recently taken to the media to open up about the struggles with ASD that him and his children have faced. In an interview with BBC Newsnight aired on July 8, the UK rapper spoke about the challenges of accessing support for his son and daughter, including difficulties securing EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans).
The interview came amid UK government proposals to reduce the number of children qualifying for EHCP support—plans Giggs criticised. Giggs has suggested that ‘it would be actually smart for the government to throw all their money to autistic people and let us be the super genius or super heroes that we are.’ More on the UK’s proposed plans to cut this extra support for children with special needs can be read here.
Prior to the tracks release, Giggs has been increasingly vocal about his own neurodivergent experiences, opening up about how undiagnosed autism shaped his school years and early adulthood. In an exclusive interview with 90s Baby Show, the British rapper said: ‘I always used to answer back all the time and get kicked out of class every single day – until I just thought, well, I’m bad. You can take that through life. I ended up in prison twice. Obviously, I’m grateful enough to have a career now, and that saved my life. But I don’t want that to happen to [my kids]’.
Giggs’ openness is part of a broader movement of artists using their platforms to advocate for neurodiversity and highlight the gaps in support for autistic individuals. ‘Own Motion’ offers a personal, moving look into that lived experience.
The release of Own Motion has sparked speculation among fans about an upcoming album. Earlier this year, Giggs dropped another new single, ‘Gorgeous’, produced by former Paramore bassist Jeremy Davis. MXDWN’s coverage of the release of this new single can be read here.
