The Ministry of Justice has begun an investigation into Jake Farhi, a convicted murderer, after reports he recorded music referencing his 2008 murder of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen.
Jimmy, 16, bled to death at the Three Cooks Bakery in Lee, south London, on 10 May 2008, after Farhi threw a large glass dish that shattered and severed an artery in his neck.
In 2009, the then-19-year-old Farhi was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years for the murder. Now 35, he was released on license in June 2023.
Reports in the Sun newspaper claim he is TEN, a drill rap artist whose music often features violent themes, and who conceals his identity with a balaclava in videos.
In one, available on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, TEN appears to reference Jimmy’s death with the lyrics: “Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry’s. Sharpen up my blade I’ve got to keep those necessary. Stay alert and kept it ready, any corner could be deadly. Judge took a look at me, before the trial even started he already knows he’s gonna throw the book at me.”
In another track TEN boasts: “See a man’s soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone… I wanted more, it made it less wrong. Seeing blood spilled same floor he was left on.”
A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service told the : “We are aware of this content and are investigating it as a priority. We take any material that could glorify violence or distress victims extremely seriously.”
Margaret Mizen, the mother of the murdered teenager, expressed her shock at the reports.
“It’s very difficult to comment until I have read it,” she was quoted as saying by the Sun, “but if this is true, I am very saddened as it will be a shock to the rest of my family. However Jimmy’s legacy of forgiveness, peace and hope, which we share in schools, will not change.”
Two songs by TEN have been played on Radio 1Xtra’s Introducing show, although not those with the reference to murder.
It’s understood nobody at the station knew of TEN’s true identity until the reports emerged.
The said in a statement: “The song lyrics you have put to us have not been played on the . Decisions on music are made on a case-by-case basis and we have strict editorial guidelines in place before any content is broadcast or posted.
” 1Xtra does not glamorise violence and this individual does not feature on any playlists.”
The Parole Board decided to release Farhi in May 2023.
At the time, Mrs Mizen and her husband Barry said: “We must hold on to hope and pray that the parole board has made the right decision and that Jake Farhi will no longer pose a threat to our communities. Only time will reveal the truth.”
The couple set up the Jimmy Mizen Foundation, which is involved in charity work including helping young people in London who are fleeing violence.
Mr and Mrs Mizen were appointed MBEs in 2013.