A RAPPER from Bolton is hoping to inspire others through positive lyrics which reflect his bounce-back from drug addiction.

Liam Ellis, 32, from Kearsley, has battled drug abuse and a difficult upbringing, which has seen him hit low levels and attempt suicide.

But Liam has since reinvented himself as a 'positive' rapper - using his lyrics to help and inspire others while documenting his turbulent journey.

Liam said: “It all started from when I was around 15. I was forced to be independent from a young age because my mum left and my dad was drinking a lot. It was from then that I started struggling really badly with my mental health and had depression and anxiety.

“Since then, life has been a rollercoaster. I was addicted to cocaine when I was younger and sectioned for a month which led me to a different mindset on drugs and mental health. I had never tried suicide until 18 months ago and then tried it three times.”

In recent months, Liam has found “therapy” in music, with his lyrics reflecting his journey and aimed at inspiring others in a similar position to him.

He intends to release a new song documenting his journey, complete with a music video, at the end of the month.

And Liam, who models himself after Plan B, hopes his music can prove to be a hit.

He said: “I started writing for therapy and there was a relief that all these feelings and words were no longer inside me.

“I would call myself a positive rapper because I don’t talk about crime or drugs or anything like that. I rap about becoming a better person and try and lift others up.

“I have always said that if you are doing it for money and fame, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. I want people to see what I am about and what I have gone through. I want to use my experiences to help others and show people that it is okay to not be okay. To show people what I have come from and what I am doing now.”

For more, search for officialtriprecords on Instagram.