# Skepta > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Skepta > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Skepta.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skepta > Source revision: 1357041423 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|English rapper, producer and DJ (born 1982)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}} {{Use British English|date=May 2023}} {{Infobox person | name = | image = Skepta 2025 (cropped).jpg | caption = Skepta performing in 2025 | other_names = {{hlist|Big smoke|Skeppy|Moschino Joe}} | birth_name = Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1982|09|19}} | birth_place = [London](/source/London), England | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|MC|record producer|songwriter|disc jockey|fashion designer|film director|visual artist}} | years_active = 2002–present | children = 2 | relatives = {{ubl|[Jme](/source/Jme_(musician)) (brother)|[Julie Adenuga](/source/Julie_Adenuga) (sister)|Jason Adenuga (brother)}} | website = {{URL|bigsmokecorporation.com/skepta}} | module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes | genre = {{hlist|[British hip hop](/source/British_hip_hop)|[grime](/source/Grime_(music_genre))}} | label = {{hlist|[Boy Better Know](/source/Boy_Better_Know)|[The Orchard](/source/The_Orchard_(company))|[All Around the World](/source/All_Around_the_World_Productions)|[Island](/source/Island_Records)}}}} | signature = Skepta svg.svg }} '''Chief Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr'''{{Cite news|last=Ibile|first=Fagbo|date=2018-04-05|title=Skepta Bags Chieftaincy Title In Ogun State|url=https://guardian.ng/life/skepta-bags-chieftancy-title-in-ogun-state/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-03-08|newspaper=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian_(Nigeria))}} {{bracket|[https://web.archive.org/web/20251226145544/https://cdn.guardian.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Skeptaaa-e1522885702851.jpg The image] shows a certificate with "Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jnr."}} ({{Audio|Joseph_Olaitan_Adenuga.wav|listen}}; born 19 September 1982), known professionally as '''Skepta''', is a Nigerian-British [grime](/source/Grime_(music_genre)) MC, rapper, record producer, fashion designer, film director and DJ.{{Cite web |title=SKEPTA |url=https://bigsmokecorporation.com/skepta/ |access-date=2025-08-10 |website=Big Smoke |language=en-US}} Alongside his younger brother [Jme](/source/Jme_(musician)), he briefly joined [Roll Deep](/source/Roll_Deep) before they became founding members of [Boy Better Know](/source/Boy_Better_Know) in 2005. With Boy Better Know, Skepta [clashed](/source/Sound_clash) with fellow MC Devilman for the video release ''[Lord of the Mics](/source/Lord_of_the_Mics) 2'', in what is remembered as one of the biggest clashes in grime history.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/oct/03/jammers-top-grime-clashes-featuring-wiley-kano-skepta-devilman-and-more|title=Jammer's top grime clashes: featuring Wiley, Kano, Skepta, Devilman and more|last1=Yates|first1=Kieran|date=3 October 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509115035/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/oct/03/jammers-top-grime-clashes-featuring-wiley-kano-skepta-devilman-and-more|archive-date=9 May 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/05/04/skepta-nasty-grime-beef-mandem|title=Why Grime Beef Might Shake Rap Awake This Year|last1=Trammell|first1=Matthew|date=4 May 2015|website=The FADER|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220135040/http://www.thefader.com/2015/05/04/skepta-nasty-grime-beef-mandem|archive-date=20 February 2016|url-status=live}} Skepta released his debut studio album ''[Greatest Hits](/source/Greatest_Hits_(Skepta_album))'' in 2007 and his second album, ''[Microphone Champion](/source/Microphone_Champion)'' in 2009, both independently; while his third studio album ''[Doin' It Again](/source/Doin'_It_Again)'' was released in 2011 by [AATW](/source/All_Around_the_World_Productions). He made his debut in the 2015 film ''[Anti-Social](/source/Anti-Social_(2015_film))''. Skepta's fourth studio album, ''[Konnichiwa](/source/Konnichiwa_(Skepta_album))'' (2016), featured the hit singles "[That's Not Me](/source/That's_Not_Me_(Skepta_song))" and "[Shutdown](/source/Shutdown_(Skepta_song))". The album, which was widely acclaimed, won the [Mercury Prize](/source/Mercury_Prize). In 2018, he produced and was featured on American rapper [ASAP Rocky](/source/ASAP_Rocky)'s single "[Praise the Lord (Da Shine)](/source/Praise_the_Lord_(Da_Shine))", which became both artists' highest-charting single and a global hit. In 2019, Skepta released ''[Ignorance Is Bliss](/source/Ignorance_Is_Bliss_(Skepta_album))'', which charted in fifteen countries. ''[Insomnia](/source/Insomnia_(Skepta%2C_Chip_and_Young_Adz_album))'' (2020), a collaborative album with British rappers [Chip](/source/Chip_(rapper)) and [Young Adz](/source/Young_Adz), became Skepta's third album to reach the top 10 of the [UK Albums Chart](/source/UK_Albums_Chart). Skepta has been nominated for three [Brit Awards](/source/Brit_Awards), including the [Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist](/source/Brit_Award_for_British_Male_Solo_Artist). His influence on contemporary [British popular culture](/source/British_popular_culture) as a key figure in the grime scene saw him appear on [Debrett's](/source/Debrett's) 2017 list of the most influential people in the UK.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/debretts-500-list-music/|title=Debrett's 500 List: Music|date=21 January 2017|work=[The Daily Telegraph](/source/The_Daily_Telegraph)|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221182626/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/debretts-500-list-music/|archive-date=21 February 2017|url-status=live}} He received a [Nigerian chieftaincy](/source/Nigerian_chieftaincy) on 4 April 2018, with his title being "Amuludun of Odo-Aje". == Early life == Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. was born on 19 September 1982,{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Skepta/status/645283686892597248|title=Thank you for all the birthday wishes, I appreciate it trust me. Love|website=Twitter|date=19 September 2015}} to Nigerian parents,{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p812732/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Skepta|last=O'Brien|first=Jon|work=[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)|access-date=3 April 2012}} of respective Yoruba (paternal) and Igbo (maternal) backgrounds. Skepta grew up in Winchmore Hill, North London and went to the Winchmore School.{{Cite web|last=Okoh|first=Lize|title=Skepta: Why This Rap Chief Is so Big in Nigeria|url=https://theculturetrip.com/africa/nigeria/articles/skepta-why-this-rap-chief-is-so-big-in-nigeria/|access-date=2020-08-12|website=Culture Trip|date=8 May 2018 }} He is the eldest of four children; fellow musician [Jme](/source/Jme_(musician)), radio presenter [Julie](/source/Julie_Adenuga) and graphic designer Jason.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-16|title=Skepta, JME, Julie ... are the Adenugas Britain's most creative family?|url=http://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/oct/16/skepta-jme-julie-are-the-adenugas-britains-most-creative-family|access-date=2020-11-13|website=the Guardian|language=en}} == Career == === 2002–2007: Career beginnings and ''Greatest Hits'' === Skepta was originally a DJ from Tottenham-based grime collective Meridian Crew. The Meridian Crew performed 'sets' or sessions on [pirate radio](/source/pirate_radio) (most notably Heat FM 96.6) where fellow crew members sometimes referred to him as "Scoopa Daniels".{{YouTube|id=1uTnb6YcCZc|title=Old Meridian Crew Heat FM set Sept 2002 JME Skepta Big H Bossman|time=1m24s}}{{YouTube|id=OUcWFCIjfXw|title=MERIDIAN CREW ON HEAT FM, 2004|time=1h5m57s}}{{YouTube|id=n3UHmMSwwmE|title=Dj skepta meridian crew ft wood green mobb heat fm 2001|time=3m29s}} Early in his career, Skepta released "Pulse Eskimo" in 2002,{{cite web | last=Hancox | first=Dan | title=Skepta's Mission | website=The FADER | date=2015-06-04 | url=https://www.thefader.com/2015/06/04/skepta-cover-story-konnichiwa-interview | access-date=2024-05-06}} as well as instrumentals "DTI (Pirate Station Anthem)" and "Private Caller".{{Cite web|last=Ward|first=Billy|title=The Dummy guide to Skepta|date=26 June 2019|url=https://www.dummymag.com/features/the-dummy-guide-to-skepta/|access-date=2021-01-16|website=Dummy|language=en-GB}} Skepta began MCing shortly before Meridian Crew disbanded in 2005, after which Skepta, alongside his brother [Jme](/source/Jme_(musician)), joined [Roll Deep](/source/Roll_Deep) for a short period of time before becoming founding members of [Boy Better Know](/source/Boy_Better_Know) in 2006. Skepta was convinced to begin MCing by [Wiley](/source/Wiley_(musician)) after his records were taken away from him by the police.{{Citation|title=Rinse:04 – Skepta - Rinse:04 – Skepta {{!}} Rinse FM|work=Rinse FM |url=https://rinse.fm/releases/rinse04-skepta/|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027075054/https://rinse.fm/releases/rinse04-skepta/|archive-date=27 October 2019|url-status=live}} Following the formation of [Boy Better Know](/source/Boy_Better_Know), Skepta [clashed](/source/Sound_clash) with fellow MC Devilman for the DVD Lord of the Mics 2, in what is remembered as one of the biggest clashes in grime history. Shortly after the clash, Skepta released a [mixtape](/source/mixtape) entitled "''Joseph Junior Adenuga''". Skepta publicly released his debut album ''[Greatest Hits](/source/Greatest_Hits_(Skepta_album))'' on 17 September 2007, on his label [Boy Better Know](/source/Boy_Better_Know). === 2008–2011: ''Microphone Champion'' and ''Doin' It Again'' === left|thumb|206x206px|Skepta performing in 2011 Skepta self-released the first single "[Rolex Sweep](/source/Rolex_Sweep)" in September 2008 and reached number 89 on the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart). Skepta then released the album ''[Microphone Champion](/source/Microphone_Champion)'' on 1 June 2009. He then also released single "Too Many Man" with Jme, Wiley, [Frisco](/source/Frisco_(rapper)) and Shorty, which went to chart at number 79. Skepta has released five singles off his third studio album ''[Doin' It Again](/source/Doin'_It_Again)'' (first with a major label), titled "[Bad Boy](/source/Bad_Boy_(Skepta_song))", "[Rescue Me](/source/Rescue_Me_(Skepta_song))", "[Cross My Heart](/source/Cross_My_Heart_(Skepta_song))" featuring [Preeya Kalidas](/source/Preeya_Kalidas), "[So Alive](/source/So_Alive_(Skepta_song))" and "[Amnesia](/source/Amnesia_(Skepta_song))", as well as a video for the [Hello Good Morning](/source/Hello_Good_Morning) (Grime Remix). Three singles charted in the Top 40 of the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart), with "[Rescue Me](/source/Rescue_Me_(Skepta_song))" being the most successful at number 14. "Cross My Heart" came in at number 31 and dropped out of the Top 40 a week later. ''Doin' It Again'' spent 3 weeks in the top 100 album charts and debuted and peaked at number 19 on its first week of release. In 2011, Skepta caused a controversy by releasing a [hardcore](/source/Hardcore_pornography) music video of his single "All Over the House".{{cite web|last1=Moir|first1=Sam|title=Skepta's new video: a step too far?|url=http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/03/24/skepta%e2%80%99s-new-video-a-step-too-far-2/|website=The Independent|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922105707/http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2011/03/24/skepta%E2%80%99s-new-video-a-step-too-far-2/|archive-date=22 September 2015|date=25 March 2011}} === 2012–2017: ''Blacklisted'' and ''Konnichiwa'' === In 2012, Skepta released two singles from his fourth forthcoming album. Both "[Hold On](/source/Hold_On_(Skepta_song))" and "[Make Peace Not War](/source/Make_Peace_Not_War)" were Top 40 charting singles in the UK but were a departure from Skepta's usual sound. Skepta's second major label album was intended to be released in the fourth quarter of 2011, entitled ''The Honeymoon'' but was delayed till 2012. After a disappointing response from the first two singles Skepta decided to release a purchasable mixtape, titled ''Blacklisted''. It was released on 2 December 2012 along with music videos to support the release prior to the release. thumb|Skepta in 2014 In March 2014, Skepta provided a verse for the remix of "German Whip" by [Meridian Dan](/source/Meridian_Dan), and in the same month, he released his new single, "[That's Not Me](/source/That's_Not_Me_(Skepta_song))", featuring his brother [Jme](/source/Jme_(musician)), peaking at number 21 on the UK charts.{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20140615/7501/ | title=Official Singles Chart Top 100: 15 June 2014 – 21 June 2014 | work=OfficialCharts.com | access-date=12 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307232204/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20140615/7501/ | archive-date=7 March 2016 | url-status=live }} The single's music video won the award for Best Video at the 2014 [MOBO Awards](/source/MOBO_Awards).{{cite web|title=Leading the way for UK Youth Culture|url=http://www.whatsgoodonline.co.uk/mobo-awards-2014-highlights/|website=What's Good?|access-date=12 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319151431/http://www.whatsgoodonline.co.uk/mobo-awards-2014-highlights|archive-date=19 March 2017}} Upon receiving the award, Skepta stated that the video cost him £80.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj-iv1mGfXM |title=Skepta ft. JME {{!}} Best Video Award acceptance speech at MOBO Awards {{!}} 2014 |date=22 October 2014 |publisher=[MOBO Awards](/source/MOBO_Awards) / [YouTube](/source/YouTube) |access-date=16 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218042601/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rj-iv1mGfXM |archive-date=18 December 2015 |url-status=live }} In late 2014, Skepta released another single titled "It Ain't Safe" featuring [ASAP Bari](/source/ASAP_Bari). This was followed in early 2015 with "Shutdown", as well as features on "Red Eye to Paris" by [Flatbush Zombies](/source/Flatbush_Zombies) and the remix of "[Ojuelegba](/source/Ojuelegba_(Wizkid_song))" by [Wizkid](/source/Wizkid_(musician)), also featuring [Drake](/source/Drake_(rapper)). Skepta and others joined [Kanye West](/source/Kanye_West) at a surprise show in London, performing numerous songs together during a shared set.{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2015/03/04/watch-kanye-west-perform-with-wu-tang-clan-skepta-jme-big-sean-and-more-in-london/|title=Watch Kanye West perform with Raekwon, Skepta and more|work=FACT Magazine|access-date=5 September 2015|date=4 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905063729/http://www.factmag.com/2015/03/04/watch-kanye-west-perform-with-wu-tang-clan-skepta-jme-big-sean-and-more-in-london/|archive-date=5 September 2015|url-status=live}} He was also named one of ''[GQ](/source/GQ)''{{'}}s 50 best dressed British men in 2015.{{cite news|title=50 Best Dressed Men in Britain 2015|url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-01/05/best-dressed-men-2015/|last=Johnston|first=Robert|work=GQ|date=5 January 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107145128/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-01/05/best-dressed-men-2015|archive-date=7 January 2015|url-status=live}} In an interview it stated that Skepta's making his acting debut in 2015 film ''[Anti-Social](/source/Anti-Social_(2015_film))'', released initially in May.{{cite web|url=http://uk.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/04/skepta-anti-social-movie-interview|title=Interview: Skepta's Keeping It Strictly 'Anti-Social'|last=Jones|first=Wil|work=Complex UK|access-date=5 September 2015|date=30 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222115830/http://uk.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/04/skepta-anti-social-movie-interview|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=live}} On 14 February 2016 Skepta released "[Ladies Hit Squad](/source/Ladies_Hit_Squad_(song))" featuring grime artist D Double E and American rapper [ASAP Nast](/source/ASAP_Nast), of the New York-based [ASAP Mob](/source/ASAP_Mob). Through a post on Instagram, Skepta announced that his album, ''[Konnichiwa](/source/Konnichiwa_(Skepta_album))'' was due to be released on 6 May 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BEJow28zDpB/|title=Official Announcement|author=Skepta|website=[Instagram](/source/Instagram)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606025509/https://www.instagram.com/p/BEJow28zDpB/|archive-date=6 June 2017}} ''Konnichiwa'' became Grime's highest-charting album, peaking at number 2 in the UK music charts.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbtv.co.uk/read/latest-news/final-chart-position-for-skepta-konnichiwa-announced/|title=Final Chart Position for Skepta's 'Konnichiwa' Announced|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521031224/http://www.sbtv.co.uk/read/latest-news/final-chart-position-for-skepta-konnichiwa-announced|archive-date=21 May 2016}} Konnichiwa features songs such as "[That's Not Me"](/source/That's_Not_Me_(Skepta_song)), "[Shutdown](/source/Shutdown_(Skepta_song))" and "[Man](/source/Man_(Skepta_song))". The release of ''Konnichiwa'' was celebrated with a launch party on 5 May 2016 held in Tokyo and live streamed on [Boiler Room](/source/Boiler_Room_(music_project)), featuring a live performance of the entire album by Skepta and supporting performances from Japanese trap artists [Kohh](/source/KOHH_(Japanese_artist)), Dutch Montana, Loota, and DJ Riki.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefourohfive.com/music/article/skepta-is-premiering-his-album-on-boiler-room-today-146|title=Skepta is premiering his album on Boiler Room today|last=O'Connor|first=Samantha|website=The 405|date=5 May 2016|access-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506143316/http://www.thefourohfive.com/music/article/skepta-is-premiering-his-album-on-boiler-room-today-146|archive-date=6 May 2016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/skepta-just-launched-his-new-album-with-an-lively-live-streamed-show-in-tokyo-here-s-what-we-learned|title=Skepta Just Launched His New Album With A Lively Live-Streamed Show In Tokyo – Here's What We Learned|last=Moore|first=Sam|website=NME.COM|date=5 May 2016|access-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511192227/http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/skepta-just-launched-his-new-album-with-an-lively-live-streamed-show-in-tokyo-here-s-what-we-learned|archive-date=11 May 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/05/05/skeptas-konnichiwa-launch--party-tokyo-boiler-room|title=Stream Skepta's ''Konnichiwa'' Launch Party, Live From Tokyo|last=Myers|first=Owen|website=The FADER|date=5 May 2016|access-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512134533/http://www.thefader.com/2016/05/05/skeptas-konnichiwa-launch--party-tokyo-boiler-room|archive-date=12 May 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/skepta-konnichiwa-album-launch-boiler-room/|title=Watch Japanese Rappers Spit Grime in the Video for Skepta's 'Konnichiwa' Album Launch|last=Barron|first=Michael Scott|website=Thump|date=7 May 2016|access-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510001150/http://thump.vice.com/en_ca/video/skepta-konnichiwa-album-launch-boiler-room|archive-date=10 May 2016|url-status=live}} Skepta began his "Banned From America" two-part, 14-show tour on 16 April 2017 at the [Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival](/source/Coachella_Valley_Music_and_Arts_Festival), which covered cities throughout the United States and Europe.{{Cite news|url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/3/skepta-banned-from-america-tour-dates|title=Skepta Announces 'Banned From America' Tour Dates|last=Cheung|first=HP|work=HYPEBEAST|date=29 March 2017|access-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427193038/https://hypebeast.com/2017/3/skepta-banned-from-america-tour-dates|archive-date=27 April 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/03/19/skepta-banned-from-america-tour-dates|title=Skepta Announced The Dates For His Banned From America Tour|last=Glenn|first=Ezra|website=The FADER|date=19 March 2017|access-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428050939/http://www.thefader.com/2017/03/19/skepta-banned-from-america-tour-dates|archive-date=28 April 2017|url-status=live}} The tour was named as such in reference to Skepta's forced cancellation of his 2016 "No Fear" American tour in support of ''Konnichiwa'', when his application for a visa to enter the United States was denied.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-36056565|title=Skepta denied entry to America after being refused a visa|work=[Newsbeat](/source/Newsbeat)|date=16 April 2016|access-date=27 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528103121/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/36056565/skepta-denied-entry-to-america-after-being-refused-a-visa|archive-date=28 May 2017|url-status=live}} Skepta released his ''Vicious EP'' on 31 October 2017, with songs featuring [ASAP Rocky](/source/ASAP_Rocky), [Lil B](/source/Lil_B), and [Section Boyz](/source/Section_Boyz). In the summer of 2017, rumours on the underground dance scene suggested an imminent collaboration between Skepta and drum'n'bass pioneer [Goldie](/source/Goldie). This was confirmed in Goldie's 2017 memoir ''All Things Remembered'', which refers to him having done a track with Skepta. It has not yet been released.{{cite web|url=https://www.faber.co.uk/9780571332076-all-things-remembered.html|title=All Things Remembered|publisher=[Faber and Faber](/source/Faber_and_Faber)|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107020257/https://www.faber.co.uk/9780571332076-all-things-remembered.html|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live}} === 2018–present: ''Ignorance Is Bliss'', ''All In'' and collaborations === thumb|266x266px|Skepta performing in 2019 Skepta featured on ASAP Rocky's "[Praise the Lord (Da Shine)](/source/Praise_the_Lord_(Da_Shine))", which was released in May 2018. The single charted on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Also in May, Skepta released his single "[Pure Water](/source/Pure_Water_(Skepta_song))", which peaked at number 78 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/5188/skepta/|title=Skepta|publisher=[Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company)|access-date=24 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101174957/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/5188/skepta/|archive-date=1 November 2018|url-status=live}} He followed this in June with "[Energy (Stay Far Away)](/source/Energy_(Stay_Far_Away))" with [Wizkid](/source/Wizkid_(musician)), which reached number 59. In 2020, Skepta appeared alongside [Pop Smoke](/source/Pop_Smoke) on [Kid Cudi](/source/Kid_Cudi)’s song “[Show Out](/source/Show_Out_(Kid_Cudi%2C_Skepta_and_Pop_Smoke_song))” from Cudi’s album ''Man on the Moon III: The Chosen.''{{Cite web |last=Spina |first=Ellie |date=2020-12-11 |title=Kid Cudi Drops "Show Out" With Pop Smoke & Skepta Off "Man On The Moon III" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/308257-kid-cudi-drops-show-out-with-pop-smoke-and-skepta-off-man-on-the-moon-iii-new-song |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}} In December 2019, Skepta also appeared as himself in a [Grand Theft Auto Online](/source/Grand_Theft_Auto_Online) expansion as a radio host with [Danny Brown](/source/Danny_Brown). Brown also lent his voice to another fictional character in the game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/61267/Introducing-iFruit-Radio|title=Introducing iFruit Radio|date=10 December 2019|website=Rockstar Games Newswire|access-date=24 July 2020}} He also collaborated with [Gorillaz](/source/Gorillaz) and [Tony Allen](/source/Tony_Allen_(musician)) on the song "[How Far?](/source/How_Far%3F_(Gorillaz_song))" in May 2020.{{Cite web|title=Gorillaz Share New Song "How Far?" With Tony Allen and Skepta: Listen|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/gorillaz-share-new-song-how-far-with-tony-allen-and-skepta-listen/|last=Yoo|first=Noah|website=Pitchfork|date=2 May 2020|language=en|access-date=2020-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502180549/https://pitchfork.com/news/gorillaz-share-new-song-how-far-with-tony-allen-and-skepta-listen/|archive-date=2 May 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Gorillaz – How Far? Ft. Tony Allen & Skepta| website=[YouTube](/source/YouTube) | date=2 May 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiWduWEtma4 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/GiWduWEtma4 |archive-date=2021-12-21|url-status=live}}{{cbignore}} On 30 July 2021, Skepta released his EP, ''All In''.{{Cite web|url=http://officemagazine.net/skepta-returns-new-ep-all|title=Skepta returns with New EP, "All In"|date=30 July 2021|publisher=Office Magazine|access-date=9 March 2022}} In 2022, Skepta signed with Wasserman Music for worldwide representation.{{cite news |last1=Garcia |first1=Thania |title=Music Industry Moves: Skepta Signs With Wasserman; Republic Ups Beau Benton to Senior VP |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/keith-urban-sells-masters-litmus-1235459374/ |access-date=15 December 2022 |publisher=Variety Magazine}} In October 2023, Skepta released "Can't Play Myself (A Tribute to Amy)", which samples [Amy Winehouse](/source/Amy_Winehouse)'s "[Tears Dry on Their Own](/source/Tears_Dry_on_Their_Own)".{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/skepta-pays-tribute-to-amy-winehouse-on-new-single-cant-play-myself-33509/|title= Skepta pays tribute to Amy Winehouse on new single 'Can't Play Myself'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date= 13 October 2023|access-date= 17 October 2023}} In January 2024, he apologised after artwork for his upcoming single, "Gas Me Up (Diligent)", received criticism online for bearing "unintentional but palpable allusions" to [the Holocaust](/source/the_Holocaust); the pictures in question depicted images from 1980s [skinhead](/source/skinhead) culture. In his apology, Skepta emphasised the unintended parallels, but vowed "to be more mindful going forward".{{cite web |last1=Beaumont-Thomas |first1=Ben |title=UK rapper Skepta apologises after criticism of artwork for evoking Holocaust |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/jan/10/uk-rapper-skepta-apologises-holocaust-imagery-in-artwork-gas-me-up-diligent |website=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |access-date=12 January 2024 |date=10 January 2024}} In March 2025, Skepta featured on [Playboi Carti](/source/Playboi_Carti)'s album ''[Music](/source/Music_(Playboi_Carti_album))'', on the song "Toxic". ==Legal issues== In 2009, Skepta was convicted of common assault in London and fined over assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Cyprus in 2006, which he said occurred after a large group of men racially abused him and his friends and a fight broke out.{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/grime-artist-skepta-australia-visa-tour|title=Australia Denied A Visa To UK Rapper Skepta, But Then The Decision Was Overturned|first=Lane|last=Sainty|date=10 September 2018|website=Buzzfeed.com|access-date=19 September 2025}} In January 2016, Skepta punched a man in the mouth after an altercation at a Melbourne nightclub and pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury. No conviction was recorded, but he was fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $10,000 to the victim. ==Personal life== On 4 April 2018, Skepta was installed as a chief in his Nigerian hometown in [Ogun State](/source/Ogun_State), receiving the [chieftaincy](/source/Nigerian_chieftaincy) title of the ''Amuludun'' ("Chief Entertainer") of Odo-Aje.{{Cite news |url=https://guardian.ng/life/skepta-bags-chieftancy-title-in-ogun-state/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Skepta Bags Chieftancy Title In Ogun State |last=Agbo |first=Njideka |date=5 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006111415/http://guardian.ng/life/skepta-bags-chieftancy-title-in-ogun-state/ |archive-date=6 October 2018 |url-status=live |newspaper=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian_(Nigeria))}}{{Cite web |date=5 April 2018 |title=Skepta has been made a chief in Nigeria |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43656184 |access-date=9 March 2022 |publisher=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)}} Skepta has two children with fashion buyer & brand strategist Alanna Wain. Their daughter, River, was born in October 2018. They welcomed a second child, a son, in 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl3HhRbB-Qj/ |title=🌹 |author=Skepto |date=31 July 2018 |website=[Instagram](/source/Instagram) |access-date=20 October 2018 }}{{Cite web |url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/12/11/skepta-baby-duty-feeds-newborn-months-sparking-dad-rumours-8234144/ |title=Skepta is on baby duty as he feeds newborn - months after sparking dad rumours |date=11 December 2018 |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212115939/https://metro.co.uk/2018/12/11/skepta-baby-duty-feeds-newborn-months-sparking-dad-rumours-8234144/ |archive-date=12 December 2018 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|date=2019-07-11|title=Skepta's Baby: Everything You Need To Know About The Child|url=https://www.dailyfeed.co.uk/2019/07/skeptas-baby/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=Daily Feed}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/skepta/baby-picture-daughter/ |title=Skepta's Baby Daughter Revealed in First Picture |website=Capital XTRA |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103204502/https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/skepta/baby-picture-daughter/ |archive-date=3 January 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Threads |url=https://www.threads.com/@theshadeborough/post/C_8S3BvzKJz?hl=zh-hk |access-date=2025-08-10 |website=Threads.com}} He is also a [visual artist](/source/Visual_arts): in September 2022, [Sotheby's](/source/Sotheby's) put on display some of his paintings, all of which had been created during the [COVID-19 lockdowns](/source/COVID-19_lockdowns), for the "Contemporary Curated" art series.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHby4a0P-c4 | title=A Life Less Ordinary: Skepta | website=[YouTube](/source/YouTube) | date=6 September 2022 }} On 2 December 2024, he hosted a [DJ set](/source/DJ_set) at [Jaguar](/source/Jaguar_Cars)'s launch event for the [Type 00](/source/Jaguar_Type_00) [concept car](/source/concept_car) at the Art Week in [Miami](/source/Miami), [Florida](/source/Florida).{{Cite news |last=Jolly |first=Jasper |date=3 December 2024 |title=Jaguar boss says it has shown 'fearless creativity' with new electric car |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/03/jaguar-pink-electric-car-type-00-rebrand |access-date=3 December 2024 |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} == Discography == {{Main|Skepta discography}} '''Studio albums''' * ''[Greatest Hits](/source/Greatest_Hits_(Skepta_album))'' (2007) * ''[Microphone Champion](/source/Microphone_Champion)'' (2009) * ''[Doin' It Again](/source/Doin'_It_Again)'' (2011) * ''[Konnichiwa](/source/Konnichiwa_(Skepta_album))'' (2016) * ''[Ignorance Is Bliss](/source/Ignorance_Is_Bliss_(Skepta_album))'' (2019) '''Collaborative albums''' * ''[Insomnia](/source/Insomnia_(Skepta%2C_Chip_and_Young_Adz_album))'' (with [Chip](/source/Chip_(rapper)) and [Young Adz](/source/Young_Adz)) (2020) == Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Award ! Category ! Recipients and nominees ! Result |- |2011 |[BET Awards](/source/BET_Awards) |Best International Act: UK |Skepta | {{Nom}} |- | 2014 | [MOBO Awards](/source/MOBO_Awards){{cite web|url=http://www.mobo.com/|title=MOBO Awards – Urban Music and Culture|publisher=[MOBO Organisation](/source/MOBO_Awards)|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309110816/http://www.mobo.com/|archive-date=9 March 2017|url-status=live}} | Best Video | "[That's Not Me](/source/That's_Not_Me_(Skepta_song))" (feat. [Jme](/source/Jme_(musician))) | {{Won}} |- | 2015 | [MOBO Awards](/source/MOBO_Awards) | Best Song | rowspan="2" | "[Shutdown](/source/Shutdown_(Skepta_song))" | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="9" |2016 |[Ivor Novello Awards](/source/Ivor_Novello_Awards){{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/19/ivor-novellos-give-nod-to-grime-artist-skepta-as-adele-overlooked|title=Ivor Novellos give nod to grime artist Skepta as Adele overlooked|last=Ellis-Petersen|first=Hannah|date=19 April 2016|work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624124626/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/apr/19/ivor-novellos-give-nod-to-grime-artist-skepta-as-adele-overlooked|archive-date=24 June 2017|url-status=live}} |Best Contemporary Song | {{Nom}} |- |Ivor Novello Awards |Songwriter of the Year |n/a | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="2" | [Q Awards](/source/Q_Awards){{cite web|url=https://www.qthemusic.com/articles/column/stubhub-q-awards-2016-shortlist-vote-now|title=StubHub Q Awards 2016 Shortlist Announced! Vote Now To Decide This Year's Winners|work=[Q](/source/Q_(magazine))|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020223756/https://www.qthemusic.com/articles/column/stubhub-q-awards-2016-shortlist-vote-now|archive-date=20 October 2018|url-status=live}} | Best Track | "[Man](/source/Man_(Skepta_song))" | {{Nom}} |- | Best Solo Artist | Skepta | {{Nom}} |- | [Mercury Prize](/source/Mercury_Prize){{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36962513|title=Mercury Prize 2016: David Bowie gets posthumous nomination|date=4 August 2016|website=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221052046/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36962513|archive-date=21 February 2017|url-status=live}} | Album of the Year |rowspan="2"| ''[Konnichiwa](/source/Konnichiwa_(Skepta_album))'' | {{Won}} |- |rowspan="3"| [MOBO Awards](/source/MOBO_Awards){{cite web|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/news/mobo-awards-2016-full-nominations-list/|title=MOBO Awards 2016: See The Full Nominations List|publisher=[Capital XTRA](/source/Capital_XTRA)|date=21 September 2016|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216131940/http://www.capitalxtra.com/news/mobo-awards-2016-full-nominations-list/|archive-date=16 February 2017|url-status=live}} | Best Album | {{Nom}} |- | Best Grime Act |rowspan="4"| Skepta | {{Nom}} |- | Best Male Act | {{Nom}} |- | [BET Awards](/source/BET_Awards){{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/49458-bet-awards-announce-2016-nominees-news|title=BET Awards Announce 2016 Nominees|website=HotNewHipHop|date=20 May 2016|access-date=13 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504041707/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/bet-awards-announce-2016-nominees-news.21743.html|archive-date=4 May 2017|url-status=live}} | Best International Act: UK | {{Won}} |- |rowspan="8"| 2017 |rowspan="4"| [NME Awards](/source/NME_Awards){{cite web|url=http://portalpopline.com.br/adele-e-beyonce-ganham-premios-no-nme-awards-2017/|title=Adele e Beyoncé ganham prêmios no NME Awards 2017|last=Nunes|first=Caian|website=POPline|date=15 February 2017|access-date=13 March 2017|language=pt|trans-title=Adele and Beyoncé win awards at NME Awards 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218181214/http://portalpopline.com.br/adele-e-beyonce-ganham-premios-no-nme-awards-2017/|archive-date=18 February 2017|url-status=live}} | Best British Male | {{Won}} |- | Best Album supported | ''[Konnichiwa](/source/Konnichiwa_(Skepta_album))'' | {{Nom}} |- | Best Track | "[Man](/source/Man_(Skepta_song))" | {{Nom}} |- | Music Moment Of The Year | Skepta wins Mercury Prize | {{Nom}} |- |rowspan="3"|[BRIT Awards](/source/BRIT_Awards) | British Male Solo Artist |rowspan="2"| Skepta | {{Nom}} |- | [British Breakthrough Act](/source/Brit_Award_for_British_Breakthrough_Act) | {{Nom}} |- | MasterCard British Album of the Year | ''[Konnichiwa](/source/Konnichiwa_(Skepta_album))'' | {{Nom}} |- | [BET Awards](/source/BET_Awards){{cite web|title=Beyoncé and Bruno Mars lead 2017 BET Awards nominations|url=https://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/beyonce-and-bruno-mars-lead-2017-bet-awards-nominations-20170515|website=Channel24|date=15 May 2017|access-date=16 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517085156/http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/News/beyonce-and-bruno-mars-lead-2017-bet-awards-nominations-20170515|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=live}} | Best International Act: Europe | Skepta | {{Nom}} |- |2024 |[Ivor Novello Award](/source/Ivor_Novello_Awards){{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Anna |date=2024-05-23 |title=Winners of The Ivors with Amazon Music announced |url=https://ivorsacademy.com/news/winners-of-the-ivors-with-amazon-music-announced/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=The Ivors Academy |language=en-GB}} |Visionary Award with Amazon Music |Skepta | {{Won}} |- |2024 |[AFRIFF](/source/Africa_International_Film_Festival) 2024 |Audience Choice Awards |Tribal Mark | {{Won}} |} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == {{Commons category}} *{{Official website}} *{{IMDb name}} {{Skepta}} {{BET Award for Best International Act: UK}} {{Brit Dance Act}} {{Authority control}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century British rappers Category:All Around the World Productions artists Category:Black British male rappers Category:Black British rappers Category:English people of Nigerian descent Category:English people of Igbo descent Category:English people of Yoruba descent Category:English male rappers Category:21st-century British male rappers Category:English record producers Category:Grime music artists Category:NME Awards winners Category:People from Tottenham Category:Rappers from the London Borough of Haringey Category:Igbo musicians Category:Yoruba musicians Category:Island Records artists Category:The Orchard Records artists --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Skepta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skepta) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skepta?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.