Skepta's journey from a local Tottenham artist to an internationally recognized musician is a testament to his talent and the cultural power of grime music. He remains a significant figure in the UK music scene and continues to push boundaries with his music.
Skepta, born as Joseph Junior Adenuga, has undeniably been a tour-de-force in the UK grime scene. He has played a significant role in popularising grime music, a genre rooted in London's East End, and introducing it to the global audience.
Born on September 19, 1982, in Tottenham, North London, Skepta comes from a family of musical talents, including his brother Jme, who is also a renowned grime artist. Skepta started his musical journey as a DJ for the influential grime collective Meridian Crew before he and Jme founded Boy Better Know in 2005, which evolved into a record label and a grime collective that has since played a vital role in shaping the genre.
Skepta's career took off when he started producing tracks and spitting rhymes. He released his debut album "Greatest Hits" in 2007, followed by "Microphone Champion" in 2009, both under the Boy Better Know label. His hard-hitting, rapid-fire lyrics and distinctive flow began to get attention, and Skepta soon became a significant figure in the grime scene.
It was his fourth album, "Konnichiwa" in 2016, that truly catapulted him to international fame. The album, which includes hits like "Shutdown" and "That's Not Me," won the prestigious Mercury Prize for best album, beating out favourites like David Bowie. The album was a significant moment for grime, marking its crossover from an underground subculture to mainstream success.
Skepta has been known for his unfiltered lyrics that tackle social issues, personal experiences, and life in London.
Skepta has been praised for maintaining the grime genre's authenticity while still managing to appeal to a broad audience. His work has inspired a new generation of grime artists and has helped establish grime as a respected genre in the music industry.
In his recent works, Skepta has continued to evolve and experiment with different sounds. His 2019 album, "Ignorance Is Bliss," saw him exploring themes of fame, fatherhood, and social media. The album further solidified his status as a leading figure in the music industry.
Visiting a Skepta concert is a remarkable experience, known for its electrifying energy, raw performance, and the unique blend of UK garage, dancehall, and hip hop that is grime music. For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, Skepta's music offers a unique window into the UK's urban culture.