Skepta

Skepta Experiments With Afrobeats On Laid-Back “Tony Montana” Featuring Portable & JAE5

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There are a lot of artists we are dying to hear new projects from. After a fairly uneventful year in 2023 from the mainstream, everyone is making up for lost time. They are also looking to prove that the genre is still alive and deserves its flowers as one of the top subsets of music across the globe. One of those rappers making a highly-awaited return is Skepta. At the turn of 2024, the UK great announced Knife and Fork, his first foray back into rap since 2020’s Insomnia. Skepta is back to teasing the record with “Tony Montana.”

This is now the third single that will land on his seventh project. He got off to a strong start releasing “Jangrova” back on January 19 with Tribal Mark, ODUMODUBLVCK, and Idris Elba (IDRIS). Then, just a week later, he would go on to put out the controversial single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” with production from Cardo. Its cover art, which fans believed made disgusting callbacks to The Holocaust, was eventually taken down after pushback from Skepta.

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Listen To “Tony Montana” By Skepta, Portable, & JAE5

All of that brings us to “Tony Montana,” which is a drastic deviation from the usual sonics we are accustomed to hearing from the grime icon. Skepta goes for more of an Afrobeat vibe, which has been taking over as of late. To help bring some more African authenticity, Portable, a Nigerian singer and rapper delivers the chorus. It is easily the most chill example we have heard out of the three and it features production from JAE5, a popular UK producer.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Tony Montana,” by Skepta, Portable, and JAE5? Is this the best single from Knife and Fork, why or why not? What is your favorite element of the song and why? Who had the strongest performance on the track and why? Is this going to be an album of the year contender? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Skepta. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

I said “No comment,” just to make a statement
How thеy hate me ’cause I’m winnin’?
AP kickin’, my Rolliе ain’t tickin’
One of one-fifty, the whip that I’m whippin’
Now they wishing they could’ve catched a man slipping
S-H-O-K-O-L-O-K-O-B-A-N-G-O-S-H-Y, shokolokobangoshy

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Skepta Drops Braggadocious Bars On “Gas Me Up (Diligent)”

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Skepta had the internet in a little bit of a frenzy a couple of weeks ago when he revealed some cover art. It is for his second album single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” which just dropped today. The song will land on his next highly-awaited studio album Knife And Fork. The reason why some people were so up in arms about it was because the artwork evoked one of the most inhumane events in the history of mankind.

As most music fans are aware, Kanye was dragged through the mud (deservedly so) for his derogatory statements. Those of which were directed at the Jewish community. Fans were jumping to conclusions that Skepta was in on the hate speech as well. However, the UK rapper hopped on Twitter to explain the meaning behind his artistic direction.

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Listen To “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” By Skepta

Some fans were praising him for sticking to his guns and not letting others influence his decision. Originally, Skepta was going to fix it but decided against it. Now that the song is here, how does it sound? Well, it is not too shabby. The production from Cardo is solid with cowbells, kick drums, and nice bass. Skepta brings a nice flow and some nice bars about becoming successful. Overall, there is nothing that is mind-blowing, but it sounds fine.

What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Gas Me Up (Diligent),” by Skepta? Is this the better of the two singles, if so why? Does this track get you excited for Knife And Fork? Is Skepta the greatest UK rapper ever? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Skepta. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.

Quotable Lyrics:

Soon as you say, “On sight,” wе lookin’ for you like some vintage Prada
Lookin’ for you like some archive pieces (Pow-pow, pow)
Jealousy in the ends, they hate when you become successful
But in the trenches, we were all friends
How long we tryna pretend?
I know they love to see me do well

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Skepta Cleared Up The Meaning Behind His ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ Cover Art With A Thorough Explanation

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skepta
Getty Image

Lil Nas X isn’t the only rap star riling up the internet with the cover art for his comeback single.

UK grime star Skepta recently announced his return, sharing the artwork for his upcoming single “Gas Me Up (Diligent).” However, after a backlash, he’s since rescinded that artwork, while also offering an explanation clearing up his intentions for it.

The cover, which featured a photograph of men with the song’s title tattooed onto their shaved heads, was criticized for evoking Holocaust imagery. Fans apparently connected the term “gas me up” with the Nazis’ practice of gassing Jewish prisoners in concentration camps, where they also shaved inmates’ heads.

According to Skepta, though, the imagery was meant to instead evoke a different historical period (arguably, one that was politically diametrically opposed to the fascist leanings of early 20th century Germany.

“I’ve been waiting to drop Gas Me Up (Diligent) since teasing it April last year,” he wrote. “worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture.”

However, he acknowledged, “it has been taken offensively by many and I can promise you that was definitely not our plan so I have removed it and I vow to be more mindful going forward.”

In a follow-up tweet, he presented images of the time period to which the art pointed, along with a further explanation — and a warning. “I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention,” he wrote. “But after some thought I don’t feel like I could continue being the artist you all know and love if my art is policed, I have to quit if I can’t express my art as I see it. So to help with context here are some pictures from our mood board for the 1980’s UK story for my album ‘Knife & Fork.’”

He also made sure to note that “Gas Me Up” is still scheduled to be released on January 26.

For more context, check out some of the photos provided by fans below. For reference, “skinheads” were an entirely different thing in the UK in the ’80s, and the neo-Nazi groups that arose in the US later in the decade notably co-opted the look for themselves, because bigots are nothing if not terribly uncreative.

Skepta’s Single Artwork Has Fans Accusing Him Of Making A Distasteful Holocaust Reference

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Skepta is arguably the most widely respected rapper from the United Kingdom. He has built a great career for himself not only as an influential spitter but also as a house DJ. It has been nearly five years since the release of his last solo album, Ignorance Is Bliss. However, that drought is coming to an end this year. Just a little over a week ago, Skepta revealed that he was going to be putting out a new album.

It is going to be called Knife And Fork. In addition to that, Skepta also announced the lead single, “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” will be out on January 26. Well, he has given us another update by unveiling the artwork. Skepta did so on his social media recently. “GAS ME UP (DILIGENT)Artwork by @gabrielomoses * link in my bio *” While this is all exciting, it is leaving a sour taste in a lot of people’s mouths.

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Skepta Is Putting Himself In Dangerous Territory

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Big Smoke (@skepta)

As you can see the art features the backs of people’s shaved heads. They all appear to be on their knees as well. This is drawing some comparisons to one of the most tragic events in human history, The Holocaust. As you can imagine, people are linking this to Kanye West’s many hurtful comments toward the Jewish community that landed him in a lot of issues. Skepta could be hurdling toward a certain fate now too. One person says, “thought this was Ye’s page for a second..” Another adds, “Ye Executive on this one?!?!”

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new cover art and single announcement from Skepta? Do you think he is in album mode? Are the Holocaust comparisons justified, why or why not? What kind of statement do you think he is trying to make with this artwork? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Skepta. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.

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Skepta Announces New Album ‘Knife and Fork’ for 2024

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Skepta has made his return to music. Hitting Instagram, Skepta revealed his next album, Knife and Fork, will drop in 2024, with a new single set for January.

“It’s been years since I dropped my last album and I want to thank you for all the love during my hiatus,” Skepta said. “I’ve seen the messages, tweets and Tik Toks, I’m truly grateful that my music is still resonating with the world, even in my absence.

“I’m happy to announce my next studio album #KnifeAndFork is loading this year, the first single #GasMeUp (Diligent) will be out January 26th 🤲🏿”

The post Skepta Announces New Album ‘Knife and Fork’ for 2024 first appeared on The Source.

The post Skepta Announces New Album ‘Knife and Fork’ for 2024 appeared first on The Source.

Skepta Finally Announces New Album, Lead Single Coming In January

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Just about a month ago, Skepta teamed up with 19-year-old producer Ryder for the 48 Hours EP, a solid offering. However, its quality still didn’t dissuade his fan from lamenting the lack of a full-length solo album since 2020’s Insomnia, although a new house-based project with Jammer under the name Más Tiempo is apparently in the works. Regardless, die-hards are still waiting for a follow-up, but fortunately, 2024 brings us very good news. It hasn’t even been a full 24 hours into the year as of writing this article, and we’re already sure that many listeners found their most anticipated project of the year.

“It’s been years since I dropped my last album,” Skepta shared in a message to his various social media accounts on Monday (January 1). “I want to thank you for all the love during my hiatus. I’ve seen the messages, tweets and Tik Toks, I’m truly grateful that my music is still resonating with the world, even in my absence. I’m happy to announce my next studio album #KnifeAndFork is loading this year, the first single #GasMeUp (Diligent) will be out January 26th. Can’t wait to see you all @bigsmokefestival happy 2024.”

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Skepta Unveils New Album, Knife And Fork

Furthermore, it looks like the legendary grime MC is finally coming through with some LP heat in this new year. Hopefully no release hiccups or delays occur, but at least we already have solid indication that “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” is going to be a banger. A snippet of the Skepta single released on social media recently, and many fans are singing its praises. The “Can’t Play Myself” artist flows with easy skill and the same confidence as ever over a perc-heavy and blissfully woozy trap instrumental.

Listen To The “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” Snippet

Meanwhile, as his A$AP Rocky collab “Praise Da Lord (Da Shine)” hit 1 billion Spotify streams, Big Smoke has a lot to celebrate from 2023. Fortunately, it seems like he’s focusing those successes and that time off to really hone in on something special for his fanbase. Are you looking forward to Knife And Fork, and where do you think the 41-year-old will take us with this vision? Drop your predictions in the comments and stay logged into HNHH for more news and updates on Skepta.

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Drake Gets Surprising Response From Wiley After He Posts Skepta Diss

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Drake is quite the fan of the U.K hip-hop scene, whether it’s grime, drill, and a whole host of other subgenres and artists. However, his admiration for them might’ve gotten him in the middle of a beef within the Boy Better Know (BBK) collective. For those unaware, Skepta and Wiley are two excellent exponents of grime within this group, but they had a falling out and the latter soon distanced himself from the crew. Moreover, the 6ix God recently posted an old Skep freestyle on his Instagram Story which contains some very pointed shots towards Wiley. His response, though, is probably the most interesting part of this whole exchange.

“How can you be a king when you roll through anywhere?” Skepta spits in the clip that Drake reposted on social media recently. “Wiley, you don’t roll through anywhere, I go anywhere, fam, I’m never scared. You said you rep E3 but you never there, so lemme murk this guy. It’s all in your name, fam, I don’t need to try, I take away the W, I take away the Y. Fix up the other letters, all you do is just lie.”

Read More: Wiley Challenges Drake To Go Song-For-Song On IG Live

Drake Reposts Skepta Freestyle: Watch

Meanwhile, Wiley actually had some praise to say for Drake amid folks expecting him to pop off against him. “I’m not gonna lie I actually think Drake is a cold rapper.” Not only that, but the British MC defended ghostwriting claims levied at the Toronto superstar– according to HipHopDX– and posted a video on social media of himself rocking out to Drizzy’s new Scary Hours 3 cut, “Red Button.” Not only that, but when a fan pointed out that he couldn’t have picked this video by accident, Wiley still shrugged it off. “Oh ok well either way we haffi big up the man like Drizzy Marley everytime Yanam Zayin,” he wrote.

Wiley’s Responses

Of course, the OVO mogul is no stranger to beef within rap, but he usually keeps it within his own artistic and stateside lane. It’s entirely possible that he thought this was just a cold freestyle regardless of context, and it’s been a while since he tapped back into that scene. We’ll see if this debate and these responses prompt a change in that anytime soon. On that note, keep checking in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Drake, Skepta, and Wiley.

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Skepta Teams Up With 19-Year-Old Producer, Ryder, For “48 Hours” EP

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Skepta’s career is one of diversity and adaptability. The Tottenham rapper and DJ has experimented a lot over his roughly two-decade-long run in the hip-hop industry. From grime, and trap, to EDM even, the man has many tools in the tool belt. Back in mid-October, the 41-year-old put out a single that saw him bring a new twist to an Amy Winehouse classic, “Tears Dry On Their Own.” The track was retitled as “Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy).”

That was the most recent addition to Skepta’s new house-focused label, Más Tiempo. The entertainment group is a joint effort with a familiar face from Boy Better Know, Jammer. With all of that going on, he has not been able to put a lot of energy into his solo career. It has been four years since his last effort, Ignorance is Bliss. But, he seems to getting back into it a bit by teaming up with a rising producer, Ryder.

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Listen To 48 Hours By Ryder And Skepta

The 19-year-old hails from Kingston upon Hull, which is located in England. According to NME, he got a little TikTok virality after posting a rendition of one of Skepta’s cuts. Ryder went in and redid “Text Me Back” from Konnichiwa. That led to the two talents connecting to come out with a new EP, 48 Hours. There are two new songs, “All Alone” and “For You” with extra vocals from Dré Six. After that are tracks titled “#skeptacore.” There are three parts and one of them sees a twist on “Bullet From A Gun.” The beats provide some extra emotional weight to match the deep-cutting lyrics from Skepta. It is worth a serious listen.

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new EP from Ryder and Skepta, 48 Hours? Which tracks are you enjoying the most so far? Out of the three renditions of classic Skepta tracks, which one did Ryder recreate best? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Skepta and Ryder. Furthermore, stay with us for all of the best project drops too.

48 Hours Tracklist:

  1. All Alone with Ryder, Skepta & Dre Six
  2. For You with Ryder, Skepta & Dre Six
  3. #skeptacore pt. 1
  4. #skeptacore pt. 2
  5. #skeptacore pt. 3

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The post Skepta Teams Up With 19-Year-Old Producer, Ryder, For “48 Hours” EP appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Skepta Pays Homage To UK Legend Amy Winehouse On “Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy)”

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It has already been over 12 years since the tragic passing of the UK singer and songwriter, Amy Winehouse. She would have been 40 years old on September 14 and her iconic songs and spirit still live on to this day. Seeing as Skepta was also born and raised in the UK, he wanted to pay the ultimate respect to her by putting out a new single. He samples Amy’s popular hit, “Tears Dry On Their Own,” on “Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy).”

You may be wondering how Skepta pulls this off. Well, if you have not been able to keep up with the headlines in rap, the rapper has just created a new label. In fact, it was just a few months ago that he and Boy Better Know crewmate Jammer got this project underway. Más Tiempo is the name and its focus is on the house genre. In an interview with Mixmag, Skepta said, “Más Tiempo is a movement, from Africa to London, to Ibiza. We’re focused on production, DJs, and events — and the team is ever-expanding to bring a new flavor to house music.”

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Listen To “Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy)” From Skepta And Amy Winehouse

Their first efforts together began back in April with a two-pack “Mas Murder” and “Touch Me.” Then, in June they put out another two tracks, “Touching My Body” and “Down Shovel.” There is no news if an album from Skepta and Jammer are on the way just yet. If you want to hear the UK grime rapper work with house beats, give this one a shot, it is a bop. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to Amy Winehouse and her family and friends.

What are your initial thoughts on this brand new Skepta track, “Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute To Amy)?” Is this the best house song he has put out so far? Do you think Skepta and Jammer’s label Más Tiempo will be a hit or a flop? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Skepta, as well as all of the hottest song releases.

Quotable Lyrics:

He walks away, the sun goes down
He takes the day, but I’m grown (I’m grown)
And in your way, in this blue shade
My tears dry on their own
He walks away, the sun goes down
He takes the day, but I’m grown (I’m grown)

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