Skepta returns ‘to set levels’ with his long-awaited sixth album

Skepta, widely recognized as a major figure in grime music, has returned with new material, choosing a significant moment for his comeback. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, he expressively stated, “Finally, some good rap music, some good UK grime sounds.” His latest album, *The Fork and Knife*, marks a notable return after seven years since his previous album, *Ignorance Is Bliss*, and over two years following its initial announcement. Despite the long wait, Skepta emphasizes that “you can’t rush greatness,” a standard he has consistently met throughout his career.

Having earned prestigious accolades including a Mercury Prize, a Brit Award, and two Ivor Novello Awards, Skepta carries the weight of expectation as a leading figure in the rap industry. The extended creation process of *The Fork and Knife* partly reflects the album’s tackling of major societal themes such as immigration, racism, Brexit, and cultural debates. The artist reveals, “Every time I write a lyric, it’s important for me,” highlighting his dedication to crafting lyrics that endure. He adds, “It doesn’t matter whose song, what feature, what track, I’m always taking time in writing my music because I want my lyrics to be able to stand the test of time.”

As one of British grime’s trailblazers, Skepta has attracted massive audiences at prominent festivals like Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds, in addition to maintaining a large base of monthly listeners. Reflecting on a significant breakthrough in his career, his 2009 track *Reflecting* is seen as a pivotal moment for both himself and the grime genre. “I feel that was the first grime tune that was introspective and wasn’t just about getting hype… That was the first time I thought, ‘OK, cool, this is a talent of mine’,” he shares. The song allowed Skepta to channel raw emotions without filters or choruses in a way that resonated enduringly.

Raised in Tottenham, London, by Nigerian immigrant parents who fled civil war, Skepta, whose birth name is Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr, frequently draws upon his background in his music. His sixth album explores the complexities of existing between cultures and how this experience has shaped his artistry. On his new track *Innocent Smile*, featuring Chase and Status and Suggs from Madness, he raps poignantly about the immigrant experience: *”Ain’t no love for an immigrant child / The writing’s on the wall, has anyone else noticed? / Was it Brexit? Was it Covid? / They point fingers, I feel hopeless.”* Skepta states, “I think grime is a product of immigration,” noting the shared immigrant roots of many grime pioneers like Wiley, Stormzy, and Dizzee Rascal. He emphasizes his commitment to multiculturalism and wanted to voice that stance clearly before engaging in any campaign.

Skepta has also been cautious about the presentation of his music, learning from past controversies. For instance, in 2024, he removed the artwork for his single *Gas Me Up (Diligent)* after concerns that it referenced the Holocaust. The image depicted men with shaved heads, including a tattoo reading “Gas Me Up,” meant to allude to skinhead culture. Understanding how the artwork could be misunderstood, he pledged to be more mindful in the future. Now, confident in the final product, Skepta feels the new album is “a classic,” despite mixed early critical responses. Complex praised *The Fork and Knife* as “top-tier” and worth the wait, whereas The Observer found it earnest but questioned if it was somewhat “over-egged.”

At a time when Skepta perceives a decline in grime’s quality, he insists on raising the bar: “I don’t think there’s been a good grime album for a long time,” he says bluntly. “And I’m here to set levels.” Responding to recent critiques within the UK rap scene, he echoes sentiments like those of Digga D, who called out a TikTok-driven ‘UK Poo’ trend characterized by “foolishness.” Skepta openly admits, “I can’t sit on here and be like ‘I’m happy with how the UK scene is right now’, because I’m not.” Drawing inspiration from his idols and collaborating with some—such as Suggs—he aims “to make rap sophisticated again.” With the launch of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s first UK rap chart show, Skepta hopes the platform will encourage emerging grime artists to improve their lyrical prowess. He remarks, “Rap is a sport and it’s very hard for visibility when we’re being compared to people who have major machines behind them. So this rap chart is going to give all the newcomers and a lot of people who are producing in their bedroom a chance to be seen and heard.”