The name "Skepta" originated from the word Sceptre, a type of staff. He did not like the way it was spelt and felt that he wanted a unique stage name so 'that he could type "Skepta" in YouTube and only he would come up.' So, he changed it.
Skepta started his music career after he won a MC battle with over 300 people contesting beating Tempa T in the final. He also formed a partnership with his brother JME and became renowned throughout Greater London for his hit single (he also produced), "Private Caller" which featured many of his Meridian Crew from Meridian Walk in Tottenham.
Skepta (Managing Director) along with brother JME (CEO), began their grime label Boy Better Know in late 2005. The phrase "Boy Better Know" was originated by Big H the artist.
This phrase was then taken by Skepta and JME. Early 2006 saw the release of 'Shut Yuh Mut' - Boy Better Know Edition 1 which features all 3 artists and throughout the years has contributed and aided many other artists such as Frisco and Wiley to put out mixtapes, along with JME (4 mixtapes) and Skepta's September 2007 release 'Greatest Hits', which was distributed nationwide.
However now, Wiley left because he found mainstream chart success with Roll Deep, a crew that he co-founded and has enjoyed two number one hit singles with on the UK Top 40 Chart. He also had an ongoing 'beef' with Skepta, with both artists creating diss tracks, Wiley's 'Barnet' and Skepta's 'House in the Country' were both uploaded onto YouTube by both artists. However, this 'beef' was later proved to be false, as Skepta has stated in interviews, over Twitter, and whilst appearing on Ustream.
Skepta has released three singles off his third studio album, Doin' It Again (first with a major label). Titled "Bad Boy", "Rescue Me" and "Cross My Heart" featuring Preeya Kalidas, as well as a video for the Hello Good Morning (Grime Remix).
All singles charted in the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, with "Rescue Me" being the most successful at number 14. The chart position of "Cross My Heart" was fairly disappointing coming in at number 31 and dropping out of the Top 40 a week later, bearing in mind it had the most promotion out of any of the tracks. After the success of his first single "Bad Boy", Skepta's videos were removed from his own channel and promoted through All Around The World (a division of Universal Records).
His tracks were also premiered on the official website of the label.
It is expected that "Doin' It Again" will be either released on or in partnership with All Around The World records, scheduled for a release of 31 January 2011 for digital download and on 7 February 2011 as a CD.
Animal Instinct
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look in my eyes, they see it
I walk in the room, they feel it
Told the mandem start movin' different
We're some endangered species
How many years I been puttin' in work?
Man not tryna get freebies
See me, they like, "Wah'gwan, GG?"
Had to get ghost, had to get Swayze
Girls see me on the road, get crazy
She asked me if I ever met JME
That's my family, real red paisley
Active boys, never lazy
Might link up 'cause we GRM Daily
Could've been a Monday or a Sunday
Treat that like a Friday, get wavy
Still, I be on my P's and Q's
Like KA, yeah, we got the juice
You can't stop me, best ya take your eyes off me
Go find something to do
I got nothing to prove, they wanna see me lose
But I'm in Paris with the goons
I should take a selfie and go and hang it in the Louvre
And that's why they wanna start beef
'Cause the gang came in lookin' like an art piece
Made your wifey skip a heartbeat
I love cake, man, I'm tryna get a large piece
Two's company, three's a crowd
So four must be an afterparty
I told my nigga pass the car key
Jump in the whip and I make it look sexy
Such a poser
Front page in my boxers for the culture
Hang it on your wall, that's a poster
Ex-girl still tryna get closure
I don't even know where to start
Can't believe that we've grown apart
I ride around town with a broken heart
Say, "You get me?" But you don't know the half
'Cause I never complain
Whether good or bad, you gotta ride it out
Yin yang, you must know what the signs about
Hope you live that life that you rhyme about
It's a race against time and it goes so fast
Take 'em back to school, man, they got no class
No tints on the window just so they can see the big smoke when I blow past
You see the white man's face when they see us in the Wraith
You see the fed ain't here, live like I'm ready to die today
I see it, it's mine, I take it
GTA life, been gettin' wasted
I want the smoke, put it in papers
Smoke me an opp, smoke me a racist
You see us out, outrageous
African G, no alteration
Shake up the world when I step on the pavement
I step in your home, don't take off my trainers
I'm not a black man, I'm not a white man
I'm a sight, man, you see Skep, you see my gang
Big LF, nothin' like my man
Lash got the pack, Dex might tie one
Step in the club, them man leaving dust
Scariest sight, run if you must
I know I should pray to God
But sex, money, murder, I trust
Sex, money, murder, true
Except this money, nothin' ain't new
Open my eyes, I'm in the coupe
Look to my right
You see the white man's face when they see us in the Wraith
You see the fed ain't here, live like I'm ready to die today
I see it, it's mine, I take it
GTA life, been gettin' wasted
I want the smoke, put it in papers
Smoke me an opp, smoke me a racist
You see the white man's face when they see us in the Wraith
You see the fed ain't here, live like I'm ready to die today
I see it, it's mine, I take it
GTA life, been gettin' wasted
I want the smoke, put it in papers
Smoke me an opp, smoke me a racist
The song "Animal Instinct" by Skepta and Lancey Foux speaks to the instinctual, primal nature of being a human being. It speaks to the way people carry themselves with a certain confidence and power that others can sense just by being around them. In the first verse, Skepta talks about how he has been putting in work for many years, and how people can sense his animal instinct just by looking into his eyes or being in his presence. He also speaks to the importance of being smart and calculating in his movements, telling his friends to "start movin' different" to avoid danger.
The second verse of the song takes a darker turn, with both Skepta and Lancey Foux speaking to the violence and aggression that comes with this animal instinct. They talk about wanting to "smoke" their enemies and those who are racist, living their lives with the knowledge that they could die at any moment. The song also touches on racial tension, with the line "You see the white man's face when they see us in the Wraith" suggesting that there is a real fear and discomfort when black men drive expensive cars.
Overall, "Animal Instinct" speaks to the way that humans carry themselves with a certain power and confidence, but also the darker and more violent sides of that instinctual nature. The song is a commentary on the way that people both fear and are attracted to that kind of animal magnetism.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the animal instinct
A primal sense of behavior and action.
Look in my eyes, they see it
My instincts are noticeable in my gaze.
I walk in the room, they feel it
My presence is palpable and commanding.
Told the mandem start movin' different
Instructed my crew to adapt to this mindset.
We're some endangered species
Our behavior and lifestyle is under threat.
How many years I been puttin' in work?
I have dedicated a long time to my craft.
Man not tryna get freebies
I am not seeking handouts or favors.
See me, they like, "Wah'gwan, GG?"
People greet me and inquire about my status.
Man, I speed off like beep, beep
I quickly depart from the situation.
Had to get ghost, had to get Swayze
I had to abruptly leave and vanish like a ghost.
Girls see me on the road, get crazy
Women react in an intense and overwhelming manner towards me.
She asked me if I ever met JME
She inquired if I had encountered a mutual acquaintance.
That's my family, real red paisley
JME is a close relative and dear to me.
Active boys, never lazy
We are always on the move and productive.
Might link up 'cause we GRM Daily
We could meet because of our affiliation with the website.
Could've been a Monday or a Sunday
Referencing any day of the week.
Treat that like a Friday, get wavy
Making the most out of any day by having fun and partying.
Still, I be on my P's and Q's
I am always cautious and vigilant.
Like KA, yeah, we got the juice
We are powerful and influential like fruit juice.
You can't stop me, best ya take your eyes off me
I am unstoppable and suggest others ignore me.
Go find something to do
Directing others to occupy themselves elsewhere.
I got nothing to prove, they wanna see me lose
I have no obligations to prove myself but others wish to witness my downfall.
But I'm in Paris with the goons
I am in Paris with a trusted, formidable group.
I should take a selfie and go and hang it in the Louvre
I could take a self-portrait and display it as art in the famous French museum.
And that's why they wanna start beef
Jealousy or envy directed at my success is why some seek conflict.
'Cause the gang came in lookin' like an art piece
My group has a unique, creative, and visually stunning appearance.
Made your wifey skip a heartbeat
My presence has a significant impact on some individuals, including your partner.
I love cake, man, I'm tryna get a large piece
I enjoy and desire money or financial security.
Two's company, three's a crowd
Adding a third person can complicate or ruin the dynamic.
So four must be an afterparty
A fourth person often signifies a celebratory gathering.
I told my nigga pass the car key
I requested my friend provides me with the car keys.
Jump in the whip and I make it look sexy
I confidently manipulate the car and look good doing so.
Such a poser
I am presenting a manufactured or artificial image.
Front page in my boxers for the culture
A provocative public image displayed proudly for the sake of the community.
Hang it on your wall, that's a poster
A photo of me in my boxers could adorn your wall as art.
Ex-girl still tryna get closure
An ex-partner is still seeking resolution or comfort in our relationship ending.
I don't even know where to start
I am unsure how to proceed or begin to address a situation.
Can't believe that we've grown apart
It is difficult to accept that our relationship has changed over time.
I ride around town with a broken heart
I travel through the city feeling sad or emotionally wounded.
Say, "You get me?" But you don't know the half
Questioning if someone truly comprehends the gravity or significance of a situation.
'Cause I never complain
I do not vocalize when I am going through tough times.
Whether good or bad, you gotta ride it out
One must endure the ups and downs of life and maintain composure.
Yin yang, you must know what the signs about
Understanding of the Chinese philosophy symbolizing balance and harmony.
Hope you live that life that you rhyme about
Wishing that someone's lyrics reflect their real life and experiences.
It's a race against time and it goes so fast
Life is a competition against time and it passes quickly.
Take 'em back to school, man, they got no class
Teaching a lesson to those who lack manners or etiquette.
No tints on the window just so they can see the big smoke when I blow past
The car windows are clear to allow others to witness the smoke and hype as I drive by.
You see the white man's face when they see us in the Wraith
Noticing the expression of surprise or awe on the faces of white individuals when they encounter us in a luxury car.
You see the fed ain't here, live like I'm ready to die today
The absence of law enforcement allows us to live recklessly and with disregard for the future or consequences.
I see it, it's mine, I take it
Claiming ownership or entitlement to something and seizing it.
GTA life, been gettin' wasted
Living life like a character in the video game Grand Theft Auto, frequently intoxicated or high.
I want the smoke, put it in papers
Requesting or pursuing conflict and ensuring it makes the news or headlines.
Smoke me an opp, smoke me a racist
Willing to engage in violence against an enemy or person who displays bigotry or prejudice.
African G, no alteration
Proud of and in touch with my African heritage, without modification or assimilation.
Shake up the world when I step on the pavement
My presence and influence have a significant impact on society and culture.
I step in your home, don't take off my trainers
I do not conform to societal standards or rules, even in someone else's home.
I'm not a black man, I'm not a white man
I see myself beyond the racial binary and limitations of those labels.
I'm a sight, man, you see Skep, you see my gang
My appearance and reputation are striking and recognizable, as are those of my crew.
Big LF, nothin' like my man
Lancey Foux is distinct and unique in his own right.
Lash got the pack, Dex might tie one
Lash has the merchandise, Dex has the drug paraphernalia.
Step in the club, them man leaving dust
I make an entrance to the club and dominant or intimidate the other men there.
Scariest sight, run if you must
To some, I am a frightening or imposing figure, and they should flee if necessary.
I know I should pray to God
Acknowledging the value of faith or spirituality.
But sex, money, murder, I trust
My priorities and values lie in pleasure, wealth, and violence.
Sex, money, murder, true
Reiterating my preference for sex, money, and murder.
Except this money, nothin' ain't new
Aside from the wealth, nothing has really changed.
Open my eyes, I'm in the coupe
I wake up and find myself in a luxury car.
Look to my right
Directing my attention to my right side.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joseph Adenuga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind