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.
Can't See Me Again
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
SK, easy
AR15, N17
Meridian Walk
Straight out the T-O-T
Icy
I used to smile in pictures, but the ends changed me
Remember I first bought my strap I was lookin' in the mirror and I went crazy
I never knew Posty, didn't wanna freestyle
Them times it was Skeng Daily
I had 13 scores in my mouth, ridin' from house to house
You would've thought I was a courier
So much money on the microwave
The shit looks like a photocopier
And I could probably make another score with the crack residue in the buttons of the Nokia
Prayin' to God, please show me the light
'Cause the trap house looks like Hollister
I spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
But this time, man are doin' it legal
The police can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
Nah, they can't see me again
Spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
But this time, man are doin' it legal
The police can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
Nah, they can't see me again
It's me again
Yeah I'm gone again so they can't see me again
Never go where them Pagans go
You won't see me with them
It's no new friends, no new friends
No new friends, no, no, no
'Cause where I'm from, bruv, it ain't a joke
Mans are takin' off heads like it's Game of Thrones
This year, it's fuck everybody
Anybody's gettin' bodied
Nobody helped me, nobody, nobody
'Cause when you're not hot, everybody's movin' dodgy
Now they gotta recognise
10 years later, later!
Ever since Sega, I had a mega drive
Fuck all the gas, I'm just tryna be peaceful
I ain't in the street or industry, I'm at home with my peoples
I used to be a wretch, shout out 32
Could've been dead, all the shit that I've been through
Now my legal hustle's so sick, you could say it's illegal
I spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
But this time, man are doin' it legal
The police can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
Nah, they can't see me again
Spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
But this time, man are doin' it legal
The police can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
Nah, they can't see me again
Tell a soundboy wheel it again, then leave in the Benz
Why would I wanna open a box, and play Deal or No Deal in the ends?
Tell a hater I'm on a TV again
And through the ad break, might see me again
SMS, BB, begfriend, I must look like Phoebe to them
You'll get deleted, back up my [?]
Been about this since cold cold capina, my don
Linked up with the Tottenham squad
Tell Daniel Levy I need that
Adi money and I want it weekly
World class, check a man's CV
Catalogue, check a man's PC
Tickets, them likkle PG's
Parental guidance, run from the sirens
Come from the pirates, dun know the islands
Paid me in fivers, now it's a minor
Transferrin' wires before I see pilots
Pack couple tees and a vest, cup of tea and some eggs
And I text my mumsy when I landed
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the death
I spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
But this time, man are doin' it legal
The police can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
Nah, they can't see me again
Spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
But this time, man are doin' it legal
The police can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
They can't see me again
Nah, they can't see me again
In the song 'Can't See Me Again,' Skepta, Bashy, and Kano talk about their experience in the world of drugs and crime, and how it has impacted their lives. The opening line of the song refers to the location the three artists come from, Totten Ham in North London, and how they've come from humble beginnings. The lyrics reflect their journey into a lifestyle of drugs, violence, and crime to provide for themselves and their families. For them, it was a means of survival, but they also acknowledge that it led them down a dark path.
Throughout the song, there are references to their past drug runs and experiences with the police. The chorus, "The police can't see me again," suggests that they've had run-ins with the law in the past, but now they're moving towards legal means of making money. The final lines of the song reflect the newfound peace the artists have found with their families and acknowledge the positive change they've made in their lives. They've chosen to leave behind their old lifestyle and turn to legal means while still striving to maintain their street credibility.
Overall, 'Can't See Me Again' is a reflection of the artists' struggles with their past lives, how it affected them, and how they've changed their ways to make a better future for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome
Introducing the artists and setting the tone
SK, easy
A nod to Skepta's stage name
AR15, N17
Referring to the area code of Tottenham, London and a gun model
Meridian Walk
A street in Tottenham where Skepta and other Grime artists grew up
Straight out the T-O-T
Proudly from Tottenham
Icy
Skepta's new diamond chain
I used to smile in pictures, but the ends changed me
Growing up in a rough neighborhood made Skepta more guarded and untrusting
Dad told me protect Jason, protect Julie and protect Jamie
Skepta's father advised him to look after his siblings
Remember I first bought my strap I was lookin' in the mirror and I went crazy
Skepta felt empowered and invincible when he first acquired a gun
I never knew Posty, didn't wanna freestyle
Skepta didn't want to freestyle with Posty, another Grime artist
Them times it was Skeng Daily
A reference to the popular UK Grime online forum Skengman Daily
I had 13 scores in my mouth, ridin' from house to house
Skepta had expensive dental work and rode around selling drugs
You would've thought I was a courier
Skepta sold drugs so frequently that he seemed like a courier
So much money on the microwave
A lot of money was stashed in the microwave
The shit looks like a photocopier
The large amount of cash made the microwave look like a photocopier
And I could probably make another score with the crack residue in the buttons of the Nokia
Skepta could make more money from the remains of drugs on his old phone
Prayin' to God, please show me the light
Skepta seeks guidance and a way out of his current lifestyle
'Cause the trap house looks like Hollister
The house where drugs are sold looks like a trendy clothing store
I spoke to my mumsy on the weekend
Skepta talked to his mother on the phone during the weekend
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the end
Skepta promised his mother he would remain true to his roots
But this time, man are doin' it legal
Skepta has moved on to legal, legitimate businesses
The police can't see me again
Skepta doesn't want the police to see him involved in illegal activities again
They can't see me again
Reiterating his desire to stay away from the authorities
Nah, they can't see me again
Asserting that he won't allow the police to catch him again
Never go where them Pagans go
Don't associate with shady people
You won't see me with them
Reiterating he won't spend time with questionable people
It's no new friends, no new friends
Not looking for new friends
No new friends, no, no, no
Reiterating his stance on not wanting new friends
'Cause where I'm from, bruv, it ain't a joke
Life growing up in Tottenham was serious and dangerous
Mans are takin' off heads like it's Game of Thrones
Referencing the TV show Game of Thrones; saying people are violent and ruthless
This year, it's fuck everybody
This year Skepta is about himself
Anybody's gettin' bodied
Anyone can get hurt
Nobody helped me, nobody, nobody
Skepta had to hustle on his own to get where he is today
'Cause when you're not hot, everybody's movin' dodgy
When you're not popular, people don't want to be associated with you
Now they gotta recognise
People are finally starting to see Skepta's talent
10 years later, later!
After 10 years, Skepta is still relevant and successful
Ever since Sega, I had a mega drive
A play on words; since he was young, Skepta had a Sega Mega Drive game console, now he has a mega drive, in terms of a high-end car
Fuck all the gas, I'm just tryna be peaceful
Skepta is trying to stay out of trouble and be calm
I ain't in the street or industry, I'm at home with my peoples
Skepta is not involved in the street or music industry, spending time at home
I used to be a wretch, shout out 32
A reference to his earlier stage name 'Wretch 32', Skepta thanks the artist for his friendship
Could've been dead, all the shit that I've been through
Skepta has gone through difficult times and avoided death
Now my legal hustle's so sick, you could say it's illegal
Skepta's legitimate money-making strategies are so successful they seem too good to be true
Tell a soundboy wheel it again, then leave in the Benz
Telling a DJ to repeat a song before leaving in a Mercedes-Benz car
Why would I wanna open a box, and play Deal or No Deal in the ends?
Skepta doesn't want to play games or take risks with his wealth
Tell a hater I'm on a TV again
Telling someone who doubted him that he's on TV again
And through the ad break, might see me again
Suggesting he might appear again during an advertisement break
SMS, BB, begfriend, I must look like Phoebe to them
People asking for Skepta's help via text and BBM. He feels like 'Phoebe', a character from Friends, who is always trying to help people but not getting much in return.
You'll get deleted, back up my [?]
Skepta will block or ignore people who don't have his best interests in mind
Been about this since cold cold capina, my don
Been doing this since he was young
Linked up with the Tottenham squad
Collaborating with other Tottenham musicians
Tell Daniel Levy I need that
Directing a message to the chairman of the Tottenham Hotspur football team to give him a sponsorship deal
Adi money and I want it weekly
Skepta wants Adidas sponsorship money every week
World class, check a man's CV
Skepta is world-class and his resume proves it
Catalogue, check a man's PC
Check a man's music catalogue, likely stored on a PC
Tickets, them likkle PG's
Tickets are for young people, implying Skepta's audience is young and trendy
Parental guidance, run from the sirens
References the parental guidance warning on media and the sirens of emergency vehicles, indicating content not suitable for all ages and police sirens
Come from the pirates, dun know the islands
Skepta grew up in a rough neighborhood, referencing the criminal activity there as 'pirates'
Paid me in fivers, now it's a minor
He was paid a little money before, now it's insignificant
Transferrin' wires before I see pilots
Moving money digitally rather than physically
Pack couple tees and a vest, cup of tea and some eggs
Pack some clothes, enjoy a cup of tea and eggs
And I text my mumsy when I landed
Telling his mother he arrived safely via text message
Told her I'm gonna be a G to the death
Reiterating his promise to stay true to his roots and his 'G' status until death
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joseph Junior Adenuga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MezUndead
Been far too long since we heard something from Bashy. I know he's been on his acting grind but he needs to put out a new Album or Mixtape for real!
@clikclikboom123
How come kano hasnt been producing new stuff in quite q while
@djjahjah1
Mannnnnn this still one of my favorites!!!!
@robinlynn5686
Y'all killing American hip hop! AND IM AMERICAN! Keep it up...love it!
Loved TOP BOY!π
@dangray6635
English rap needs to reach America now!
@thedeeprot
Feeling it !
@aa8020
This beat will always be hectic.
@raghavsharma3211
Top Boy... I didn' know so many grime stars could end up in a single screen man. Fuckin A Stuff
@garishanth
2022. I remember listening to this! Madness!
@michaelmacaroni187
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