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.
Freestyle
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh
La, la, la-la-la-la, la-la
La-la, la (la-la-la-la)
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la, la-la-la-la-la (la-la-la-la)
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
La-la, la-la-la-la-la (la-la-la-la)
La-la, la-la-la-la-la (la-la-la-la) (yeah)
I got an ice box where my heart used to be
Different kind of nigga, they aren't used to me
Every day we celebrate like Friday
Truckload ready to hit the highway
With the bloody step, you couldn't believed the kicks
Billboard nigga, just posted on the strip
Milli's coming in, my accountant can't sleep
Your girl tryna see if it's any space in the Jeep
La, la, la-la-la-la, la-la (uh)
La-la, la (la-la-la-la)
It's just push di yute dem, push dem out a di other end
There's people who are gonna go and punch their card every day
Punch it at night and go home from work
Waiting for Friday to get a little money
Which is just enough to take them back again on Monday
And it's that circle that we have to break (uh)
They ran a nigga in my ends, bigger than a program
Repping 'til the max, every city that I'm at
Got the flag and you niggas know that
They show the due respect cause I owe that
Said I'm handsome, I already know that
Big Novelist, the real nigga throw back
Said they run who? They must've smoked crack
Man a art but never catch me in a tote bag
Before I roll the dice (before I roll the dice)
I look snake in the eyes (snake in the eyes)
Before I roll the dice (yeah)
I look snake in the eyes
What's your price?
Time, time, tell it
Tell it all if you love me
Blind, my, my love when I was lost
You loved me
I couldn't tell if I was gone
Your family
Now here I am all alone
Who loves me?
In Skepta's song "Freestyle," the lyrics revolve around themes of self-confidence, success, and breaking the cycle of monotony. The opening lines, "I got an ice box where my heart used to be, Different kind of nigga, they aren't used to me," suggest that Skepta has become hardened and detached from emotion in order to navigate the challenges of his life and career. He acknowledges that he is different from others and embraces his uniqueness.
The phrase "Every day we celebrate like Friday" signifies a sense of joy and accomplishment, as if every day feels like a celebration for Skepta and his circle. He mentions having financial success with lines like "Milli's coming in, my accountant can't sleep" and hints at his popularity and recognition with the line "Billboard nigga, just posted on the strip."
Skepta also raises the idea of breaking the cycle and escaping the monotony of everyday life. He acknowledges the struggle of working for a paycheck and waiting for the weekend to have some respite. He desires to break free from this repetitive cycle and pave his own path.
In the later part of the song, Skepta showcases his confidence and asserts his presence. He addresses those who doubt him and suggests that they must be on drugs if they think they can compete with him. He embraces his artistry and rejects any attempt to commodify or label him. The lyrics "Man a art but never catch me in a tote bag" convey that he cannot be contained or confined.
In the chorus, the lyrics shift to a more introspective tone. Skepta reflects on the importance of knowing one's worth and not being swayed by external influences. The line "Before I roll the dice, I look snake in the eyes" implies that Skepta is cautious and discerning when it comes to making decisions and choosing the right path. He questions who truly loves him and expresses a sense of loneliness despite his success.
Overall, "Freestyle" showcases Skepta's self-assurance, individuality, and desire to break free from societal norms and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Expressing agreement or affirmation
Uh
Indicating uncertainty or hesitation
La, la, la-la-la-la, la-la
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la, la (la-la-la-la)
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la, la-la-la-la-la (la-la-la-la)
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la, la-la-la-la-la (la-la-la-la)
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la-la-la, la-la-la-la (big smoke)
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
La-la, la-la-la-la-la (la-la-la-la) (yeah)
Repetition of nonsensical sounds for emphasis or rhythm
I got an ice box where my heart used to be
I have become emotionally cold and distant
Different kind of nigga, they aren't used to me
I am unique and unfamiliar to others
Every day we celebrate like Friday
We find joy and excitement in everyday life
Truckload ready to hit the highway
Ready for action and taking on challenges
With the bloody step, you couldn't believed the kicks
Showing off impressive achievements or success
Billboard nigga, just posted on the strip
Gaining recognition and visibility in the industry
Milli's coming in, my accountant can't sleep
Earning a substantial amount of money causing financial excitement
Your girl tryna see if it's any space in the Jeep
A woman is interested in being a part of my life
It's just push di yute dem, push dem out a di other end
Motivating and encouraging the younger generation to succeed
There's people who are gonna go and punch their card every day
Some individuals are trapped in a monotonous routine of work
Punch it at night and go home from work
Ending the day without fulfillment or satisfaction
Waiting for Friday to get a little money
Anticipating the weekly paycheck to afford basic necessities
Which is just enough to take them back again on Monday
Having a cycle of financial struggle and dependence
And it's that circle that we have to break (uh)
Recognizing the need to break free from this repetitive cycle
They ran a nigga in my ends, bigger than a program
I faced significant challenges in my neighborhood
Repping 'til the max, every city that I'm at
Representing and promoting myself to the fullest in every city I visit
Got the flag and you niggas know that
Proudly representing my roots and identity
They show the due respect cause I owe that
Receiving deserved respect for my accomplishments
Said I'm handsome, I already know that
Acknowledging my physical attractiveness
Big Novelist, the real nigga throw back
I am a respected and authentic individual
Said they run who? They must've smoked crack
Questioning the credibility of those who claim to be superior
Man a art but never catch me in a tote bag
Engaged in artistic pursuits without compromising my identity
Before I roll the dice (before I roll the dice)
Before taking a risk or making a decision
I look snake in the eyes (snake in the eyes)
Confronting and challenging dishonest individuals
What's your price?
Asking about the cost or value of something
Time, time, tell it
The passing of time reveals the truth
Tell it all if you love me
Being honest and open about feelings if there is love
Blind, my, my love when I was lost
Unconditional love and support when I was struggling
You loved me
Expressing gratitude for the love received
I couldn't tell if I was gone
Feeling uncertain about one's own existence or state
Your family
The support and sense of belonging within a family
Now here I am all alone
Feeling isolated and alone
Who loves me?
Questioning who genuinely cares and loves me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joseph Adenuga, Rakim Mayers, Kojo Kankam, Roy Nnawuchi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vojtechvlcek7346
[Verse 1: Skepta]
I'm calm
I've got the devil in my palm
Know I said that I wear sunglasses at night
But tonight I need to see wagwan
Wanna see somebody drop to the ground
No civilians, no doctors around
Who said life is priceless? So far your life cost me a pound
One phone call and a 10p text
All of my mandem, link up quick
We don't care what ends he reps
When I said he shoulda known, it weren't any old rhyme
Got a couple killers that are never online
Might see the shadow in a video of mine
Standing behind the camera with the director
Ready to shoot an MC one time
[Verse 2: Jme]
Where has everybody gone?
I'm not on that vibe that everybody's on
Some old lame old plain old blatant shame
Till you find out it ain't working (Nah)
One for the Basebox Crew
Krispy…Mc…drive…aye
This ain't a private shubs
Man can wear hats or hoods
No Uggs
It's not a lean up ting (It's not lean up ting)
I don't have a boss
Nobody can tell me there's a clean-up in aisle 5
'Cause I'll drive straight to your door
Then I'll spin and piledrive your face to the floor
[Verse 3: Skepta]
Yeah
Somebody's gotta get murked
Spoke to my mum but that didn't work
Counted to 10 but that didn't work
Blud, man ah putting in work
Switch them plates, man ah going on a ride
Black bally on and I look like a fly
Give mumsie a kiss, tell her "You'll be home soon
Come to the gate when I pull up on the drive"
I don't care if it's raining or not
If we get chased by feds, everybody in the car better know that I'm failing to stop
'Cause like Luis Suárez, these police love taking a shot
But [?] violated the squad
Forget the albums, forget the mixtapes in the shop
Real G's don't procrastinate on the job
Yeah!
[Verse 4: Jme]
I got a black ski mask, but I don’t ski
But I snowboard, dash an MC off-piste
If one of you try and violate me
Get a box in the face with a front door key
Box in the mouth with a back door key
Box in the face with a X6 key
Box in the eye with the fob I use to log into my HSBC
Talk about banks, kill 'em with Ps
Run up in your girl's house, two of my Gs
Get the money out, put the money in his mouth
Suffocate man with about two Gs
Suffocate man with about four Gs
Suffocate man then I might just breeze
I’ll bury man two foot shallow
Ain’t got time to dig six feet deep
@matthewdenneny6742
"I'll bury man 2 foot shallow, ain't got time to dig 6 feet deep" a whole fucking bar
@randomraspberry8525
JME’s so underrated
@Jbwoy93
Savage
@felixbb1445
@AMS still a solid ass bar... did he do this freestyle after the song? Cause it didn’t look like skepta recognised the verse
@myst4608
@@felixbb1445 freestyle first
@felixbb1445
@@myst4608 thats What i thought
@billykhan6076
I calculated it and JME lifted his right hand 123 times
@ellahmod926
Thanks so much for doing that 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@MRROSHAN17
Billy khan it's just his energy bro
@KhaalifaOG
ella hmod 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂