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.
Frisco
Skepta Lyrics
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Tell 'em from me that's a blatant lie
I ain't gonna lie, 'course it will change you
(Skepta)
Just don't sell out your soul for a price
(Don't sell out your soul)
Donβt lose yourself, I ain't gotta
Prove myself to no-one, frisco's certified
Before you can draw yours I'm a draw mine
(Kid, Frisco)
I don't care if you're with four guys
You can bring more guys, more for the 45
(Bring 'em all)
Frisco hold the road like a four four drive
You donβt wanna get a box in your jaw side
(Trust) grime canβt die Iβmma keep it alive
While I'm alive I'mma keep keeping the vibe
And as long as I got the mic in my
Right hand Iβmma keep on keeping it live
(yeah)
When you're looking at Skepta
You're looking at the Canary
Wharf and the Gherkin
They better mention me when
They're talking about London
Nigga I'm murkin' sitting in my bedroom
Smoking so much weed that my chest is hurtin'
On a porno website watching
A sexy Latina squirting (Whoo)
How can a man owe me money
But when I call him he don't answer my calls?
No less than Section 18 when
I catch them fools
I don't care if he's got a screw loose
'cause that nigga ain't got no tools
I don't care if he's got a baseball bat
That pussy ain't got no balls
You can't educate me about bagging up food
I'm an old school drug dealer
I walk to the shop in the pouring
Rain for clingfilm and a Ribena
Took the ball from one ends to
Another like Maradona at Argentina
I used to fuck with the light
More than the dark fam, i had jungle fever
Nowadays I got so many ladies
In a million different complexions
Like Tinie when it comes to G-Shocks
I got a crazy dumb collection
New trainers in my house that I ain't
Worn since Obama won the election
My new flow's so sick MCs trying to
Find out how I caught the infection frisco
Whoever said money won't change you
Tell 'em from me that's a blatant lie
I ain't gonna lie, 'course it will change you
Just don't sell out your soul for a price
(Talk to them)
Donβt lose yourself, I ain't gotta
Prove myself to no-one, frisco's certified
(No one) more time over my side or your side
Before you can draw yours I'm a draw mine
(Frisco)
I don't care if you're with four guys
You can bring more guys, more for the 45
Frisco hold the road like a four four drive
(Can't forget)
You donβt wanna get a box in your jaw side
(Shorty) grime canβt die Iβmma keep it alive
While I'm alive I'mma keep keeping the vibe
(Grime can't die)
And as long as I got the mic in my
Right hand Iβmma keep on keeping it live
(Skepta, Whoo Kid)
My name rings bells in the UK, trust me
I make 'em jingle
But they love me all over the world
Cause they say my style is so bilingual
I told them already I'm a star and I
Don't need a label to make me twinkle
Glinting relentless
Thinking "where the fuck are the
Fans that bought the single?!"
Knock-knock, who's there? "Nigga it's"
"Nigga it's who?" "Nigga it's karma"
My mum told me if anybody
Punches me in the face
Punch them back harder
Last October I got caught on
Camera with no balaclava
Now community service are trying to
Turn Skepta into a gardener (Whoo)
The women at probation wanna know why
I see life in one dimension
I'm just trying to be a good man
Living in a world full of bad intentions
I pick up my phone and
I check my Twitter page
I see the devil in my mentions
I tried to phone God but it's like
My nigga ain't got no reception
I really feel like letting some
Skeletons out of the wardrobe
Can I get a witness?
I want to say so much but
I know business is business
And now that I'm on a playlist
I'm not trying to get put back on the hitlist
Back in the streets of North London
Dipping in and out of tea with a biscuit
Frisco
Whoever said money won't change you
Tell 'em from me that's a blatant lie
I ain't gonna lie, 'course it will change you
Just don't sell out your soul for a price
(Skepta) donβt lose yourself, I ain't gotta
Prove myself to no-one, frisco's certified
More time over my side or your side
(Whoo Kid)
Before you can draw yours I'm a draw mine
(Check)
I don't care if you're with four guys
(Four guys) you can bring more guys
(More guys) , more for the 45 (45)
Frisco hold the road like a four four drive
(Four four drive)
You donβt wanna get a box in your jaw side
(Jaw side)
Grime canβt die Iβmma keep it alive
While I'm alive I'mma keep keeping the vibe
(Boy Better Know)
And as long as I got the mic in my
Right hand Iβmma keep on keeping it live
These lyrics from Skepta's song "Frisco" touch on themes of money, staying true to oneself, and the challenges of fame. The song begins with Skepta addressing the misconception that money won't change a person. He acknowledges that money can indeed change someone, but cautions against selling out one's soul for a price. He asserts his authenticity and certified status, implying that he doesn't need to prove himself to anyone.
The second paragraph highlights Skepta's pride in his London roots and his reputation as a formidable figure. He references iconic landmarks like Canary Wharf and the Gherkin, asserting that he should be mentioned when discussing London. He uses explicit language and provocative imagery to showcase his fearless attitude and assert his dominance. Through these lines, he establishes his credibility and toughness.
The third paragraph reflects on Skepta's international fame and the impact of his music. He boasts about his popularity in the UK and worldwide, stating that his style is appreciated in different cultures. He asserts his independence by declaring that he doesn't need a label to make him successful. Despite his fame, he also mentions the challenges that come with it, such as negative attention on social media and struggles with the justice system while acknowledging his determination to stay positive.
The fourth paragraph references Skepta's mindset and personal struggles. He hints at having secrets or skeletons in his closet, but acknowledges the need to be careful with his words and actions due to the nature of the music industry. He expresses frustration at the difficulties of communication with a higher power and reveals his desire to make a positive impact despite living in a world with ulterior motives. Skepta concludes by emphasizing his commitment to his craft and the live energy he brings to his performances.
Overall, the lyrics of "Frisco" convey Skepta's self-assuredness, resilience, and dedication to staying authentic despite the challenges of fame and money. He places importance on staying true to oneself and not compromising personal values for success.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
nrtlgm
Frisco easily the most underrated grime artist ever.
Youtube Roadman
True back to the lab 1 2 and 3 are fire
futbolfinn
Best flow ever
Personal
hez s1k
MrMawarner
So underrated it's an understatement
Wayne Alexander
Yes,For Real Bro!
Jack Griggs
I still watch this a good 2/3 times a week. Timeless
Adam Drake Studio
You know it
Sam Hill
Skepta the only MC that can spit about IBS and make it sound sick
Jackoff Pinching
Literally sick π