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.
Glow In The Dark
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I knew what it was to be black way before I was on the GQ cover
How you gonna question me about colour?
What you know about Nelson Mandela?
Man, I get anti as ever
Yeah, I can do serious, I can do mean
Tell a supremacist that I'm supreme
But still, I'm predicting the future, I said this is how shit would go
The streets at an all-time high, the government at an all-time low
Politicians tryna get tickets to come to the shows
I shake hands with a long arm, never get close
Can't see me, I stay ghost, man, I move like cigarette smoke
We've been growin' apart
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
We've been growin' apart
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
They would love to see me on a pushbike pedalin' scores (Oh yeah)
18 pound 40, I was acceptin' shorts
Fast forward, see me on TV collectin' awards
One night with the gang
Now she can't understand why she used to hang around with them eediat man
I Nintendo Switch it, fam, I got the game in my hands
I'm a different species
Summertime, got a new swag for the beaches
Look in my wardrobe and it's all reference pieces
You should see how the price goes up as the money increases
I don't chill with them 'cause I can't deal with the disheartenin' speeches
When I say I'm out, then I mean it, hm
We've been growin' apart
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
We've been growin' apart
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
Oh yeah
I can be my own worst enemy
But I gotta be my own best friend
I need take the advice I been givin' to them
Man, are on a low frequency, I can't see them again
I'm on a high vibration, feeling blessed, grateful
Them man are thirsty, need hydration
Please don't compare me to them, that's a big violation
Man, I got no direction and it's showin'
See how the game can trick you without you even knowin'
We're livin' in the dark but I keep on glowin'
My mum gave me the seeds I'm sowin'
My dad gave me the tools and the water to keep them growin'
So when they tell us to go home, fam, I know where I'm goin'
We've been growin' apart
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
We've been growin' apart
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
Oh yeah
The first verse of "Glow In The Dark" by Skepta, Lay-Z, and Wizkid addresses the issue of black identity and the challenges faced by people of color. Skepta shares that he had an understanding of blackness way before he was featured on the cover of GQ magazine. He questions how someone can question his color and knowledge about icons like Nelson Mandela. Skepta asserts that he can do serious and mean; he can even tell a supremacist that he is supreme. Despite the current wave of awareness around issues of race, Skepta feels lost in his own dream. The lyricist predicts the future as the streets reach their highest point, and governments continue to fall in disgrace. He raps about politicians trying to attend their shows for tickets and how he prefers to keep his distance from those he meets.
The chorus of the song suggests that the artists have been through difficulties together and have grown apart. Skepta describes his journey, how he has been through wars, and is still on the boulevard. The artists stress the importance of recognizing that they glow differently in the dark.
The second verse of the song mentions how people would love to see Skepta ride a bike instead of his luxurious car, how he only got paid £18.40 in the past, but now he collects awards on TV. The lyricist states that he is on a different level; he has become a different species with a new summer swag look for the beach. Skepta veers away from people who make him listen to disheartening speeches. He prefers not to chill with "them" and means it when he says he 's out.
In summary, the song's message stresses the importance of being true to oneself no matter what others say, focusing on personal growth, and appreciating that one glows differently in the dark.
Line by Line Meaning
I knew what it was to be black way before I was on the GQ cover
My identity as a black person wasn't defined by my appearance on a magazine cover.
How you gonna question me about colour?
Why should my skin color be a topic for discussion or questioning?
What you know about Nelson Mandela?
Do you have any knowledge or understanding of Nelson Mandela's impact on society?
Man, I get anti as ever
I am becoming more and more opposed to the status quo.
Yeah, I can do serious, I can do mean
I am capable of being both serious and aggressive when needed.
Tell a supremacist that I'm supreme
Let a supremacist know that I am superior to their beliefs and actions.
Oh, everybody's woke now, guess I'm just lost in a dream
While everyone seems to be 'woke' or conscious of social issues, I am still struggling to make significant change.
But still, I'm predicting the future, I said this is how shit would go
Despite the difficult nature of my situation, I have already anticipated the course of events.
The streets at an all-time high, the government at an all-time low
The citizens are doing well while the government is failing to serve them.
Politicians tryna get tickets to come to the shows
Politicians are trying to associate themselves with successful people to make themselves look good.
I shake hands with a long arm, never get close
I only interact with people on a professional level and keep a distance emotionally.
Can't see me, I stay ghost, man, I move like cigarette smoke
I am difficult to pin down and move like smoke, disappearing in an instant.
We've been growin' apart
Our connection has been weakening over time.
Been through the wars and I can show you the scars
I have experienced difficult situations and have the physical and emotional scars to prove it.
Still on the road, I'm still on the boulevard
I am still traveling and pursuing my objectives.
They should've told you that I glow in the dark
My talents and abilities make me outstanding in the face of adversity.
They would love to see me on a pushbike pedalin' scores (Oh yeah)
People would love to see me struggle and fail.
18 pound 40, I was acceptin' shorts
I had to accept less than what I deserved due to my difficult circumstances.
Fast forward, see me on TV collectin' awards
Despite my struggles, I have received recognition for my hard work.
One night with the gang
A single event with a group of people can change your life.
Now she can't understand why she used to hang around with them eediat man
Now, she doesn't understand why she previously associated with people who didn't treat her well.
I Nintendo Switch it, fam, I got the game in my hands
I have control over my life and can change its course at any time.
I'm a different species
I am unique, unlike anyone else.
Summertime, got a new swag for the beaches
I have a different style that sets me apart from the rest, especially in summer.
Look in my wardrobe and it's all reference pieces
My wardrobe is full of clothing that references different eras and styles.
You should see how the price goes up as the money increases
The more money I have, the more expensive my taste becomes.
I don't chill with them 'cause I can't deal with the disheartenin' speeches
I avoid spending time with people who discourage me or bring me down.
When I say I'm out, then I mean it, hm
I am true to my word and follow through with my commitments.
I can be my own worst enemy
My own actions can sometimes be detrimental to my well-being.
But I gotta be my own best friend
Despite my shortcomings, I have to be my own strongest supporter.
I need to take the advice I been givin' to them
I need to heed the advice I have been giving others who are struggling.
Man, are on a low frequency, I can't see them again
People who bring negativity or low energy into my life will no longer be a part of it.
I'm on a high vibration, feeling blessed, grateful
I am currently in a positive state of mind, grateful for my blessings.
Them man are thirsty, need hydration
Those people are desperate for success and need guidance to reach their goals.
Please don't compare me to them, that's a big violation
Comparing me to others is unwarranted and disrespectful.
Man, I got no direction and it's showin'
I feel lost and without purpose in my life right now.
See how the game can trick you without you even knowin'
The 'game' or society can deceive you and manipulate you without your knowledge.
We're livin' in the dark but I keep on glowin'
Despite the darkness of the world, I am still thriving and shining.
My mum gave me the seeds I'm sowin'
My mother laid the foundation for my success and I am reaping the benefits.
My dad gave me the tools and the water to keep them growin'
My father provided me with the resources and support to help me achieve and maintain success.
So when they tell us to go home, fam, I know where I'm goin'
Despite others' requests for me to do otherwise, I know where my true path lies.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Daniel Mukungu, Joseph Junior Adenuga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind