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.
Greatest Hits
Skepta Lyrics
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Boy Better know
I want P's that's paper that's money
I'm not H A P P Y
My name's Skepta also known as H A Y
Cuz if I got P's I'm happy
These emcees are happy with a G
But I'm gonna keep making P
When are these man gonna see
They emcees ain't the same as me
I had a Grime hit in 2003
God gave me a body and blessed it
Cuz my fingers made Duppy
Private caller DTI top producer
Post-Eskimo effin with the team
My two lips said you don't wanna see me on the scene
Go on then what d'ya mean what d'ya mean
But their fingers and lips are just stinking of green
Always lean
Now they wanna hate on Skepta
Cuz I make the greatest hits
C-list B-list A-list hits so many hits
Manna threatening to hit me in my face
Cuz I get so many hits on MySpace
Plus I'm known in the bits
I'm not any Tom Dick Jake in the bits
I'm making the hits
And you can't even hit your girl's G-spot
These emcees would love to see me flop
You would never get the respect we've got
Got so many hits on the hit list
Forget a guest list
I walk up to the entrance
And tell the bouncer I come with these lot
Ten man strong
Everybody looking like we just been to the Boy Better know tee shop
I'm hot like a teapot I'm the best
Now everybody can see that
Your just floating around at the bottom with the rest
I'm bouncing around in the top like Jordan's breasts
I believe in the team so much I got the logo printed on my chest
You're looking at a star when you're looking at S
So it's best you confess that I make the greats hits
You know what time it is
When our maximum plays singles
Three big underground grime songs hit you in your head out
And if we're talking about Boy Better Know
I draw for gangsters don't get rude
Eskiboy serious and dead out
I know what you heard JME said out
If you ain't got a btter lyric then get out
You can't see me I'm too far ahead out
I'm gone like a 180 moped out here
Now the major labels wanna bread out
If you want a big beat check me
I'm controlling the beats like Mike Skinner and sell out
I don't make swag beats I'm a hit maker
Your just a fake English heat maker
Them tunes ain't gonna make no paper
Why you tryna make tandoori when you're baker
That's not gonna work
Like fat Charlier trying to marry Kat Slater
Don't make sense and it definitely don't make pence
Let alone paper
I make the greatest hits
And you won't hear Skepta talk about freebies no more
Because every tune I make I can make a video for
If you want a big beat just contact me and be well mannered
Give it to a DJ watch it get hammered and battered
I'm eating big food them man want a salad
I produce the bug tunes
But they still wanna still wanna go and spit on some Sneakbo ballad
I told them to haller at the kid but they never hallered
All you gotta do is ask
But if I say yes I might mean no
But if I say no I don't mean yes
If you don't like it get a flight to Budapest
Your crews a mess call it a day
Cuz Little Nastie woulda said that man woulda said your'se swagging away
I when it comes to producing I'm like Dr Dre
Everytime I go on a PC I make a big hit it's like Groundhog day
My tunes are dirty like foreplay
None of you little spitters can say that I don't make the greatest hits
Skepta I make the greatest hits
I didn't even say take you at remix
Mixing Meridian wharf Pied Piper remix
Boy better know
It's a lock
Skepta
Go on then
The lyrics to Skepta's song "Greatest Hits" explore his mindset as a successful artist in the music industry. He starts by emphasizing his desire for financial success, as indicated by his reference to "paper," or money. However, he clarifies that material wealth alone does not bring him happiness. Skepta introduces himself as "Joseph" and a member of the Boy Better Know crew, indicating his commitment to his team and their collective success.
He expresses his frustration with other emcees who settle for minor accomplishments ("happy with a G"). In contrast, Skepta is determined to continue making money ("making P") until he reaches a level where the government would feel threatened and potentially harm his crew. He asserts that his unique style sets him apart from other emcees, mentioning his Grime hit in 2003 and crediting his talent to a higher power ("God gave me a body and blessed it").
Skepta highlights his collaborations with prominent producers and his reputation in the music industry, mentioning Private caller, DTI top producer, and Post-Eskimo. He confidently asserts that his presence on the scene is formidable, warning others that they don't want to face him in a rap battle. He critiques other emcees for their association with money ("fingers and lips stinking of green") and asserts his dominance.
The next section emphasizes Skepta's success and relevance in the music industry. He talks about making hits across different levels of success ("C-list B-list A-list hits") and receiving threats from those jealous of his achievements. He taunts his detractors, suggesting they can't even satisfy their partners sexually ("can't even hit your girl's G-spot") and highlighting that they will never receive the same level of respect and recognition he has earned.
Skepta describes his crew's strong presence, referencing their large numbers and implying their time spent at the Boy Better Know tee shop, which symbolizes their unity and loyalty. He compares himself to a star, highlighting his ascent to fame and success while others remain at the bottom. Skepta's belief in his team is evident as he boasts about having their logo printed on his chest.
The final section addresses Skepta's role as a hit-maker and his frustration with other artists who fail to make profitable music. He criticizes them for attempting to replicate trends and emphasizes his own success in creating hits. He asserts that he no longer needs to offer free music because every song he makes can be accompanied by a music video. Skepta confidently offers his services as a producer and emphasizes the quality and appeal of his beats. He dismisses his detractors' attempts to combine different styles and reminds them that his success is proven, making him the true purveyor of "the greatest hits."
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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