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.
I'm There
Skepta Lyrics
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Skepta, Skepta, Skepta, Skepta, Skepta
Boy Better Know, Skepta
Yeah, Skepta, listen, yeah
Put your hands in the air for
The Boy Better Know managing director
Back to the front, left right and centre
Second name is "is the best"
My first name Skepta
Undisputed microphone champion
Ready for any contender
Girls love Boy Better Know t-shirts
Like they love La Senza
So if you're wearing a Boy Better Know tee
Let me see
Prada, they ain't got nothing on me
Versace ain't got nothing on me
I'm big in the game, see Duppy on MTV Base
Now I've got a TV face
DJ Maximum on the CD change
Yeah, you dun know the MySpace
It's Boy Better Know all over the place
Still I'm here, I'm there
No matter how far or near, I'm there
My name's on the bill, catch me, I'm there
And if you wanna clash me, I'm there
I'm never on a long ting
I'm never on a lay lay
I spit a bar, man are like "mayday, mayday!"
I spit a lyric, it's pay day, no play play
These MCs better thank God for AJ
Boy Better Know endorsed my CD
I'm original, I don't Control-C
I only sound like me
That's why I don't wanna be
The Forum's best MC
Cause Forum's best MC don't make no P
I'm known in the UK and overseas
Heathrow Airport know about me
Stanstead know my name
I don't wanna play your fastest MC game
I don't wanna play your skippiest MC game
But if you wanna clash me I'm there
Still, I'm about, trust me bruv
You'll see my face, in a funky dance
Doing a funky dance
You know what I look like, you know what
Fuck this -
It's no introduction needed, I'm dangerous
I don't wanna get signed, I'm famous
Next year, I'll be a baiders
Boy Better Know run this shit, ask the majors
Trust me, I'm gonna win Wiley
Fuck a snake and crane
These other MCs don't think like me
Buy out the bar or drink like me
I drop so much shit
They wish they could stink like me
Have Sidewinder on lock like me
Be losing a clash, that is not like me
I'm a stage show don, if
You don't believe me, put the stage show on
See me performing on the same
Stage Dizzee and Kano's on
Nobody's ever played your song ever
Since it came out
These MCs have got bare mixtapes out
And they're still window shopping
I've got a new song
New album and a new single dropping
So when I drop my album
Halifax knows what's popping
I'm laughing straight to the bank with it
And I'm standing tall, wipe your
Size 6, 7, 9s
Big Dada and Dirtee Stank with it
You know what I'm gone
I've got a flight to catch
The lyrics to Skepta's song "I'm There" primarily revolve around his self-confidence and recognition in the music industry. He starts by proudly proclaiming his name and affiliation with Boy Better Know, his managing director role in the group. Skepta asserts himself as the best and undisputed microphone champion, ready to take on any challenger. He mentions how girls love Boy Better Know t-shirts and compares himself to luxury brands like Prada and Versace, claiming to be bigger in the game.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm there," conveying Skepta's omnipresence and availability. No matter how far or near, his presence is always felt. He emphasizes that his name is on the bill and invites anyone who wants to clash with him to bring it on.
In the second verse, Skepta showcases his originality and authenticity, stating that he doesn't want to sound like anyone else or be recognized as the best MC in a specific forum. He takes pride in being known in the UK and overseas, mentioning airports like Heathrow and Stansted. He dismisses the idea of playing the fastest or skippiest MC game, but once again reiterates his availability for clashes.
Towards the end, Skepta mentions his dangerousness, his disinterest in getting signed to a record label because he's already famous. He asserts Boy Better Know's dominance in the music industry and expresses his confidence in defeating Wiley, a fellow artist. He highlights how he stands out from other MCs and brags about his successful releases, including an album and a single.
Overall, Skepta's lyrics in "I'm There" celebrate his success, confidence, and dedication to his craft. He positions himself as an unapologetic figure in the music scene, ready to face any challenges that come his way.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ted Daryll, James Thomas Smith, Andrae Sutherland, Andrew Hershey, Jamie Smith, Jeffery Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind