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.
Lay Her Down
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
welcome in kicking up the set with something brand new lovers
Rockstyling fashion curtosey of
Beres Hammond?
Let's check out something fresh
Homegrown talent by the name of Skepta
This is called Lay Her Down
You’re telling people you don’t like me
Real killers never make a sound
All my niggas beside me
Shoot that motherfucker down
This pretty lady said she likes me
But she heard I get around
So when I see her
I swear to Jesus I'm a lay her down
I'm a lay her down lay her down
I'm a lay her down lay her down
I'm a lay her down lay her down
I'm a lay her down lay her down
In "Lay Her Down," a collaboration between British rappers Skepta and Kano, Skepta starts off by introducing the song and taking a moment to acknowledge the rock-inspired fashion being worn by the reggae singer Beres Hammond. The lyrics then delve into a story of a man who is confident in his reputation as a killer and is unafraid to express it. However, the lyrical focus shifts towards a woman who is interested in Skepta despite hearing rumors of his promiscuity. Skepta responds by saying that he plans to lay her down, effectively making a sexual proposition towards her.
The lyrics to "Lay Her Down" are fairly straightforward but are rooted in the themes of power, reputation, and sex. Skepta's lyrics boast of the power he holds as a killer, insinuating that he has a sense of control over his environment. However, this power dynamic shifts when Skepta is in the presence of women, particularly the one he wants to lay down. Despite the sexual nature of the lyrics, "Lay Her Down" feels relatively subdued thanks in part to the instrumental track which features a repetitive, melancholic piano melody.
Line by Line Meaning
You’re telling people you don’t like me
You are spreading rumors about me and expressing dislike towards me.
Real killers never make a sound
Truly dangerous individuals keep quiet and don't draw unnecessary attention to themselves.
All my niggas beside me
My closest friends and associates are with me.
Shoot that motherfucker down
Take violent action against our perceived enemy.
This pretty lady said she likes me
A woman has expressed her interest in me.
But she heard I get around
She is aware that I have a reputation for being promiscuous.
So when I see her
When I meet with her in person.
I swear to Jesus I'm a lay her down
I promise to engage in sexual intercourse with her.
I'm a lay her down lay her down
I will have sex with her multiple times.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind