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.
Reflecting
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I had the same myspace views as you
If I saw Skepta go from sitting on the wall
To sitting in a white V6 Coop
I think I'm the best and I call it competitve confidence
Not Vanity
It's not my fault them man have got a childish mentality
And they don't know how to make a tune for the mainstream radio road man
Watch what too many man and sunglasses at night do in two double o nine
Let me tell you why I'm the king of grime
You write a hundred million different flows
I write that classical line to last me my whole life time
[Chorus]
I wouldn't like me either
If I had a flow like yours that left no space for a breather
Then Skepta comes around
With a flow that breaks down
More times then a P reg Vauxhall Tiva
Too book Skepta ain't getting no cheaper
But promoters still want me to feature
Your sitting at home telling yourself the shit weed your smoking is a creeper
It's not creeping
Stop lying to yourself fam you might as well have bought Sisha
I'm too real nobody realer
Too deep nobody deeper
Flow like gus will nigger street sweeper
[Chorus]
Wouldn't even come out their yard
About victim
You think I rap way too fast and your thinking this grime thing ain't the in ting
But you know what I hear that killer
But don't mistake me for that nigger
I get mad when I think this ting's got me spitting with people like Boya and Saskilla
Look right
It's not what it looks like
I stay with gang live a good life
I used to shot grams on a push bike
But I wern't a brand name like suk knight
I took time I kept a low profile I had the food that make that cats go wild
Before music I had a booming line
Blad
The lyrics above are from the song “Reflecting” by Skepta. The song is from his 2009 mixtape “Microphone Champion” and explores the theme of self-reflection and self-confidence. The lyrics primarily express Skepta’s confidence in his ability as a rapper and his frustration with other rappers who are not able to succeed in the mainstream music industry.
Skepta begins the first verse by stating that if he had the same number of Myspace views as other rappers, he would hate himself too. He then goes on to explain that he considers himself the best in the genre and is not vain but rather has “competitive confidence.” Skepta asserts that other rappers have a “childish mentality” and are not able to make tunes for the mainstream music industry. The use of sunglasses is highlighted as a spectacle, and ineffectiveness is pointed out too. The last two lines state that even if he writes a single classic flow, he can last an entire lifetime.
The chorus reiterates the opening statement, and he expresses his admiration for his own flow and how it is superior to other rappers. In the second verse, Skepta addresses the negative comments he receives concerning his music being too fast and how it is not the “in” thing. He acknowledges his frustration with other genres' credit, particularly rappers like Boya and Saskilla. Skepta then points out how he has changed from his roots as a drug dealer.
In summary, the lyrics of “Reflecting” by Skepta deal with themes of self-confidence, reflection, and growth. The lyrics address Skepta's confidence in his abilities while also criticizing the state of the genre and the performance of other rappers.
Line by Line Meaning
I would hate me too
If I were in your shoes, I would also feel the same way about myself
If I had the same myspace views as you
If I had the identical number of views on Myspace, I would hate myself even more
If I saw Skepta go from sitting on the wall
If I witnessed Skepta's journey from being a nobody to a successful artist
To sitting in a white V6 Coop
Securing enough wealth to own a luxurious vehicle like a white V6 Coupe
I think I'm the best and I call it competitve confidence
I think highly of myself, but I consider it confidence in my abilities, not arrogance
Not Vanity
I am not excessively prideful in any way
It's not my fault them man have got a childish mentality
I cannot be held accountable for others' childish behavior or immature mindsets
And they don't know how to make a tune for the mainstream radio road man
Other artists lack the knowledge and skill to create music that is appealing to the masses
And the stage show at the same time
They also cannot deliver impressive performances while performing on stage
Watch what too many man and sunglasses at night do in two double o nine
It is crucial to observe how people present themselves on stage and in public, like wearing sunglasses at night, to avoid making the same mistakes
Let me tell you why I'm the king of grime
Allow me to explain why I believe that I am the best in grime music
You write a hundred million different flows
Other rappers have multiple styles and techniques for delivering lyrics
I write that classical line to last me my whole life time
I focus on creating timeless music that will be remembered for generations to come
I wouldn't like me either
If I were you, I would also fail to appreciate myself as a musician
If I had a flow like yours that left no space for a breather
If I had the same style of music as you, where there is no pause in between lyrics
Then Skepta comes around
However, once I enter the picture
With a flow that breaks down
With the unique ability to create catchy rhythms and artful pauses in music
More times then a P reg Vauxhall Tiva
More frequently than the often-repaired 90s model car called a Vauxhall Tiva
Too book Skepta ain't getting no cheaper
Securing a performance by Skepta is becoming more and more expensive
But promoters still want me to feature
Event organizers still desire my presence at their events
Your sitting at home telling yourself the shit weed your smoking is a creeper
You are sitting at home, having convinced yourself the poor-quality cannabis you're smoking is potent
It's not creeping
In actuality, it is not doing what you expect it to do
Stop lying to yourself fam you might as well have bought Sisha
Stop deceiving yourself, you might as well have purchased flavored tobacco called 'Sisha' which that would be more suitable for your situation
I'm too real nobody realer
I am myself, and nobody on this planet is more authentic than me
Too deep nobody deeper
I have a profound sense of understanding, and nobody can match my level of comprehension
Flow like gus will n***a street sweeper
My music flows effortlessly and is cleansing the streets like a street sweeper would
You think I rap way too fast and your thinking this grime thing ain't the in ting
You believe I rap too quickly and that grime music is not popular or 'in' currently
But you know what I hear that killer
However, I know that this music is 'killin' it', that it is fantastic and resonating with people
But don't mistake me for that nigger
But people need to understand that I am not like other artists
I get mad when I think this ting's got me spitting with people like Boya and Saskilla
It bothers me that I have to associate with mediocre artists such as Boya and Saskilla
Look right
Listen to me carefully
It's not what it looks like
The situation is not as straightforward as it may appear
I stay with gang live a good life
I am associated with a group of people, and I lead a healthy and satisfying existence
I used to shot grams on a push bike
I used to sell drugs out of a bicycle
But I wern't a brand name like suk knight
However, I was not infamous like Suge Knight, the notorious record producer known for his involvement in criminal activities
I took time I kept a low profile I had the food that make that cats go wild
I took my time, stayed out of trouble, and had access to high-quality drugs that people loved
Before music I had a booming line
Before focusing on music, I had a lucrative drug-dealing business
Blad
A slang term used for emphasis or to express surprise or annoyance
Writer(s): Joseph Adenuga Copyright: Emi Music Publishing Ltd.
Contributed by London Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.