Joseph Junior Adenuga, better known as Skepta, is an English Grime MC from … Read Full Bio ↴Joseph Junior Adenuga, better known as Skepta, is an English Grime MC from Tottenham, North London, England. Originally from and born to Nigerian parents he moved from Lagos to London aged three. His family history can be traced back further to Ethiopia, to the Falash Mura community. He is a producer and DJ commonly associated with the North London Grime scene, including Roll Deep and Boy Better Know.
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.

Simple Life
Skepta Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
No more sleepless nights looking for the way to survive
But I simply can't afford to change it up, change it up

It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
No more sleepless nights looking for the way to survive

But I simply can't afford to change it up, change it up (listen)

Yeah, when I came in the game I kept my eyes wide open like fish in the sea
I'm done smiling with people I don't like in places I don't wanna be
She told me it's just a little bit of powder so I look better in HD
I saw the video, I had so much make-up I didn't even look like me
So now it's just me, myself and the camera, 1080p
She saw the video fullscreen on YouTube, now she wants to fuck with a G
Told me she'd come into my house in a long coat with nothing underneath
I would love you more if you brought me a packet of Rizla and something to eat
Please, keep it simple don't act like a leech
I don't wanna hear your "I'm not a groupie, tell me your real name" speech
My real name is Skepta and I do this for my niggas that breach
I do this for the girl with green eyes sunbathing topless on a beach
I tell an A&R come check me if you wanna talk about making an anthem
You wanna talk label politics, go and check David Cameron
'Cause if success is judged by chart positions and riches
I'll put the mic down and leave my legacy to reign on all these bitches

I love you so much sometimes I can't breathe
But I still find that standing here watching you leave
I know you want excitement and life on the edge
And I lived like that for so long that it fucked with my head
It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of

No more sleepless nights looking for the way to survive
But I simply can't afford to change it up, change it up

Overall Meaning

In "Simple Life," the artists Skepta and Sam Frank express their desire for a simpler life, free from the pressures of fame and the need to constantly hustle to survive. Skepta begins his verse by reflecting on his entrance into the music industry and how he learned to be discerning about the people and places he associated with. He then references a woman who encouraged him to wear more makeup for his videos, creating a false image of himself. Ultimately, Skepta realizes he is better off being authentic and true to himself, despite the risks that come with going against the norm.

Sam Frank's verse adds the emotional dimension to the song, speaking of a lover who yearns for a more dangerous and exciting life, while Sam expresses his desire for something simple and meaningful. He recognizes that living on the edge may sound thrilling, yet it ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness, while something as seemingly mundane as a good night's sleep can bring much peace and joy.

Overall, "Simple Life" is a commentary on the pressures of success and the temptation to live beyond one's means, while acknowledging the appeal of a quieter and more fulfilling existence.

Line by Line Meaning

It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
The singer desires a simpler life.

No more sleepless nights looking for the way to survive
The singer wants to stop struggling and worrying about how to provide for themselves.

But I simply can't afford to change it up, change it up
Despite wanting a simple life, the singer is unable to change their current circumstances.

Yeah, when I came in the game I kept my eyes wide open like fish in the sea
The singer was alert and aware when they entered the music industry.

I'm done smiling with people I don't like in places I don't wanna be
The singer is no longer willing to fake happiness and socialize with people or go to places they don't enjoy.

She told me it's just a little bit of powder so I look better in HD
Someone encouraged the singer to use makeup for their appearance on video.

I saw the video, I had so much make-up I didn't even look like me
The singer saw the final product of their video and didn't recognize themselves due to excessive makeup.

So now it's just me, myself and the camera, 1080p
The singer prefers a simpler approach with just themselves and the camera in high definition.

She saw the video fullscreen on YouTube, now she wants to fuck with a G
Someone saw the singer's video and now desires to be intimate with them.

Told me she'd come into my house in a long coat with nothing underneath
The same person expressed explicit desires to the singer.

I would love you more if you brought me a packet of Rizla and something to eat
The singer would appreciate a simple offering such as rolling paper and food.

Please, keep it simple don't act like a leech
The singer requests simplicity and honesty in their relationships.

I don't wanna hear your "I'm not a groupie, tell me your real name" speech
The singer is uninterested in dealing with people who claim not to be fans but still want to be around them.

My real name is Skepta and I do this for my niggas that breach
The singer's real name is Skepta and they make music for their friends who overcome obstacles.

I do this for the girl with green eyes sunbathing topless on a beach
The singer is inspired by and dedicated to people who live their lives freely and confidently.

I tell an A&R come check me if you wanna talk about making an anthem
The singer tells anyone in charge of finding talent to listen to their music if they want to create a successful song.

You wanna talk label politics, go and check David Cameron
The singer is uninterested in discussing business strategy and suggests talking to a politician instead.

'Cause if success is judged by chart positions and riches
The singer questions society's definition of success based on sales and wealth.

I'll put the mic down and leave my legacy to reign on all these bitches
If success is only achieved through those standards, the singer would rather stop making music and still be remembered as superior to others.

I love you so much sometimes I can't breathe
The singer loves someone deeply and passionately.

But I still find that standing here watching you leave
Despite the love, the singer is in a situation where the person they love is leaving them.

I know you want excitement and life on the edge
The person that the singer loves desires thrilling experiences and living dangerously.

And I lived like that for so long that it fucked with my head
The singer used to live a dangerous lifestyle and it negatively affected their mental health.

It's the simple life that I'm dreaming of
The singer desires a simpler life.

No more sleepless nights looking for the way to survive
The singer wants to stop struggling and worrying about how to provide for themselves.

But I simply can't afford to change it up, change it up
Despite wanting a simple life, the singer is unable to change their current circumstances.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOSEPH OLAITAN ADENUGA, SAM FRANK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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