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.
Still
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All this time, I've known
Yeah, Skepta
Now you have to wait
You have to wait for them so that they can wait for me
MSN and JME, yeah
They're like, "What's good, G?" "Same shit broski, man I'm still hustling"
Sold white on a pushbike in my brand new jeans so I had the right leg tucked in
Phone line rang so much that the ringtone started to sound disgusting
Young boy in the kitchen with the powder and I weren't making dumpling
Stepped in the night show see all the ladies start re-adjusting
Hat down low with the shades on looking like definitely up to something
Please don't step on my SK's cause I ain't down for scuffing
I look at the game from a bird's eye view that's why I see everyting' properly
Top boy for too many years and still nobody can top me
It's me they all tryna sound like, it's my gang they all tryna copy
But I never complain 'cause I got more where that came from, I got the whole game on me
Yeah, that's what you get when you chosen
Better protect your shit or shit get stolen
You're covered in ice, you gotta pay the price for your wrist to be frozen
Still I'm outside, all on my chains on out in the open
No security, you know the slogan
Who am I scared of? I am the omen
Greaze
Icy
Still reflectin'
Skepta production
Yeah, Vivienne Westwood suit
Lash got the drinks in the booth
Dex is billing them zoots
This ain't a video shoot
Tangerine lemon and strawberry, dun' know I was bringing them fruits
Asked the neighbours about BBK, swear down they're sick of them youts'
We win awards, come home and Attack the Block
John Boyega when I'm acting up
Fuck lower cases I start capping up
Till the big bad ting start backing up
Got a Spanish ting and she's over sexy
That's why the jokers wanna bo' select me
But they cannot draw me out
Got the shades on, the lights don't affect me
No watch in my wrist, still Big Timin'
Feds tryna find the whip I'm in
Pedal to the metal, this shit's flying
Power steering, I'm slip sliding
Can't see me, I stay too lowkey
No, we don't do that dick riding (Greaze)
I'm in my own lane just me
Yeah that's why the plaques in the crib shining
But forget all the numbers, we the top boys
Even your girl knows, it's blatant
And that's how it's gonna be for a while
You niggas better have some patience
No, we ain't on the same platform
No, I'm at a different station
Can't see my face like Jason
Happy Halloween, you pagans
The lyrics of Skepta's song "Still" depict his ongoing success and dominance in the music industry. The song begins with Skepta addressing someone named Irv, suggesting that he has been aware of his own talent and potential for a long time. He then emphasizes the importance of waiting for others to recognize his greatness. He also mentions MSN and JME, referring to his close associates or collaborators.
The first verse describes his relentless commitment to his hustle, despite certain changes. Skepta mentions adapting to different circumstances, such as switching up the pack and cleaning up the cash, but ultimately the trap (his environment and source of income) remains active. He reminisces about his past experiences, like selling drugs on a pushbike while wearing fashionable jeans with one leg tucked in. The constant ringing of his phone from eager customers starts to annoy him, indicating the overwhelming demand for his product. Despite his involvement in the drug trade, he highlights his ability to observe the game from a higher perspective where he can see everything clearly. Skepta asserts his position as the top boy in the industry, claiming that others try to imitate him and his gang, but he has plenty more to offer. He suggests that his chosen status brings both benefits and risks, as he must protect what is rightfully his.
The chorus emphasizes his fearless nature and his refusal to be intimidated by anyone. He walks with confidence, wearing his signature hat and shades, looking like he's up to something mischievous. Skepta indicates that he doesn't worry about scuffing his SKs (likely referring to his sneakers), suggesting that he always maintains a polished image. He asserts his dominance in the game, as he has consistently been the best for many years and no one can surpass him. The repetition of the phrase "I am the omen" underscores his self-belief and sense of being a harbinger of success.
In the second verse, Skepta showcases his luxury lifestyle and the fruits of his success. He mentions wearing a Vivienne Westwood suit and having drinks in the recording booth while his friend Lash is rolling up marijuana joints. He playfully references his ability to bring something refreshing and unexpected, likening himself to a supplier of exotic fruits. He humorously suggests that even his neighbors are tired of hearing about his collective, Boy Better Know (BBK). Skepta then flexes his acting abilities, comparing himself to actor John Boyega and hinting at his ability to "act up" when necessary. He expresses his disdain for those who try to imitate and challenge him, emphasizing that he remains unfazed by their attempts to draw him out. The mention of a Spanish girl adds to his appeal and desirability. Skepta concludes the verse by highlighting his low-key and discreet lifestyle, contrasting it with those who engage in excessive attention-seeking behavior. He boasts about his success, with platinum plaques adorning his home, and asserts his status as a top boy, acknowledged even by other people's girlfriends.
The song ends with a short bridge where Skepta emphasizes that he and his crew are on a different level from others, implying that they operate at a higher standard. He compares himself to the infamous fictional character Jason Voorhees, known for his mask-wearing and mysterious nature, highlighting his elusive and enigmatic presence. He playfully wishes listeners a Happy Halloween, metaphorically asserting that he's a threat to those who oppose him.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello? Irv
Greetings, Irv
All this time, I've known
I've been aware of this for a long time
Yeah, Skepta
Yes, it's Skepta
Now you have to wait
Now you must be patient
You have to wait for them so that they can wait for me
You must wait for others to wait for me
MSN and JME, yeah
MSN and JME, yes
They're like, "What's good, G?" "Same shit broski, man I'm still hustling"
They ask, "What's up, bro?" I reply, "Same old, still working hard"
I switched up the pack, cleaned up the cash but the trap still jumping (true)
I changed my product, counted my money, but my illegal business is still thriving
Sold white on a pushbike in my brand new jeans so I had the right leg tucked in
I sold drugs while riding a bicycle, wearing new jeans and tucking the right leg in
Phone line rang so much that the ringtone started to sound disgusting
My phone received so many calls that the ringtone became annoying
Young boy in the kitchen with the powder and I weren't making dumpling
I was a young man in the kitchen handling drugs, not cooking dumplings
Stepped in the night show see all the ladies start re-adjusting
When I entered the nightclub, I noticed the ladies fixing their appearance
Hat down low with the shades on looking like definitely up to something
Wearing a low hat and sunglasses, appearing suspicious
Please don't step on my SK's cause I ain't down for scuffing
Please avoid damaging my SK sneakers, as I don't tolerate scuffs
I look at the game from a bird's eye view that's why I see everyting' properly
I observe the industry from an advantageous position, enabling me to see everything clearly
Top boy for too many years and still nobody can top me
I have been the best for a long time, and no one has surpassed me
It's me they all tryna sound like, it's my gang they all tryna copy
Everyone tries to imitate my style and join my crew
But I never complain 'cause I got more where that came from, I got the whole game on me
I never complain because I have plenty more to offer, I have control over the entire industry
Yeah, that's what you get when you chosen
That's the result of being chosen
Better protect your shit or shit get stolen
You should safeguard your belongings, or they will be stolen
You're covered in ice, you gotta pay the price for your wrist to be frozen
If you adorn yourself with expensive jewelry, you must be prepared to face the consequences
Still I'm outside, all on my chains on out in the open
I'm still outside, proudly displaying my chains
No security, you know the slogan
No need for security, you know how it goes
Who am I scared of? I am the omen
Who should I fear? I bring fear to others
Greaze
Intense
Icy
Cold
Still reflectin'
Still contemplating and reflecting
Skepta production
Produced by Skepta
Yeah, Vivienne Westwood suit
Yes, wearing a suit by Vivienne Westwood
Lash got the drinks in the booth
Lash is in charge of the drinks in the recording studio
Dex is billing them zoots
Dex is smoking cannabis cigarettes
This ain't a video shoot
This is not a music video shoot
Tangerine lemon and strawberry, dun' know I was bringing them fruits
I brought a variety of tropical fruits, including tangerine, lemon, and strawberry
Asked the neighbours about BBK, swear down they're sick of them youts'
I inquired with the neighbors about BBK (music crew), and they claimed to be tired of the young individuals
We win awards, come home and Attack the Block
We receive accolades, then return home and assert our dominance
John Boyega when I'm acting up
I exhibit similar bold behavior to actor John Boyega
Fuck lower cases I start capping up
I disregard using lowercase letters and switch to all capital letters
Till the big bad ting start backing up
Until the dangerous situation retreats
Got a Spanish ting and she's over sexy
I have a sexy Spanish girlfriend
That's why the jokers wanna bo' select me
That's why others want to choose me as their favorite
But they cannot draw me out
However, they cannot provoke me
Got the shades on, the lights don't affect me
I wear sunglasses, and the bright lights do not bother me
No watch in my wrist, still Big Timin'
I don't wear a watch, but I still possess an air of importance
Feds tryna find the whip I'm in
Law enforcement is attempting to locate the car I'm driving
Pedal to the metal, this shit's flying
Driving at high speed, moving quickly
Power steering, I'm slip sliding
Utilizing power steering while maneuvering skillfully
Can't see me, I stay too lowkey
I remain inconspicuous, difficult to notice
No, we don't do that dick riding (Greaze)
No, we don't engage in sycophantic behavior
I'm in my own lane just me
I'm following my own path, just being myself
Yeah that's why the plaques in the crib shining
That's why the music awards are gleaming in my home
But forget all the numbers, we the top boys
Disregard the statistics, we are the best
Even your girl knows, it's blatant
Even your girlfriend recognizes our superiority, it's obvious
And that's how it's gonna be for a while
And that's how things will remain for some time
You niggas better have some patience
You guys should exercise patience
No, we ain't on the same platform
No, we are not on the same level
No, I'm at a different station
No, I'm at a different stage or status
Can't see my face like Jason
My face is concealed like Jason (character from horror films)
Happy Halloween, you pagans
Happy Halloween, you heathens
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joseph Adenuga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind