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.
What Do You Mean?
Skepta Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I fell asleep, I was still in my jeans
Then I had a one gyal licking me clean
She wan' eat man like Idi Amin
What do you mean? I come for the cream
I made some mistakes that I gotta redeem
You put me in position that I don't wanna be in
We all make mistakes, I'm a human being
You're on the other side if you ain't on my team
You get blacklisted if you hate on my team
Fam, I say what I mean, I keep my demons close
Late night, I speak to the ghost
Get high, fell asleep in my clothes
Animal instinct, sex, money murder, I fear nobody
Keep suttin' on me, 'cause I'm better safe than sorry
I'm a top boy like Sully with a six figure hobby
You're still on the road, better be getting that belly
Kicking off doors, better give it some welly
I came in the game, ran it like an athlete
Got a big money scheme, all my bruddas had to eat
Thought I was a scrub, sitting in the backseat
I was counting my money, making sure it's complete
They can't compete, there ain't no competition
I take what I want, you get what you were given
They calling me a rapper, man, I think I'm a magician
I didn't wanna kill 'em, but these niggas never listen
No ceiling, still in my dreams
When I fell asleep, I was still in my jeans
Then I had a one gyal licking me clean
She wan' eat man like Idi Amin
What do you mean? I come for the cream
I made some mistakes that I gotta redeem
You put me in position that I don't wanna be in
We all make mistakes, I'm a human being
North Korean, Kim Jong-Un when I spray the machine
You're on the other side if you ain't on my team
As soon as I wake up I be chasing my dreams
All we do is win and we ain't changing the teams
I still creep through the hood
Pull up on my brudda just to see if he's good
See them with the gang, they be giving me looks
See him on his ones, I can see that he's shook
Mad 'cause I made it
New whip looking like a spaceship
You looking like you're stuck inside the Matrix
I could teach you how to hustle, how to save it
When the money talks, I can translate it
I'm the go-getter
G'd up with my feet up, it's no pressure
They make threats, but they never put their hands on me, they know better
You will get pepper, hot like Coachella
You're not clever, you're coming unstuck
I was up North, I was getting 'nuff love
Back down South, tryna make a young buck
And I'll be still going when the sun comes up
(Greaze)
No ceiling, still in my dreams
When I fell asleep, I was still in my jeans
Then I had a one gyal licking me clean
She wan' eat man like Idi Amin
What do you mean? I come for the cream
I made some mistakes that I gotta redeem
You put me in position that I don't wanna be in
We all make mistakes, I'm a human being
North Korean, Kim Jong-un when I spray the machine
You're on the other side if you ain't on my team
In "What Do You Mean?" by Skepta, the rapper reflects on his past mistakes and what it means to be on his team. He continues to dream big and chase his goals, but acknowledges the difficult position he has been put in by others. He references significant figures in history, such as Idi Amin and Kim Jong-Un, to emphasize his power and aggression. Throughout the song, Skepta asserts his dominance and confidence in his abilities, even in the face of haters and competition.
Line by Line Meaning
No ceiling, still in my dreams
Even while dreaming, I have no limits or boundaries set for myself
When I fell asleep, I was still in my jeans
I don't need to change anything about myself or my lifestyle to reach my goals
Then I had a one gyal licking me clean
I attract women who want to please and satisfy me
She wan' eat man like Idi Amin
My sexual prowess is comparable to that of a dictator who consumed human flesh
What do you mean? I come for the cream
I pursue success and wealth relentlessly
I made some mistakes that I gotta redeem
I have transgressed in the past, but I am striving for redemption
You put me in position that I don't wanna be in
Your actions have placed me in an unfavorable situation
We all make mistakes, I'm a human being
I acknowledge and accept that making mistakes is a natural part of being human
North Korean, Kim Jong-Un when I spray the machine
I am highly skilled and deadly when it comes to my chosen craft, like a notorious dictator
You're on the other side if you ain't on my team
If you are not with me and my people, then you are considered against us
As soon as I wake up I be chasing my dreams
I pursue my goals and aspirations right from the start of my day
All we do is win and we ain't changing the teams
We are successful and we stick together through thick and thin
I still creep through the hood
I still move discreetly through the neighborhood
Pull up on my brudda just to see if he's good
I check on and support my friends unconditionally
See them with the gang, they be giving me looks
Other groups may view us with suspicion or envy
See him on his ones, I can see that he's shook
I can tell that someone is afraid or intimidated when they are alone
Mad 'cause I made it
People may resent my success in life
New whip looking like a spaceship
My new car is distinctive and futuristic in appearance
You looking like you're stuck inside the Matrix
You appear to be stuck and unable to escape a negative situation
I could teach you how to hustle, how to save it
I can help others learn how to work hard and save their money
When the money talks, I can translate it
I am skilled at understanding and managing wealth and finances
I'm the go-getter
I am proactive and driven in achieving my goals
G'd up with my feet up, it's no pressure
I am confident and relaxed while still achieving success
They make threats, but they never put their hands on me, they know better
Others may try to intimidate or threaten me, but they won't physically harm me because they know I can defend myself
You will get pepper, hot like Coachella
You will experience the full force of my anger and retaliation
You're not clever, you're coming unstuck
Your schemes will ultimately fail and you will be exposed
I was up North, I was getting 'nuff love
I was well-received and had much support in the northern part of the country
Back down South, tryna make a young buck
Now, I am in the southern region trying to build up my success and fortune
And I'll be still going when the sun comes up
I will keep going and working hard regardless of the circumstances or time of day
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ayodele Oyadare, Joseph Junior Adenuga, Momodou Jallow
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind