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.
You Wish
Skepta Lyrics
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Said you got beef with me, you wish
If I ever said I had time for the arms
Must've been talkin' 'bout a watch on the wrist
Yeah, we got smoke, who want some of this?
Man are upset 'cause they ain't on the list
Life is a movie, I stick to the script
Everybody hates when they see you get rich (yeah)
Man, I got my head screwed on tight
It's not beef if it ain't on sight
Chattin' my name, you know that's not right
Mandem beggin' me give 'em the green light
But I feel the hate, and I'm lovin' it
Might just tour the States for the fun of it
I get on the stage and I'm crushin' it
Uptown girl says she can't get enough of it
I don't know why this emcee tried to test me
I had to teach him a lesson
But it's like he weren't learning, fam
I just murked him, and I never needed a weapon
Said that you're a top boy, but I can't lie, fam, I can't see the progression
Must've been talkin' about sex if I ever said that I was tryna come second
Them man are making threats
And it's funny, 'cause me and the mandem are placing bets
On which one of my styles them guys will be takin' next
I'm not a mook, don't know what they told you
Ain't got a clue what we had to go through
No time for a hater
Like yesterday's paper, fam, them man are old news
Said you got beef with me, you wish
Said you got beef with me, you wish
If I ever said I had time for the arms
Must've been talkin' 'bout a watch on the wrist
Yeah, we got smoke, who want some of this?
Man are upset 'cause they ain't on the list
Life is a movie, I stick to the script
Everybody hates when they see you get rich
SK level, that's so not amateur
I'm done talkin', talk to my manager
Just beat another case, so I gotta shout out to my barrister
Never used to smile for the camera
A Dickie head, and a white t-shirt, that's my default character
These emcees fallin' off, only the strong survive, you're gonna need more stamina
I think I need more hours in a day than I need more days on the calendar
I spit more than a 16, been on the grind since 15
My dad never came London to put tickets on windscreens
If it ain't greatness, what does this shit mean?
When I was a little boy, I had big dreams
To be a star on the big screen
Yeah, so at this age, how is it me still murkin'?
I got a girl with a body like, "Wow"
They try holla but she keeps on curvin'
You see the bag and it's loaded, yes
I'm an OG but fuck the olders
I was in the field, see the scars on my back and shoulders
Don't make me send for my soldiers
Said you got beef with me, you wish
Said you got beef with me, you wish
If I ever said I had time for the arms
Must've been talkin' 'bout a watch on the wrist
Yeah, we got smoke, who want some of this?
Man are upset 'cause they ain't on the list
Life is a movie, I stick to the script
Everybody hates when they see you get rich
Said you got beef with me, you wish
Said you got beef with me, you wish
If I ever said I had time for the arms
Must've been talkin' 'bout a watch on the wrist
Yeah, we got smoke, who want some of this?
Man are upset 'cause they ain't on the list
Life is a movie, I stick to the script
Everybody hates when they see you get rich
In Skepta's song "You Wish", the lyrics talk about haters and people who claim to have beef with him, but in reality, he is too focused on his own journey and success to pay attention to them. The opening lines of the song, "Said you got beef with me, you wish/ If I ever said I had time for the arms/ Must've been talkin' 'bout a watch on the wrist" sets the tone for the rest of the song. Skepta is essentially telling his haters that they are not worth his time, and that their claims of having "beef" with him are nothing more than empty threats. He goes on to talk about the joys of success, and how everybody hates when someone else is doing well.
Skepta also touches on his own journey to success, and how it wasn't always easy. He talks about his early dreams of being a star on the big screen, and how he has been grinding since he was 15. He also references his scars and the fact that he has been in the field, which could be a nod to his past experiences in the UK grime scene. The song ends with the refrain "Said you got beef with me, you wish", driving home the message that Skepta is too focused on his own success to entertain the idea of beef with his haters.
Line by Line Meaning
Said you got beef with me, you wish
You're claiming to have a problem with me, but in reality, you're envious of me.
If I ever said I had time for the arms, Must've been talkin' 'bout a watch on the wrist
If I ever mentioned having time for a fight, I must have meant that I was giving attention to my expensive accessories like my watch.
Man are upset 'cause they ain't on the list
The people who are not included in my success are unhappy.
Life is a movie, I stick to the script
I have a plan and I am staying on track to see it through, treating my life like it is a script of a movie.
I don't know why this emcee tried to test me, I had to teach him a lesson
I don't understand why this rapper decided to challenge me, but I had to show him that he was wrong.
And it's funny, 'cause me and the mandem are placing bets
It is comical because my friends and I are betting on which style these individuals will imitate next.
Life is a movie, I stick to the script
I have a plan and I am staying on track to see it through, treating my life like it is a script of a movie.
SK level, that's so not amateur
I am a professional and on the next level in terms of my skills and abilities.
Never used to smile for the camera
I used to take life more seriously and didn't have time for fun or silly things like smiling for pictures.
If it ain't greatness, what does this shit mean?
If it is not something great, then it does not hold any value or meaning to me.
Don't make me send for my soldiers
Do not make me have to call on my friends to fight for me.
Everybody hates when they see you get rich
People tend to envy and dislike those who become successful or wealthy.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joseph Junior Adenuga
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind