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Released Mar 1, 2024
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Born
1982
1982
From
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Journey
Skepta, born Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. in Tottenham, North London, is a British-Nigerian rapper, producer, DJ, and multidisciplinary creative whose work has been central to the rise and global reach of grime music. Raised in a Nigerian household, his heritage reflects both Yoruba and Igbo roots, and he grew up alongside siblings who also became prominent in creative fields, including Jme, Julie Adenuga, and Jason Adenuga.
His early environment in North London exposed him to pirate radio culture and the raw energy of underground MC battles, which shaped his artistic direction. Before fully stepping into rapping, Skepta worked primarily as a DJ within Meridian Crew, a Tottenham-based collective active on local radio stations. During this period, he produced instrumentals and built his reputation in grime’s early circuit under different aliases while participating in clashes and sets that defined the scene’s competitive culture.
As Meridian Crew dissolved in the mid-2000s, he briefly linked with Roll Deep alongside his brother Jme before they both moved toward independence. In 2005–2006, Skepta co-founded the influential collective and label 'Boy Better Know (BBK),' which became a major independent platform for grime artists and helped establish a self-sufficient model for UK rap culture.
Skepta’s early releases, including "Greatest Hits" (2007), "Microphone Champion" (2009), and "Doin’ It Again" (2011), strengthened his position within the grime scene, but his wider breakthrough arrived later. The turning point came with "Konnichiwa" in 2016, an album that captured widespread critical attention and elevated grime onto a global stage. The release included standout tracks such as “Shutdown” and “That’s Not Me,” and went on to win the Mercury Prize, a landmark moment that signaled grime’s mainstream recognition.
Following that success, Skepta expanded his international profile through collaborations, most notably appearing on A$AP Rocky’s “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)”, which became a major global crossover record. He continued evolving his sound with "Ignorance Is Bliss" in 2019 and later collaborative work such as "Insomnia" with Chip and Young Adz, reflecting a balance between introspection and commercial experimentation.
Beyond music, Skepta has developed a strong presence in fashion, visual art, and creative direction. He launched his streetwear imprint 'MAINS,' worked with major global brands, and became known for merging UK grime aesthetics with high-fashion influence. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, he also explored painting, with his visual artwork later exhibited in major art spaces, including Sotheby’s presentations.
His contributions to culture have been widely recognised. He has received multiple MOBO Awards, an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriting, and the Mercury Prize, among other nominations and honours. In 2018, he was also honoured with a Nigerian chieftaincy title, symbolising recognition from his ancestral heritage as well as his global cultural impact.