London Emcee Skepta Releases The Vicious EP

Skepta released his 10th studio album The Vicious EP.  Skepta is a London Grime artist and producer known as one of the most influential rhymers in Grime’s short tenure.  He debuted in 2007 with the album Greatest Hits.  His last album was released in 2016 entitled Konnichiwa.  As a frequent collaborator with Asap Mob, this time Skepta teams with the crews leader, Asap Rocky for the single, “Ghost Ride.”  Other features include Lil B amd London’s own Section Boyz.  Consistently labeled as the Best International Act at shows like the BET Awards, Skepta is also coveted as 2017 Brit Awards British Breakthrough Act, among others.

Skepta draws on the vigor of the British estates, and this spirit makes him a force in Grime culture.  2015 was the revival of Grime in the mainstream.  Grime was birthed on the street corners of London as a form of social resistance to mainstream British traditionalist.  It merged the elements of hip hop, African and West Indian cultures, and Drum and Bass synthesizers.  Grime is a far cry from popularized British artist like the Beatles and Rolling Stones.  This music is more in the lane of artist like Tricky, who divides time between both musical and film talent.  Grime music remains essential to the harmony of British society.  Grime mirrors both dance-hall and hip hop, beginning in the slums and converting to a more lucrative or luxury element.  As the rebirth of dark grit aside a street symphony, Skepta gained popularity in the United States by appearing on Drake’s, More Life album.

Skepta dominates a scene which includes British underground film, street wear, and influential politics.  Grime has blended the diversity of the London lifestyle.  As the self-proclaimed Omen, Skepta represents the misappropriated youth of Europe.  From the slums of Britain to elite NYC events, such as Burberry London’s Fall Collection, Skepta is all about the smoke.  Never filtered, Skepta uses the filth of the soil he came from to pioneer a new sound.  Skepta immerses himself in dark energy to depict the corruption of society.  He states, “I’m not a rapper, I’m an activist.”  This is the new wave of British music.  It’s clear Skepta’s politics are grime.