- Skepta apologizes, removes artwork
- Holocaust allusion allegations
- New single release unaffected
In response to allegations that the artwork for his new single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” alluded to the Holocaust, Skepta has issued an apology and removed the image.
The photograph depicted a cohort of males sporting shaved skulls. Individual one had “Gas Me Up” inscribed in tattoos on his cranium.
Associations were rapidly made between the photograph and the atrocities inflicted upon Jews in the gas chambers of the Nazis throughout World War II.
Subsequently, Skepta expressed regret and recognised the possibility of offense.
The rapper wrote on social media, “I’ve been anticipating the release of Gas Me Up (Diligent) since April of last year, when I began teasing it. I worked very hard to get the artwork for my album rollout, which is about my parents coming to the United Kingdom in the 1980s, skinheads, and football culture, and it has been taken offensively by many.”
He said that a single piece of art taken out of context could be problematic, especially on this significant occasion. He vowed to be more conscientious in the future.
Later, the Mercury Prize-winning musician utilized X (formerly Twitter) to publish the “mood board” for his album.
The collage comprised visual representations from the 1980s, such as prison canteens, football hooligans, and skinheads. Additionally, it featured the insignia of 2 Tone Records, a label whose acts, including the Specials and the Selecter, actively challenged prejudiced attitudes.
Defending Artistic Freedom Amid Controversy
Skepta remarked that after considering the outcry over Gas Me Up, a buzzword for inflating or praising someone. He had resolved to publish the images.
He wrote, “I do not believe I could continue to be the artist you all know and adore if my art is policed.”
For reference, here are some photographs from our 1980s UK mood board from my album Knife & Fork.
Gabriel Moses, the creator of the “Gas Me Up” artwork, additionally shared Skepta’s initial statement on Instagram.
Later, he uploaded a “Feel It In The Air” music video clip featuring Beanie Sigel, with the caption “Last twenty-four hours.” The residence of the rapper was surrounded and raided by police, as seen in the video.
Skepta said last November that he would hold a festival at London’s Crystal Palace Park on July 6, 2024.
“Knife and Fork,” his debut album in five years, was subsequently unveiled on New Year’s Day.
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He wrote accompanying the announcement, “It’s been years since I released my last album, and I want to thank you for your support during my hiatus.”
Seeing the messages, tweets, and TikToks, I’m grateful that my music still resonates with the world.
A film will accompany the release of the album. “Tribal Mark” chronicles the experiences of a Nigerian expatriate as he attempts to adjust to life in a foreign country.
“Gas Me Up” remains the intended first single from the album, with a release date of January 26. The lyrics show the artist boasting about his wardrobe, singing, and successful TV show “Top Boy.”
