Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., known professionally as Skepta, is a British rapper, producer, and DJ who has been instrumental in shaping the grime music scene in the UK. Born on September 19, 1982, in Tottenham, North London, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba and Igbo descent, Skepta began his musical journey as a DJ with the Meridian Crew, performing on pirate radio stations like Heat FM 96.6. After the crew disbanded in 2005, he and his brother Jme briefly joined Roll Deep before co-founding the influential grime collective Boy Better Know.
Skepta’s early solo work includes his debut album “Greatest Hits” (2007) and “Microphone Champion” (2009), both released independently. His third studio album, “Doin’ It Again” (2011), marked his entry into the mainstream, featuring singles like “Rescue Me,” which peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2012, seeking to return to his grime roots, Skepta released the mixtape “Blacklisted.” This set the stage for his critically acclaimed album “Konnichiwa” (2016), which won the Mercury Prize, beating out David Bowie’s “Blackstar.” The album featured hits like “That’s Not Me” and “Shutdown,” solidifying his status as a leading figure in grime music.
Beyond music, Skepta has ventured into fashion, launching his clothing line Mains in 2017. After a hiatus, he revived the brand in 2023, collaborating with Puma and showcasing new collections during London Fashion Week. Skepta’s influence extends internationally, with collaborations with artists like ASAP Rocky on “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)” and Wizkid on “Energy (Stay Far Away).” He continues to innovate and inspire within the music and fashion industries, maintaining his position as a cultural icon.
