UK Rapper Skepta's Full Biography
Skepta, born Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr. on 19 September 1982, is a British-Nigerian rapper, grime MC, producer, DJ, and cultural icon.
Hailing from Tottenham, North London, Skepta is widely credited for elevating grime music from the underground to a global audience. With a career spanning over two decades, he has become one of the most influential figures in UK music.
Early Life and Background
Skepta was born to Nigerian parents, with Yoruba heritage on his father's side and Igbo roots on his mother's.
He is the eldest of four siblings, including fellow artist Jme, presenter Julie Adenuga, and designer Jason Adenuga.
Growing up in Tottenham, a diverse yet often overlooked part of London, Skepta was heavily influenced by pirate radio, street fashion, and London’s multicultural soundscape.
Before rapping, he began his music journey as a DJ in the grime collective Meridian Crew.
Career Beginnings (2002–2007)
Initially known as “Scoopa Daniels,” Skepta cut his teeth on pirate radio stations like Heat FM 96.6, spinning instrumentals and dropping grime classics such as “Pulse Eskimo.”
After Meridian Crew disbanded in 2005, Skepta and Jme briefly joined Roll Deep, before co-founding Boy Better Know (BBK) — one of grime’s most respected collectives.
His clash with Devilman on Lord of the Mics 2 is still considered a defining moment in grime battle history. In 2007, Skepta released his debut album "Greatest Hits", laying the foundation for his solo legacy.
Breakthrough Years (2008–2011)
Skepta gained chart visibility with tracks like “Rolex Sweep” and “Too Many Man” (featuring BBK). In 2009, he dropped his second album "Microphone Champion".
In 2011, he released his major-label debut "Doin’ It Again", featuring UK Top 40 hits like:
- “Rescue Me” (peaked at #14)
- “Cross My Heart” ft. Preeya Kalidas
- “Bad Boy”
However, controversy followed with the explicit video for “All Over the House”, challenging norms in UK music.
The Grime Resurgence & Global Rise (2012–2017)
Blacklisted Mixtape and Artistic Rebirth
Frustrated with major label expectations, Skepta self-released the "Blacklisted" mixtape in 2012. This marked a return to raw grime sounds and cemented his authenticity.
Konnichiwa (2016): Grime Goes Global
Skepta released "Konnichiwa" in May 2016, featuring grime anthems:
- "That's Not Me"
- "Shutdown"
- "Man"
The album received critical acclaim, won the Mercury Prize, and peaked at #2 on the UK Albums Chart. Its Tokyo launch was live-streamed by Boiler Room, symbolizing grime's global footprint. Skepta also made his acting debut in the indie crime film “Anti-Social” (2015).
International Collaborations and Success (2018–2020)
Skepta teamed up with ASAP Rocky on the global hit “Praise the Lord (Da Shine)”, which became his highest-charting U.S. single.
In 2019, he dropped "Ignorance Is Bliss", showcasing experimental sounds and charting in 15 countries.
In 2020, he joined forces with Chip and Young Adz for the album "Insomnia", marking his third Top 10 UK album. He also collaborated with:
- Pop Smoke on "Show Out"
- Gorillaz and Tony Allen on “How Far?”
- Appeared as a radio host in Grand Theft Auto Online
Recent Work and Artistry (2021–Present)
In 2021, Skepta released the "All In" EP, followed by the 2023 single “Can’t Play Myself (A Tribute to Amy)”, sampling Amy Winehouse. He featured on Playboi Carti’s 2025 album Music, on the song “Toxic”.
Outside music, he has explored visual art, with works displayed at Sotheby’s in 2022 during the "Contemporary Curated" series. In 2024, he hosted a high-profile DJ set at Miami Art Week for Jaguar’s Type 00 launch.
Personal Life
Family and Identity
Skepta has two children — a son and daughter. He strongly identifies as Nigerian, once posting that his flag is the Nigerian flag, not the British one.
On 4 April 2018, he was named "Amuludun of Odo-Aje", a traditional Nigerian chieftaincy title meaning “Chief Entertainer.”
Legal Issues
Skepta has had minor legal troubles: In 2006, he was fined after a fight in Cyprus, which he says was sparked by racist abuse. In 2016, he was fined in Melbourne for an altercation, but no conviction was recorded.
Skepta’s Legacy and Influence
Skepta’s impact stretches beyond music. He is a fashion icon, a culture shaper, and a voice of British-Nigerian identity.
He has won the Mercury Prize Been listed on Debrett's Most Influential People in Britain Earned multiple Brit Award nominations Inspired a new wave of UK rappers and producers His contributions helped grime become mainstream, influencing global artists and raising UK rap’s profile worldwide.