Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Skepta

How Skepta built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., alias Skepta, is a prominent British grime artist, rapper, producer, and DJ. He co-founded Boy Better Know in 2005 with his brother Jme, after a short stint with Roll Deep. Skepta significantly impacted grime culture through his participation in Lord of the Mics 2, a memorable clash with Devilman. He remains a key figure in the grime music scene.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Joins Roll Deep

In 2005, Skepta joined Roll Deep for a short period of time.

2005: Founding Member of Boy Better Know

In 2005, Skepta, alongside his brother Jme, became a founding member of Boy Better Know after a brief stint with Roll Deep. Skepta then clashed with Devilman.

2006: Formation of Boy Better Know

In 2006, Skepta became a founding member of Boy Better Know.

September 2007: Release of Debut Album Greatest Hits

On September 17, 2007, Skepta released his debut album Greatest Hits on his label Boy Better Know.

2007: Release of Debut Album Greatest Hits

In 2007, Skepta released his debut studio album, Greatest Hits, independently.

September 2008: Release of Rolex Sweep

In September 2008, Skepta self-released the single "Rolex Sweep".

June 2009: Release of Microphone Champion

On June 1, 2009, Skepta released the album Microphone Champion.

2009: Release of Microphone Champion Album

In 2009, Skepta independently released his second album, Microphone Champion.

2011: Release of Doin' It Again Album

In 2011, Skepta released his third album, Doin' It Again, through AATW.

2011: Release of Doin' It Again and All Over the House Controversy

In 2011, Skepta released his third studio album, Doin' It Again. The same year, he also released a controversial music video for "All Over the House".

2011: Postponement of The Honeymoon Album

Skepta's second major label album, The Honeymoon, was initially intended for release in the fourth quarter of 2011 but was delayed until 2012.

December 2012: Release of Blacklisted Mixtape

In December 2012, Skepta released a purchasable mixtape titled Blacklisted after a disappointing response from previous singles.

March 2014: Release of That's Not Me

In March 2014, Skepta released the single "That's Not Me" featuring Jme, which peaked at number 21 on the UK charts.

2015: Acting Debut in Anti-Social

In 2015, Skepta made his acting debut in the film Anti-Social.

February 2016: Release of Ladies Hit Squad

On February 14, 2016, Skepta released "Ladies Hit Squad" featuring D Double E and ASAP Nast.

May 2016: Release of Konnichiwa Album

On May 6, 2016, Skepta released his album Konnichiwa, which became Grime's highest-charting album.

2016: Release of Konnichiwa and Mercury Prize Win

In 2016, Skepta released his fourth album, Konnichiwa, featuring hit singles and winning the Mercury Prize.

2016: Cancellation of No Fear American Tour

In 2016, Skepta's "No Fear" American tour was cancelled after his visa application was denied.

April 2017: Banned From America Tour Begins

On April 16, 2017, Skepta began his "Banned From America" tour at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

October 2017: Release of Vicious EP

On October 31, 2017, Skepta released his Vicious EP, featuring ASAP Rocky, Lil B, and Section Boyz.

May 2018: Feature on ASAP Rocky's Praise the Lord and Release of Pure Water

In May 2018, Skepta featured on ASAP Rocky's "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)". Also in May, he released his single "Pure Water".

2018: Collaboration on ASAP Rocky's Praise the Lord

In 2018, Skepta produced and featured on ASAP Rocky's single "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)", which became a global hit.

December 2019: Appearance in Grand Theft Auto Online

In December 2019, Skepta appeared as himself in a Grand Theft Auto Online expansion as a radio host.

2019: Release of Ignorance Is Bliss Album

In 2019, Skepta released Ignorance Is Bliss, which charted in fifteen countries.

May 2020: Collaboration on How Far?

In May 2020, Skepta collaborated with Gorillaz and Tony Allen on the song "How Far?".

2020: Release of Insomnia Album

In 2020, Skepta's collaborative album with Chip and Young Adz, Insomnia, reached the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.

July 2021: Release of All In EP

On July 30, 2021, Skepta released his EP, All In.

September 2022: Art Exhibition at Sotheby's

In September 2022, Sotheby's displayed some of Skepta's paintings for the "Contemporary Curated" art series.

2022: Signs with Wasserman Music

In 2022, Skepta signed with Wasserman Music for worldwide representation.

October 2023: Release of Can't Play Myself (A Tribute to Amy)

In October 2023, Skepta released "Can't Play Myself (A Tribute to Amy)", which samples Amy Winehouse's "Tears Dry on Their Own".

December 2024: DJ Set at Jaguar's Launch Event

On December 2, 2024, Skepta hosted a DJ set at Jaguar's launch event for the Type 00 concept car at the Art Week in Miami, Florida.

March 2025: Feature on Playboi Carti's TOXIC

In March 2025, Skepta featured on Playboi Carti's album Music, on the song "TOXIC".

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