History of Skepta in Timeline
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.
September 1982: Birth of Joseph Adenuga Jr.
Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., known as Skepta, was born in Tottenham, North London, on September 1982 to Nigerian parents.
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.
2006: Conviction of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm in Cyprus
In 2006, Skepta was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in Cyprus, which he said occurred after a racially charged altercation.
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.
2009: Conviction of Common Assault in London
In 2009, Skepta was convicted of common assault in London and fined.
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: Appearance with Kanye West and GQ Recognition
In 2015, Skepta joined Kanye West at a surprise show in London and was named one of GQ's 50 best dressed British men.
2015: Acting Debut in Anti-Social
In 2015, Skepta made his acting debut in the film Anti-Social.
January 2016: Assault Conviction in Melbourne Nightclub
In January 2016, Skepta punched a man in the mouth at a Melbourne nightclub, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury, and was fined.
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.
2017: Named One of the Most Influential People in the UK
In 2017, Skepta was named one of Debrett's most influential people in the UK due to his impact on British popular culture.
April 2018: Receives Nigerian Chieftaincy
On April 4, 2018, Skepta received a Nigerian chieftaincy and was given the title "Amuludun of Odo-Aje".
April 2018: Installation as a Chief in Nigeria
On April 4, 2018, Skepta was installed as a chief in his Nigerian hometown in Ogun State, receiving the title "Amuludun of Odo-Aje".
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".
January 2024: Apology for Gas Me Up (Diligent) Artwork
In January 2024, Skepta apologized after the artwork for his upcoming single, "Gas Me Up (Diligent)", was criticized for allusions to the Holocaust.
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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