Skepta reflects on his journey while embracing new creative directions on 'The Fork And Knife'

UK legend Skepta returns with 'The Fork And Knife', an expertly crafted 15-track album marking his first solo full-length release in seven years, following 2019’s 'Ignorance Is Bliss'. A project that looks back across the experiences, influences and creative chapters that have shaped him, it also captures an artist continuing to explore new directions.

While the wait for a solo album has been lengthy, Skepta has remained a prominent figure across music, production, art and fashion. Renowned for creating a distinct identity with every era, he has continued to influence the wider UK scene, and that restless creative energy runs throughout 'The Fork And Knife'.

In the build-up to its release, Skepta generated anticipation with a run of popular tracks, including ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’, ‘Victory Lap’, ‘Chippie’, ‘Innocent Smile’ and ‘Pandoras Box’. Each offered a different perspective on the album’s direction, setting the stage for a body of work that moves between experimentation and the sounds that have defined his legacy.

Across the project, Skepta reflects on his upbringing, background and journey through music, tracing the experiences that have helped shape the artist he is today. Tracks such as ‘Pandoras Box’, ‘Melody’ and ‘Chippie’ featuring Aya Nakamura showcase his willingness to push into new territory, while ‘Currency’, ‘Revenge’ and ‘Broken Hearts’ featuring Central Cee and Jorja Smith draw on the foundations of UK rap and the wider musical landscape he helped shape.

One of the album’s defining moments comes with ‘Belly’, a heavyweight collaboration bringing together Bossman Birdie, Frisco, JME, Kibo, Kruz Leone, Mayhem NODB and Queenie. Elsewhere, Skepta trades verses with an eclectic selection of collaborators, including Novelist, Project Pat, Finessekid, Asake, Lex Luger and Vanco, with each contribution adding another dimension to the album’s sound.

More than a return to the solo format, 'The Fork And Knife' feels like a considered snapshot of where Skepta stands creatively. Balancing reflection with forward-thinking production and an expansive range of collaborations, the album brings together different sides of his artistry without confining him to one sound or era.

For an artist whose influence has helped shape the direction of UK rap, this latest chapter leaves plenty of room for what comes next.