Through The Years: Skepta

Few artists have shaped the sound, identity and international reach of British grime quite like Skepta. From his early days as a DJ in Tottenham to becoming a Mercury Prize-winning artist, fashion figure and global ambassador for UK music, Joseph Junior Adenuga has built a career that continues to push boundaries.

With the release of his sixth solo album, 'The Fork And Knife', we take a look back at the defining moments that have shaped his journey.

Born in 1982 in Tottenham, North London, Skepta grew up in a Nigerian household alongside his siblings. Developing an early passion for music, he initially found his feet behind the decks as a DJ with local grime collective Meridian Crew before making the transition to MC.

By 2006, he was beginning to establish himself as one of the scene's emerging voices, releasing his early mixtape 'Joseph Junior Adenuga' and helping build the foundations of Boy Better Know alongside his brother JME and fellow members of the collective. As BBK continued to make waves across the UK, Skepta released his debut studio album, 'Greatest Hits', independently in 2007.

His second album, 'Microphone Champion', followed in 2009, featuring standout records such as "Rolex Sweep" and "Too Many Man". In 2011, he released 'Doin' It Again', his third studio album and first major-label project, while also featuring on the cover of RWD Magazine during a pivotal period for his career.

After a shift in direction and a period away from the spotlight, Skepta returned to his roots with the release of 'Blacklisted' in 2012. Two years later, he reunited with JME for 'That's Not Me', a record that became instrumental in reigniting interest in the genre and reaffirming his position within the scene. The momentum continued with "It Ain't Safe" and the build-up to his fourth studio album, 'Konnichiwa'. Released in 2016, the project represented a defining moment in Skepta's career, earning widespread critical acclaim and winning the prestigious Mercury Prize. It was a landmark achievement not only for the North London artist but for grime as a whole.

His influence continued to extend beyond music. In 2017, Skepta launched his fashion label MAINS and unveiled his first Nike sneaker collaboration, the Air Max 97 SK. He continued working with Nike while expanding his international reach, joining forces with Nigerian superstar Wizkid for "Energy (Stay Far Away)" in 2018.

In 2019, Skepta returned with 'Ignorance Is Bliss', his fifth studio album, before linking up with Chip and Young Adz for the collaborative project 'Insomnia' in 2020. His growing presence across fashion and culture was further recognised in 2022 when he announced a global partnership with PUMA.

Never one to remain creatively confined, Skepta entered another musical chapter in 2023, joining forces with fellow BBK member Jammer to launch Más Tiempo, a house music label and creative venture exploring a different side of his musical influences.

More recently, his collaboration with Fred again.. has continued to demonstrate his ability to move between genres and audiences. Following the release of Skepta..Fred, he now returns to his solo catalogue with 'The Fork And Knife', his sixth studio album and first solo album in seven years.

From the underground foundations of grime to international recognition across music, fashion and culture, Skepta's journey is a testament to his ability to evolve without losing sight of where he came from.

As he enters his next chapter, one thing remains clear: his influence on British music is firmly cemented.