FOLLOWING THE release of his brand new five track EP ‘All In’ in July, this week sees Skepta release the visual for stand-out track ‘Eyes on Me’.
This music isn’t for people to download and discuss. It’s music to feel when I perform it live
Skepta
The Matthew Walker directed video offers a rare glimpse into a day-in-life of the multidisciplinary artist – cinematic in scope, and set against a host of luxurious locations – we see the results of the ambition and hard work that the Tottenham rapper has outlined through his lyrics since first exploding onto the grime scene.
Seamlessly blurring the lines between work and play, the video demonstrates the many facets that Skepta is involved with when outside of the studio, whether that’s heading up the recent Bottega Veneta campaign, creating his own rum (in collaboration with Havana Club) and even work with Diesel on their latest fragrance, It’s a snapshot of an artist moving his own story – and his musical genre – forwards.
“All In” is Skepta’s first solo release since 2019’s acclaimed Ignorance Is Bliss album.
Taking its title from his newfound love of poker, a game which he sees as a metaphor for life itself (“you can be dealt good cards or bad cards, but if you don’t get good cards you can still bluff, hustle and win… you learn when to play aggressive or when to hold back and chill”).
‘All In’ sees Skepta putting everything on the line across five tracks that contain and album’s worth of quality.
Featuring production from Skepta himself alongside JAE5 and Ragz Originale, the EP also sees vocal collaborations with J Balvin and Teezee and Kid Cudi.
He’s been working on the songs since before lockdown but waiting for the right moment to drop them and with live appearances on the horizon, that time is now.
In Skepta’s own words, “this music isn’t for people to download and discuss. It’s music to feel when I perform it live, music for people to celebrate with their friends.”
The EP opens with “Bellator”, a track that lives up to its warrior billing. With Skepta and Ragz Originale on production, it’s a classic Skepta scene setter for the movie to come. Next is “Peace Of Mind”, a song Skepta admits is “one of those tracks that will become bigger than me”.
Opening with a Delphonics sample, it’s a hallucinogenic anthem featuring verses from Teezee and Kid Cudi that’s set to light up parties around the world;. “Nirvana” – the latest classic JAE5 production – sees Skepta teaming up with Colombian superstar J Balvin on a Latin American-influenced track inspired by the time Skepta spent in the region.
It’s followed by “Lit Like This”, the first track Skepta and JAE5 made together following their legendary 2020 IG Live lockdown clash.
It sees the two artists’ worlds coming together on a song Skepta describes as “this year’s December in Nigeria anthem”. The EP crescendos with “Eyes On Me”, a track that encapsulates the past, present and future of grime, paying homage to its origins via Platinum 45 and More Fire Crew’s classic “Oi” sample while sign posting its future over classic, future-facing Skepta and Ragz production.
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