Nevertheless, he now wants to choose a less offensive image motif for his single release “Gas Me Up”.
Skepta recently announced a new solo work for 2024 after an album break of almost five years. The title: KNIFE AND FORK. And immediately after the release announcement, the UK rapper had to face serious allegations. He is accused on social media of having made a tasteless reference to the Nazi era with the cover of the upcoming single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)”. The cover artwork features the shaved backs of several men’s heads and a “Gas Me Up” tattoo on the back of one head.
The phrase “Gas Me Up” is English slang and means “to hype” someone up. In connection with the Nazi era, the image with the tattoo can also be understood as a tactless Holocaust reference, according to critics on social media. After all, during the Nazi era, prisoners in concentration camps had their heads shaved before they died in gas chambers.
“I have to stop when I can’t express my art the way I see it”
Shortly after the criticism arose, Skepta responded to the allegations and apologized for the cover via “X”. He writes that he can understand why his “single work of art, without context, could be perceived as offensive.” However, he continues: “After some reflection, I don’t feel like I could continue to be the artist you all know and love if my art was being policed.” He would have to stop making music if he wanted to keep his art ” “I couldn’t express it the way he saw it.”
That’s why he wanted to explain his intentions and ideas and posted the mood board for the new record for better understanding. Thematically, KNIFE AND FORK primarily deals with the period around 1980, when his parents immigrated to Great Britain. At that time they were confronted with a very present skinhead and football culture. Following this statement, Skepta deleted all announcement posts accompanying the cover photo.
The release date of the single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)”, January 26th, remains as planned – but then probably with a different cover.