Skepta continues his bid for world domination with a cover shoot for The FADER, alongside the publication's other stars Kacey Musgraves, Meek Mill, and HudMo. Along with the crisp white photography, the magazine also interviewed the north London MC about the current international interest in grime, his impending Konnichiwa LP, and his uncompromising approach to music and his career.
As ever, Skepta was on top form, talking candidly about why each and every aspect of his career must be handled correctly and on his terms: "Bruv, I put P Diddy on a fucking grime tune. I don't care what they feel about it. They have to come on my wave—that's the only thing that's going to give my album what it needs. I understand the objective now, and I ain't going to fucking America to shoot a video. They need to come to the roads with me."
We also got a rare glimpse into his formative years and how his music and outlook on life are a direct product of (and response to) his life growing up in England: "England is so black and white, so plain, like a burger with nothing on it. No salad, nothing. That's why it's so real... I want anybody from around the world to be able to listen to the album and know it comes from London—from the beats, not just the vocals."
Skepta also gave some insight as to the status of Konnichiwa and why its release was pushed back from March this year—as well as touching on his independent situation: "Somewhere in my heart, I feel like I'm way past a record deal now. It's pointless to me... I believe in my talent so much, it's crazy. It's not about a record label to me."
It's probably safe to say Konnichiwa's going to blow the competition out the water when it drops.
Read the full cover story here.
