Rapper Skepta Apologizes for Single Artwork Evoking Holocaust Comparisons
Rapper Skepta has issued an apology and removed the artwork for his upcoming single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” after it sparked outrage on social media for its apparent reference to the Holocaust.
The artwork, which was posted on Skepta’s Instagram and X accounts on Monday, featured a photo of a man with a shaved head and the words “Gas Me Up” tattooed across his forehead. He was surrounded by other men who also had shaved heads and wore similar outfits.
Many people commented that the image was insensitive and offensive, especially given the song’s title, which seemed to allude to the Nazi’s use of gas chambers to kill millions of Jews during World War II.
One user wrote: “This is disgusting and disrespectful to the millions of people who died in the Holocaust. How can you be so ignorant and insensitive?”
Another said: “This is not art, this is antisemitism. You should be ashamed of yourself for promoting such hateful imagery.”
Skepta, whose real name is Joseph Junior Adenuga Jr., quickly deleted the post and issued an apology on his social media platforms. He explained that the artwork was part of his album rollout, which was inspired by his parents’ immigration to the U.K. in the 1980s and the skinhead and football culture of that era.
He said he did not intend to offend anyone or make any statement on the current situation in the Middle East, where tensions have escalated between Israel and Palestine.
He wrote: “I’ve been waiting to drop ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the U.K. in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many. I can promise you that was definitely not our plan so I have removed it and I vow to be more mindful going forward.”
He added: “I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention. But after some thought I don’t feel like I could continue being the artist you all know and love if my art is policed, I have to quit if I can’t express my art as I see it. So to help with context here are some pictures from our mood board.”
He then shared a collage of images that he said were his inspiration for his album “Knife & Fork”, which included photos of skinheads, football hooligans, prison canteens and 2 Tone Records, a label that featured multiracial bands that opposed racism.
Skepta’s apology was met with mixed reactions from his fans and followers. Some praised him for owning up to his mistake and providing more background on his artistic vision, while others said he should have known better and that his explanation was not enough.
One user commented: “Thank you for apologizing and explaining your perspective. I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to learn from this.”
Another said: “This is not an apology, this is an excuse. You are still trying to justify your choice of artwork, which was clearly inappropriate and hurtful. You need to do better.”
Skepta is one of the most prominent and influential rappers in the U.K., known for his pioneering role in the grime genre. He has won several awards, including the Mercury Prize in 2016 for his album “Konnichiwa”. He has also collaborated with artists such as Drake, ASAP Rocky, Wizkid and Gorillaz.
He announced his new album “Knife & Fork” on New Year’s Day, saying it was his first album in five years and that it would be accompanied by a film called “Tribal Mark”, which follows the journey of a Nigerian immigrant in a foreign land.
He also revealed that he would host his own festival at London’s Crystal Palace Park on July 6, 2024.