Skepta Returns with New Album

Skepta's new album, The Fork and Knife, is set to release next week, 33 months after its initial announcement. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Skepta discussed the album's socially conscious contents, which were influenced by his experiences with skinheads, fatherhood, and rap history.

The self-proclaimed king of grime has been balancing his music career with other projects, including his fashion label Mains, film-making, and acting. He has also been working on a house music project called Más Tiempo and organizing his Big Smoke festival.

Skepta's album features 15 tracks, ranging from smooth R&B collaborations to fierce grime tracks with guest verses from younger MCs. The album is not a full-on conscious manifesto but features a fuller sound enhanced by the wisdom of age. As reported by The Guardian, Skepta's goal is to deliver conscious messages while still maintaining a vibe.

The album's release is significant because it marks Skepta's return to music after a seven-year hiatus. It also showcases his growth as an artist and his commitment to using his voice for positive change. This matters to listeners because it offers a fresh perspective on social issues and showcases Skepta's ability to create meaningful music that resonates with his audience.