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21 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Skepta
Everything you need to know about Skepta from his musical family to his relationship with Drake.
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1. He collaborated with Puff Daddy back in 2011.
Skepta's first huge international collaboration was with Puff Daddy. The pair linked up for a special Grime remix of Diddy's single 'Hello Good Morning'. However they cut ties after Skepta reportedly wanted to fight another guest at his pool party in 2011.
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2. And his 'That's Not Me' video only cost £80 to make.
Skepta won Best Video at the 2014 MOBOs for his throwback 'That's Not Me' video. Speaking exclusively to Capital XTRA after the awards show, he revealed he spent £70 on the hat he wore and £10 on petrol to get to the video shoot.
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3. Is Skepta dating Naomi Campbell?
Skepta was first romantically linked to the iconic supermodel in October 2017 after he posted a photo of the pair cuddling. They've reportedly been on a "string of dates", with Skepta later posting another snap of Naomi on Twitter. In February 2018, Skepta allegedly left with Naomi after both attended the NME awards. The rapper previously referred to Naomi as his "favourite cover girl". Picture: Getty
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4. He actually began his career as JME's DJ.
Despite being known for his skills on the microphone, Skepta started his career as a DJ for his younger brother JME. He only began rapping after Wiley convinced him to try it out. Picture: Instagram
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5. Snoop Dogg's debut album 'Doggystyle' inspired him to make music.
Skepta's dad bought him the album when he was 11. “I was waiting in the car outside Edmonton Shopping Centre, when he came out and handed me the tape," he told Redbull Music Academy. “You know the cartoon one with the loads of rude pictures of boobs in the sleeve? It was that album that made me think ‘yeah I can do this’.” Picture: Instagram
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6. Skepta and JME are actually brothers.
As well as being in the same crew Boy Better Know, Skepta and JME are actually blood brothers. The Grime MC is three years older than his sibling. They also have a brother called Jason, who produced three songs on 'Konnichiwa', and a sister called Julie who is a radio personality. Picture: Getty
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7. How does Skepta know Drake?
Drake is rumoured to have spotted Skepta while browsing the internet and the pair have become good friends. Drake brought Skepta out during his Wireless set in 2015 and Skepta returned the favour at a Section Boyz show in 2016. Drizzy is also signed to Skepta's BBK label. Picture: Instagram
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8. He even has an OVO tattoo!
After Drake got a Boy Better Know tattoo on his shoulder back in 2015, Skepta got Drizzy's OVO owl inked on his torso in 2016. Picture: Instagram
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9. What is Skepta's real name?
Skepta's real name is Joseph Junior Adenuga. The Grime MC shares the same name as his dad. Picture: Instagram
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10. Skepta released a porn video for his 2011 single 'All Over The House'.
Skepta sparked controversy in 2011 when he released a highly-explicit music video for his song 'All Over The House'. He didn't appear in the clip however it showed a man and a women having sex at a party. The video was consequently banned from YouTube. Picture: Getty
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11. Skepta was named in GQ's 10 Best Dressed Men List in 2016.
Skeppy was actually 7th on the prestigious list, alongside names including Eddie Redmayne, David Beckham, Harry Styles and more. Picture: PA
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12. But his fashion sense is inspired by Manchester.
"In Manchester they’re chasing the p, they don’t care about all but fashion stuff," he told Redbull Music Academy. “Manchester is straight greazy. You see a man in a black cap and black hoody tracksuit looking greazy, they’ve been on this thing for time.” Picture: Instagram
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13. Skepta recorded a 25-minute YouTube monologue called 'Underdog Psychosis'.
"You see every artist in the industry have a breakdown," he told Crack Magazine. "Britney cut off her hair. Wiley moved to Cyprus. Everyone goes through it in different ways. Underdog Psychosis was mine. After it was released, I felt cleansed. From that point, I told myself that I’m not f*cking with anyone that isn’t f*cking with me. I don’t have time to try and please people."
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14. 'Konnichiwa' is Skepta's fifth album.
Skepta dropped his debut album 'Greatest Hits' back in 2007 and followed up with 'Microphone Champion' (2009), 'Doin' It Again' (2011) and 'Blacklisted' (2012). Picture: Instagram
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15. Skepta is the global ambassador for Uniqlo.
The Grime MC announced his collaboration with the Japanese clothing brand back in 2015 and even performed in a store on London's Oxford Street. Picture: Getty
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16. But he doesn't like being called a "hipster".
"At one stage when I felt that the UK music scene was going a certain direction," he told Redbull Music Academy. "I wasn’t happy with the music I was producing so I purposely took a risk to go back to square one and took a risk for people to say ‘oh Skepta fell off’. People said I was sh*t, I got called weird. I also got called a hipster. What the f*ck is that? How am I a hipster?” Picture: Getty
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17. Skepta is part of a Grime crew called Boy Better Know.
Skepta is part of Boy Better Know - which includes JME, Wiley, Frisco, Jammer, Shorty, Solo 45 and more. The 'Konnichiwa' rapper is also reportedly putting together an international BBK record label and has signed Drake as its first artist. Picture: Getty
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18. How did Skepta get his big break?
Skepta really announced himself to Grime fans via a memorable 'Lord Of The Mics' clash with Devilman in 2006. Despite repeating the same lyrics twice, the London MC impressed with a series of vicious bars.
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19. Skepta built a house for his dad in Nigeria.
Skepta is very proud of his African heritage and has tried to give back since his success. He built his dad a house in Nigeria and also helped construct a playground for children in his local village. Picture: Instagram
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20. Skepta is the first Grime MC to win the Mercury Music Prize since Dizzee Rascal.
Skepta made history by winning the Mercury Music Prize for his album 'Konnichiwa'. He is the first Grime winner since Dizzee Rascal earned the prize for 'Boy In Da Corner' back in 2003. Picture: Getty
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21. How old is Skepta?
Skepta is 35 years old and his birth date is on September 19th 1982. Picture: Getty
