Skepta’s New Artwork Receives Backlash

Skepta is struggling to find the line between artistic integrity and not offending his followers.

The 41-year-old British grime rapper revealed the artwork for his new single, “Gas Me Up (Diligent)”, via Instagram on Monday, 8 January. However, what should have sparked excitement amongst his fans, earned backlash instead.

People quickly drew parallels to the Holocaust and the Nazi gas chambers during World War Two when they saw a group of men with shaved heads and their backs to the camera. The issue was further compounded by a tattoo of the words “Gas Me Up” on one of the heads.

After significant criticism, Skepta removed the artwork from Instagram and took to Twitter to explain his side of the story.

“I’ve been waiting to drop “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” since teasing it in April last year. [I’ve] worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout, which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80s, skinheads [and] football culture,” he said.

The musician went on to add: “It has been taken offensively by many and I can promise you that was definitely not our plan so I have removed it and I vow to be more mindful going forward.”

Image Credit: Source