Skepta Is Keeping Artwork For "Gas Me Up (Diligent)" Single But Gives Context On Why He Chose It

Social media gives people the power to say whatever they feel at any moment. Sometimes, when we comment on controversial things, the tendency is to go for the negative angle. That is exactly what people were doing yesterday with UK rapper and DJ, Skepta. The 41-year-old legend revealed to his fans that he was going to be making a new album. "It’s been years since I dropped my last album. I want to thank you for all the love during my hiatus. I've seen the messages... I'm truly grateful that my music is still resonating with the world, even in my absence."

Skepta continued, "I'm happy to announce my next studio album #KnifeAndFork is loading this year, the first single #GasMeUp (Diligent) will be out January 26th." Then, he dropped the artwork for the single and a lot of fans were not feeling it. The row of nearly bald heads had people making comparisons to the dreadful event that was The Holocaust. Of course, people were making connections to Kanye West and the hate he directed at the Jewish community.

Skepta Responds To The Backlash

So, Skepta decided to clear the air earlier this morning on Twitter. "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." Skepta goes on to say, "So to help with context here are some pictures from our mood board for the 1980's UK story for my album 'Knife & Fork.'" Before this, he sent out another tweet giving even more background and that he would change it. But, he clearly had a change of art and wanted to say true to his creative process.

What are your initial thoughts on Skepta's response to all of the hate and backlash he got for his single cover art for "Gas Me Up (Diligent)?" Do you think he went about this the right way, why or why not? Do you agree with the points he made in the tweet above? Are you still going to support the single and upcoming album Knife And Fork? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Skepta. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.