London's Skepta – 'Vicious' EP

This is a track by track review of Skepta's Vicious.

The rest of the world receives American entertainment with open arms, but the opposite is rarely true here in the US.

This "laissez-faire" approach to entertainment won't last though. UK rappers like A.J. Tracey and Giggs are already transcending boundaries. Still, they weren't the catalysts for this trend.

It was Skepta who first cracked the barrier. He was arguably the first UK artist to find success in the states. He has been grinding for years, but many Americans were introduced to him after 2016's Konnichiwa album.

Now, he’s back with a new EP: Vicious. Is this six track project as grimey as the title lets on? Have a listen, and read on to find out.

1.) "Still" – The opening seconds of this track are purposely sloppy. There’s a build up, some muttering, and then the snare gives the beat life. For someone this far along in his career, Skepta is as merciless as ever. He lets off like a loose cannon with bars like “top boy for too many years and still no one can top me.” To conclude this onslaught, he wishes all the "pagans" a “happy halloween."

2.) “Sit Down” ft. Lil B – The BasedGod makes a rare appearance to provide a rare based hook. Will we see him collaborate with Big Shaq next? Whether you’re amused or annoyed at the BasedGod's hook, Skepta jumps in to wack you upside your head regardless on his verses. There aren't any sunny, bright major chords on this track. It's over three minutes of cold, unapologetic bars. "I used to get stopped and searched/ I couldn't make it to church." He even boasts about his cross-cultural success, “Who's killin ‘em in the US?” he asks. While Skepta may have buzz, he's not "killing" it here yet. This will come true in due time, but it's premature. Maybe his next album will help him pick up some steam in the states.

3.) “No Security” – The opening seconds contain a Malcolm X recording. Rest in peace, Mr. Shabazz. The baseline samples the baseline from his own song "It Ain't Safe." The message is clear on this one: Skepta doesn't need a bodyguard; you do — if you mess with him. He ridicules you if you "were tucking in all your chains" before "the creatine." BARS. I appreciate the lyrics and what this song has to offer, but it's too similar to "It Ain't Safe." He might as well have titled it "It Ain't Safe pt. 2." This track is skippable.

4.) “Worst” ft. Section Boyz – This is a relentless, unrepentant banger. This track is wild. Section Boyz aren’t playing around and neither is Skepta. Every MC on here feeds off of the intensity permeating on this track and delivers energetic verses. Everyone in Section Boyz has a distinct personality that's intriguing to listen to. This is squad vs. squad, gang vs. gang; they’re repping their crews to the fullest. Great track.

5.) “Hypocrisy” – Artists like Chance the Rapper aren't the only ones championing independence. Skepta started his own label years ago, Boy Better Know, and has helped other careers flourish. He's a businessman. So when he exclaims that other labels are dying, he's winning because he's “getting back money" that he "invested." How's that for money moves? Talk your shit, Skepta.

6.) “Ghost Ride” ft. A$AP Rocky & A$AP Nast – How many dope features is A$AP Rocky going to do before he drops his album?! Stop parading the streets in Raf Simmons already. I've been annoyed at his appearances on Gucci Mane's Mr. Davis, and Famous Dex's "Pick It Up." He has given us good features, but the build up at this point is obnoxious. Regardless of Rocky's star power and familiarity to Americans though, Skepta doesn't get out shined on this. This man makes "the devil scared.” So naturally, he has to "murder all you fakers in this odyssey.” A$AP Nast rides the beat well for the last verse too. This track is golden.

Essentials

“Still”

“Hypocrite”

“Ghost Ride”

The Verdict

There’s definitely an album in the works. Brace yourselves, Skepta's next moves will be bigger and bolder. If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon yet, it's time to do so. He'll continue to pave the way for other acts to come. This is not a gimmick; this EP is really Vicious. B+.