The Fork Knife: The 5 best tracks from Skepta’s new album

Skepta, widely recognized as a pivotal figure in UK grime, has released his sixth studio album, The Fork & Knife, marking a significant return after a seven-year hiatus since Ignorance is Bliss. This album arrives not only as a musical project but also as a reflective narrative chronicling Skepta’s personal and professional journey over nearly two decades.

Originating from Tottenham, a place distant from grime’s East London epicenter, Skepta’s ascent was far from linear. His career began amid early challenges, including the dissolution of his initial collective, Meridian Crew, in 2005, and a defining clash with Manchester MC Devilman in 2006 that helped establish his underground reputation. Despite experimental detours into mainstream pop in the early 2010s, Skepta reclaimed his grime roots with influential tracks like “Shutdown” and “That’s Not Me,” the latter being a key moment in grime’s resurgence.

The Fork & Knife is an album steeped in retrospection, exploring themes of legacy, transformation, and cultural identity. The title itself references an immigrant ethos imparted by Skepta’s Nigerian mother, symbolizing aspirations toward a better life through hard work. While explicit political commentary is minimal, the album’s narrative emerges through Skepta’s candid storytelling and his navigation of success, fatherhood, and mentorship.

The opening track, “Secrets of Patriarchy,” sets the tone with a vivid depiction of Skepta’s daily life, balancing family responsibilities and creative pursuits. Here, he reflects on the societal expectations he once resisted—conventional milestones like marriage and homeownership—which he now embraces on his own terms. The track’s upbeat grime-inflected production underscores the tension between past struggles and present stability.

In “Revenge,” Skepta offers an introspective account of his career’s highs and lows, particularly the period around the early 2010s when he stepped away from grime and faced personal setbacks. The song serves as a candid memoir, illustrating how he overcame “underdog psychosis,” a term referencing his earlier frustrations and public vlogging during those years, to reclaim his place in the UK rap landscape.

Collaborations on the album traverse diverse sonic territories. Notably, the politically tinged “Innocent Smile” features Suggs of Madness, linking grime’s contemporary narrative with its musical predecessors through ska and reggae influences. Project Pat’s guest appearance further bridges grime with American rap’s foundational sounds, acknowledging the genre’s eclectic inspirations.

Skepta also ventures into emerging UK scenes, partnering with rising artist Finessekid on a track that embraces the distorted UK rage style gaining traction in 2024. This collaboration highlights the rapper’s role as a mentor and advocate for new talent, reinforcing his status as an elder statesman within the UK music community.

Some tracks diverge stylistically, including a zouk-R&B experiment on “Chippie” and a laid-back UK rap piece “Broken Hearts” featuring Central Cee and Jorja Smith. While these moments reveal Skepta’s versatility, certain critics note they occasionally disrupt the album’s cohesive narrative.

Throughout The Fork & Knife, Skepta’s lyricism remains a standout feature. His ability to articulate complex emotions and experiences with clarity elevates the album beyond a mere collection of songs into a comprehensive life story. From recounting missed opportunities to celebrating hard-won redemption, the record offers both a personal and cultural reflection.

Ultimately, The Fork & Knife encapsulates Skepta’s evolution from a determined underground MC to a multifaceted artist and influential figure. With this release, he not only honors his past but also positions himself as a guide for the next generation of UK rap, balancing legacy with forward momentum as he continues to shape the genre’s future.