Skepta has removed the cover art for his forthcoming single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” after it evoked severe backlash. With many comparing the single’s imagery to that of the Holocaust, the rapper has since taken to his socials to issue an apology, stating that this was not his intent and that the track’s cover art was inspired by 1980s UK football culture.
“I’ve been waiting to drop ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and 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,” he wrote on X.
“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,” he followed up. “So to help with context here are some pictures from our mood board for the 1980s UK story for my album Knife & Fork.”
I’ve been waiting to drop Gas Me Up (Diligent) since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many and I can…
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/59oUOPe8Hp
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024
Stay tuned to Hypebeast as the story evolves, and for more updates on Skepta’s upcoming releases – which include his new album Knife and Fork, as well as his directorial debut dubbed Tribal Mark.
“Gas Me Up (Diligent)” is still slated to drop this Friday, January 12.
