Photo: Skepta
Legendary British Grime rapper Skepta, born Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., has just premiered the lead single from his forthcoming directorial debut “Tribal Mark”. Titled “Jangrova”, the flagrant grime record features guest verses by Odumodublvck and British actor Idris Elba.
Notably, this single arrives just ahead of the Boy Better Know affiliate releasing his film “Tribal Mark”.
Reportedly, the film will cast Gabriel Kwasi Tedeku, Jude Carmicheal, Divine Okechukwu Echeazu and Skepta himself.
As per Skepta, “Tribal Mark” arrives on January 26th – the same day as releasing “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” from his forthcoming album “Knife & Fork”.
Ahead of his directorial debut, Big Smoke has premiered the film trailer via X, formerly Twitter. Watch it below.
TRIBAL MARK (official trailer) #TM24
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 18, 2024
pic.twitter.com/igDLxigOAg
The “Tribal Mark” trailer arrives amidst turbulent times in Skepta’s historic grime career. Earlier this month, the “Shutdown” rapper expressed concerns over the vehement policing of his art and threatened to quit music after he received scathing criticism for the “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” artwork.
For critics, the artwork referred to the deaths of Jewish people in Nazi gas chambers during World War Two. However, the rapper took down the controversial artwork and shared a brief message for his fans via X.
SKEPTA – GAS ME UP (DILIGENT)
— UK Rap Daily (@UKRapDaily) January 8, 2024
JANUARY 26TH 🚨 pic.twitter.com/GEW2HYwNSm
“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,” Skepta wrote.
Besides announcing and revealing his directorial debut “Tribal Mark”, Skepta has further shared the full line-up for the “Big Smoke Festival”.
As per the legendary emcee, JME, K-Trap, Odumodublvck, Mahalia, The Menedez Brothers and more are set to perform at Crystal Palace Park, London on July 6th, 2023. Check out the full line-up below.
https://t.co/H9JhbMgbQp pic.twitter.com/6UTpBKfJRe
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 18, 2024
Besides performing at the “Big Smoke Festival” himself, Skepta will further join forces with Punjabi Hip-Hop superstar AP Dhillon, Doja Cat, breakout emcee Ice Spice, Destroy Lonely & Ken Carson of the Playboi Carti camp and more at this year’s Coachella Festival.
Stream ‘Jangrova’ by Skepta, Idris Alba, and Odumodublvck via Spotify.
