Skepta apologises and removes single artwork after Holocaust criticism

UK rap star Skepta apologizes and removes artwork for his upcoming single “Gas Me Up” following criticism for its offensive nature, particularly in relation to the Holocaust.

The UK rap star Skepta apologises after the cover for his forthcoming single Gas Me Up was deemed offensive.

The image depicted a group of men sporting shaved heads, one of whom had the words “Gas Me Up” inked across his scalp. This sparked immediate comparisons to the tragic deaths of Jewish individuals in Nazi gas chambers during World War Two.

Skepta later expressed regret and recognized the potential for offense caused by the image. He explained, “I’ve eagerly anticipated releasing Gas Me Up (Diligent) since hinting at it in April last year. I put immense effort into perfecting the artwork for my album rollout, which delves into my parents’ arrival in the UK during the 80s, skinhead culture, and football. However, it has been inadvertently offensive to many.”

Acknowledging the controversy, the rapper stated, “I can genuinely understand how the imagery in my single artwork, when viewed without context, can be perceived as offensive, especially given the current circumstances.” He went on to pledge, “I am committed to exercising greater mindfulness in my future endeavors.”

The Mercury Prize-winning artist subsequently revealed the “mood board” for his album on X (formerly Twitter).

The collection featured 1980s visuals portraying football hooligans, skinheads, prison canteens, and the emblem of 2 Tone Records. This label was known for its racially diverse acts, such as the Specials and the Selecter, who openly opposed prejudice.

Skepta explained that he decided to share these images after contemplating the controversy surrounding Gas Me Up, a track whose title is slang for boosting someone’s spirits or praising them.

He expressed feeling constrained by artistic restrictions, stating, “I don’t think I can stay true to the artist you all know and appreciate if my creativity is monitored.” To provide context, he shared images from our mood board illustrating the 1980s UK narrative for my album Knife & Fork.

Gabriel Moses, the artist behind the Gas Me Up artwork, reposted Skepta’s initial statement on his Instagram account. Later, he posted a clip from Beanie Sigel’s music video Feel It In The Air, with the caption “Last 24 hours,” depicting the rapper’s home being surrounded and searched by the police.

In November, Skepta unveiled plans for his own festival at London’s Crystal Palace Park set for July 6, 2024. Following that, he surprised fans by announcing his forthcoming album “Knife and Fork” on New Year’s Day.

Expressing gratitude for the enduring support during his hiatus, he acknowledged the outpouring of messages across various platforms. He’s genuinely touched that his music continues to strike a chord with audiences despite his absence.

Accompanying the album will be a film titled “Tribal Mark,” depicting the journey of a Nigerian immigrant adapting to life in a new country.

The album’s lead single, “Gas Me Up,” is slated for release on January 26. In this track, Skepta embraces a confident and celebratory tone, reveling in his achievements in music, fashion, and his role in the acclaimed TV series “Top Boy.”

The UK rapper recently released his new single and received backlash over the artwork used. Some people pointed out that it resembled imagery associated with the Holocaust, and understandably, that caused quite a stir.

Well, Skepta wasted no time in addressing the issue. He took to social media to apologize and promptly removed the artwork. He explained that he never intended to cause any offense and that he’s learning from the situation. It’s good to see him taking responsibility and making amends. It’s a reminder that even well-intentioned choices can have unintended consequences. Let’s hope this sparks more awareness about sensitive topics and encourages thoughtful decision-making in the future. What do you think about the whole situation? Share your thoughts below!