Skepta
“Shutdown”
Konnichiwa (out soon on Boy Better Know)
Even though he’s been a force in grime for the better part of ten years, it feels like the 32 year-old Tottenham native is just getting started. Following what was probably the best year of his career — watermarked by my third favorite song of 2014, “That’s Not Me” — “Shutdown” is the first taste of Konnichiwa, the most anticipated album of his career. Based on this, the pressure hasn’t gotten to Skep, as he sounds like he’s having just as much fun as ever. While he’s a multifaceted artist and a fierce lyricist, much of his best work is his most joyful, which is the case here. Built on an earworm hook and three ravenous verses, “Shutdown” is the sound of a mature, developed artist rounding into his prime and razor focused on fulfilling his unlimited potential. I may have only heard one track, but Konnichiwa already feels like a classic.
