Skepta makes his comeback with the release of his new track ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent),’ produced by Cardo. Fans gave it the nickname ‘Diligent’ following a viral teaser dropped in April 2023.
Reigniting his roots in rap, the song serves as a preview of his highly anticipated album ‘Knife and Fork,’ reaffirming Skepta’s position as the UK’s top rapper. It will drop alongside a video that begins with Skepta on the rooftop of TraxNYC jeweller in New York, and features Clint 419, with scenes shot across London. The video was co-directed by Skepta and collaborator Stevo1k.
The release follows the announcement of the line-up for his Big Smoke Festival which happens in London on July 6th. Skepta will perform, as will Mas Tiempo, with The Streets announced as a headliner. ‘Gas Me Up [Diligent]’ serves as the credits in his debut film, ‘Tribal Mark,’ which premieres on 24th January, followed by a nationwide UK release at Everyman Cinemas on 26th January. ‘Tribal Mark’ explores the narrative of a Nigerian immigrant in London with him starring in and serving as co-director and executive producer of the film. With a 90% minority ethnic cast and production team, the film stands as a landmark project from Skepta’s 1PLUS1 Production company.