Skepta's 'Fork & Knife' Project Rollout Begins

The highly anticipated rollout for "Fork & Knife," the first full-length rap project from UK grime artist Skepta in seven years, has officially commenced. The project was initially announced in 2024 and was slated for release earlier this year, but has now begun its rollout phase. "Fork & Knife" marks Skepta's return to a full-length rap format since his 2019 album "Ignorance Is Bliss." The rollout initiated with the release of the single "Innocent Smile," a high-octane track that features collaborations with the drum and bass duo Chase and Status, and Suggs, the lead singer of the 1970s British pop group Madness. This particular track is described as a fusion of grime, ska, and electronic club music, reflecting the diverse musical backgrounds of its contributors. The accompanying music video for "Innocent Smile" was filmed in London and directed by Aidan Zamiri. It incorporates cinematic storytelling with nostalgic references to British culture from the 2000s. Skepta stated in a recent Instagram post that "Fork & Knife" and "Innocent Smile" explore the realities of his upbringing by Nigerian immigrant parents in North London and the negativity he observes surrounding multiculturalism in the UK. He elaborated on this, noting that "In the UK, you would have had 10 or more different nationalities in your classroom to begin with, so we are raised to respect other people's beliefs, faith and language from young. This is how the UK always creates the best scenes and subgenres. Our rave culture is literally a melting pot of people who have a mutual respect for what we all bring to the table." The commencement of the "Fork & Knife" rollout signifies Skepta's deep connection to the breadth of British music culture, encompassing genres such as grime, garage, house, jungle, and rave. While an official release date for "Fork & Knife" has not yet been announced, the project is anticipated to be released in 2026. Skepta, born Joseph Junior Adenuga Jr., is a prominent figure in the UK grime scene, known for his influential music and cultural impact. Chase & Status are a British electronic music duo formed in 2003, known for their work in drum and bass. Suggs, whose real name is Graham McPherson, is the lead vocalist for the British ska band Madness, formed in 1976. Aidan Zamiri is a music video director.