About this album
Where they were
In 2016, Skepta was at a pivotal moment in his career, having established himself as a key figure in the grime scene. 'Konnichiwa' marked his fourth studio album and was released after his breakthrough with 'Shut Down,' solidifying his status as an international artist. This album came during a period when grime was gaining mainstream recognition, particularly in the UK and beyond.
Why it matters
'Konnichiwa' received critical acclaim and debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing the rising popularity of grime. The album's influence extended globally, with tracks like 'Shutdown' becoming anthems that highlighted the genre's cultural significance, ultimately leading to Skepta winning the Mercury Prize in 2014 for his previous work, which set the stage for this release.
Essential tracks
- "It Ain’t Safe" — This track features a hard-hitting beat and showcases Skepta’s commanding flow, making it a standout anthem for the grime movement.
- "Shutdown" — 'Shutdown' epitomizes Skepta’s energetic style and has become synonymous with live performances, solidifying its status as a grime classic.
- "Man" — 'Man' is a confident declaration of Skepta’s prowess in the scene, blending catchy hooks with incisive lyrics that resonate with audiences.
Release Date
May 6, 2016
Artist Origin
Nigeria
Tracklist
- 1 Konnichiwa 3:17
- 2 Lyrics 2:35
- 3 Corn on the Curb 5:00
- 4 Crime Riddim 4:35
- 5 It Ain’t Safe 3:41
- 6 Ladies Hit Squad 4:38
- 7 Numbers 3:18
- 8 Man 3:34
- 9 Shutdown 3:08
- 10 That’s Not Me 3:04
- 11 Detox 2:48
- 12 Text Me Back 4:25
