Skepta says UK rappers deserve more respect, not rivalry, in global hip-hop conversation.
Drake backs him, declaring no rapper worldwide can outshine British artists in a battle.
British rap icon Skepta has called for greater respect and recognition for UK rappers, stating that they are long overdue for the credit they deserve in the global music scene.
In a recent interview with Link Up TV, Skepta addressed the buzz surrounding his open challenge to American rappers for a head-to-head rap battle against UK emcees. He clarified that his intention wasn’t to shame or outdo their US counterparts but to spotlight the talent and lyrical strength of Grime and UK hip-hop artists.
“My challenge to US rappers was me saying it is time to get the respect we [UK rappers] deserve,” Skepta explained. “It wasn’t from a place of ‘we are going to annihilate them’ even though I feel that is definitely possible. It is more about wanting the respect.”
Skepta, a pioneer of the UK Grime movement, has been instrumental in shaping the genre’s international identity. Over the years, he’s collaborated with major global stars and helped put UK rap on the map. Yet, he believes British rappers still don’t receive the same level of global acknowledgment as their American peers.
Meanwhile, global superstar ‘Drake’ has added weight to the conversation, expressing his support for UK rappers during his headline set at Wireless Festival in London on Saturday.
“The UK’s got the best rappers,” Drake declared on stage. “No rapper from anywhere in the world can defeat English rappers in a battle.”
Drake’s endorsement has energized fans and reignited the longstanding UK vs. US rap conversation, with many now taking a fresh look at the depth and diversity of talent emerging from the UK scene.
