003: "Mum Told Me What My Name Really Means And The Power Just Kicked In..."
In plain and simple terms, Skepta unapologetically takes the power back into his own hands and details his vision
Friends,
Before we start breaking down lyrics, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you for helping Bars Of Wisdom grow to over 50 subscribers within it’s first 3 releases. There is a lot more wisdom and knowledge to be delivered on the horizon, so here’s to more editions and expanding content in the near and long term future 🥂
But anyway, let’s get back to business...
Having taken a leftfield approach to analysing the hidden layers and reading between the lines in the first couple of posts, I thought it would be nice to break down a bar that is a little bit more punchy, perhaps obvious and in your face for this edition, but certainly equally as intellectually stimulating and important in it’s takeaway.
Firstly, have a look at Skepta’s video for today’s source of wisdom:
Now, let’s think about and apply some context to both the video and the song. Skepta’s “Ignorance Is Bliss” album came out in 2019. This is what we know about him during this stage in his life:
He was approaching 20 years of activity in the UK music scene, overseeing and contributing towards the growth and expansion of Grime into it’s current climate
Having grown his own career and fanbase locally, he tapped into an international audience too through various accolades, recognitions and collaborations, particularly off the back of his 2016 “Konnichiwa” album’s acclaim
He became a father the year before
He had the honour of achieving a a “Chief” status in his hometown of Ogun State, Nigeria
Quite simply, he was a global superstar befitting his imposing character
In what was his first project in the aftermath of his newfound, scaled hysteria and attention that his artistry was deservedly receiving, it really was a masterstroke from Skepta to provide the messages and narratives that he did throughout this body of work. You could say it was back to basics, a sobering reminder of who we’re dealing with, and not to get ahead of ourselves with associating him with the usual archetypes of celebrity and superstardom. The boy from Tottenham is built different, and the flashing lights, whilst embraced, enjoyed and taken into his stride, were not going to change the trajectory of his mission.
“Been living my life as a kingpin,
I'm calm with the heat in the kitchen,
I was a young boy,
Mum told me what my name really means and the power just kicked in…”
Skepta’s identity plays a pivotal role in his music. What he details here with his bar of wisdom can apply to so many of us in different realms and walks of life, and it goes beyond pride and guarding one’s reputation (as per Marlo Stanfield above). Whether it’s his Yoruba roots, experiences in the Grime scene or just bigging up his BBK entourage (which includes his brother Jme) and day ones, you never question where his loyalty and moral compass lies. A quick scroll through his Twitter pictures shows just how supportive he is of his associates and network. It’s what makes this bar of wisdom so poignant. It strikes as a coming of age, choosing the red pill, a eureka moment that catapults him into a newfound reality where there are no limitations to his potential.
He is the product of an immigrant family raised in the multi-cultural melting pot that is London, something which myself and many others can relate to. Naturally, this comes with it’s own challenges. One can find themselves spending their formative years figuring out where they sit on the cultural spectrum, before managing multiple other social challenges into adulthood as well (not least when this translates itself into professional domains too).
But there’s a certain freedom and power in knowing where you come from and what you represent, be it in terms of your background culturally, or with your personal morals and principles. For Skepta to present these thoughts and this perspective at a time where the spotlight was beaming on him at its brightest, with an ever growing global audience having their eyes closely monitoring him, makes this all the more special. We can all take a leaf out of Skepta’s book and take the power that comes with our names, our heritage, our journeys in life and ensure we are the ones in control. Embracing individuality enriches the collective.
Of course, none of this can be taken seriously if you don’t practice what you preach. But Big Smoke is no stranger to stepping up and battling his way through the obstacles. Perhaps his assurance in himself, his pride in his heritage and his confidence in his own individual, unique perspective that he brings to the table are what’s allowed him to collaborate with Nike, work with a whole host of artists across the world - something we don’t see that often from British acts - and seamlessly transition between underground and commercial music, or streetwear to high fashion. He’s fully in tune with the crowd he wants to cater to, but still has enough room in his schedule to make an impact on his homeland. To a Londoner, this may not be a surprise, but the principles of identity have once again formed a platform for a strong framework to lead a rewarding lifestyle, guided by the logic acquired through the wisdom available around us in many forms.
Do yourself justice, utilise your mind.
WhosAria
A Word On The Song/Artist
It may not have been to everyone’s taste, but Skepta’s fearlessness, bravery and commitment to experimenting with sounds and tapping into unchartered territory can certainly be appreciated by listeners. His abstract approach to creating “Ignorance Is Bliss” was risky, but that should come as no surprise. “Bullet From A Gun” is an incredibly strong opening track, providing a great catalyst for the project’s expansive, sonic journey. There are a couple of misses, but enough hits to outweigh them and make this an enjoyable experience to listen to. See what the man himself had to say on the album and it’s songs below: