All year, hip-hop fans have been tracking the next Skepta album. Despite his incredible influence over the UK rap scene, we only have two solo full-lengths to date. As his empire has grown over the past two decades, it’s only built up more anticipation for the next step. Though we’re awaiting further updates on that front, Skepta just provided another piece of the puzzle with “Why Lie,” his latest single featuring Flo Milli.
“Why Lie” Marks An Important Development In Skepta’s Toolbox
Carried by throwback pads and floaty overall production, “Why Lie” sees Skepta & Flo Milli take on the typical hip-hop romantic interplay, tip-toeing the line between referencing unnamed partners and each other with extravagant imagery and vivid descriptions. Milli again proves why she’s such an in-demand commodity, pairing syrupy delivery with unshakable confidence. Though this writer wouldn’t have personally drawn up this collaboration, it’s a match in the end, again proving Skepta’s crossover appeal when paired with a US artist.
Above all, “Why Lie” is notable as it portends a “softer” turn for Skepta on this next LP. Melodic songs aren’t entirely absent in the grime master’s catalog; tracks like the two Wizkid collaborations, “Energy (Stay Far Away)” and “Longtime,” come to mind. However, on either of those, Skepta primarily contributed as contrast, his steely delivery adding depth and texture while the main artist instead did much of the heavy lifting melodically. On “Why Lie,” the Boy Better Know head takes that mantle over entirely, hitting falsetto registers and extended syllable cadences before swapping back to his typical menace in the final quarter of the single.
As mentioned towards the top, we still don’t have a concrete date for the Skepta record that “Why Lie” will appear on. Select outlets still report that the LP will land sometime in 2024. While we wait for further updates, you can find “Why Lie” and all of the Skepta material from this year wherever you stream your music.
Elsewhere in our coverage, NIGO – Dope Boy catches the Japanese mogul enlist Young Thug for a semi-comeback record.
