UK grime rapper Skepta has issued an apology and retracted the artwork for his new single “Gas Me Up” following backlash over the image’s apparent evocation of Holocaust imagery.
Backlash Over Perceived Holocaust References
The original artwork, which has now been removed from Skepta’s social media, depicted the rapper posing in front of a bright light wearing a dark hood and mask outfit that many found reminiscent of Holocaust prisoner uniforms.
Critics swiftly accused Skepta of insensitive Holocaust appropriation, with some even comparing the controversy to the antisemitism scandals that have plagued other musicians like Kanye West. Prominent Jewish organizations denounced the artwork as “deeply disturbing” and called on Skepta to retract it.
Skepta’s Apology and Explanation
Facing rising criticism, Skepta issued a statement on January 10th apologizing for any offense caused by the artwork and confirming it had been permanently withdrawn. He explained the intent had been to depict himself as a “hero” rising out of the darkness to overcome adversity. The rapper said he did not realize initially how the visuals could be perceived as referencing such a painful history.
“I sincerely apologize for any upset caused by the artwork and confirm it has now been removed,” Skepta wrote. “The intent was to represent overcoming adversity, but I understand how imagery can be triggering.”
The rapper vowed to learn from the experience and said he has “only ever wished to make great art.” This is not the first time Skepta’s art has stirred controversy, but it is his most direct apology so far.
Ongoing Discussion on Artistic Expression vs. Cultural Sensitivity
The incident has sparked wider debate around questions of artistic license, freedom of expression, and avoiding cultural appropriation or triggering images.
Some defend Skepta’s right to artistic expression even if the resulting work was “clumsy,” while others argue visual references to genocide cross a line regardless of intent. There are also questions around how much context and lived experience matters when assessing if a work is problematic.
“There’s an important discussion to have around how we balance creative freedom with cultural respect,” said culture critic Imani Reid. “But simply saying ‘that offends me’ can also shut down constructive debate.”
The themes provoked by Skepta’s artwork seem unlikely to disappear from public discourse anytime soon.
What Happens Now?
Despite the rapper’s swift apology and removal of the controversial artwork, Skepta will likely continue facing criticism in the near future. However, the wider impacts on his career remain uncertain.
Some analysts argue the rapper’s strong fanbase and grime’s countercultural ethos may insulate him from major commercial damage. Others warn an unforgiving “cancel culture” on social media could still pose risks.
There are also questions around whether the backlash might influence Skepta’s artistic direction on his hotly anticipated next album. The rapper has not indicated if the controversy will impact his creative process. For now, Skepta seems focused on damage control, but repercussions seem inevitable even if their extent is unclear.
Ultimately, the incident encapsulates wider trends around social media outrage, identity politics in art, and struggles to balance complex principles like free speech and cultural sensitivity. These issues are unlikely to disappear as more controversies erupt at the intersection of music, visual art, and an increasingly vocal public. Skepta’s misstep has become a flashpoint — but unlikely the last.
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Ignorance is Bliss |
| 2021 | Short N Sweet |
| 2023 | Singles – “Eyes on Me”, “No Sleep” |
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