The British rapper apologized for the cover art, but explained that his intention was not to create an image that referred to the Holocaust
British rapper Skepta removed the cover art for the single “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” from social media after being criticized for using an image that supposedly referred to the Holocaust. It was a shaved head with a tattoo that said “Gas Me Up” and, Therefore, part of the public associated the representation with the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
On Twitter, the artist apologized and showed some of his references, including 2 Tone Records — a record label whose objective was to promote racial equality in the music scene:
I’ve been waiting to release “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” since April last year. I worked hard to achieve the right artwork to promote my album, which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 1980s, skinhead, football culture… And it has been taken as an offense by many. I can promise you that this was definitely not my plan, so I removed the art and promise to be more vigilant in the future.
I’ve been waiting to drop Gas Me Up (Diligent) since teasing it April last year, worked hard getting the artwork right for my album rollout which is about my parents coming to the UK in the 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many and I can…
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024
I can honestly see that my single artwork without context could be offensive, especially in a time like this, but again, that wasn’t my intention. But after some thought, I don’t feel like I can continue to be the artist you all know and love if my art is policed. I have to give up if I can’t express my art as I see it. So to help with context, here are some photos from our 1980s UK history moodboard for my album Knife & Fork.
“Gas Me Up (Diligent)” will be released on January 26th as planned.
I can Honestly see how my single artwork without context can be considered offensive, especially in a time like this but again that was not my intention. But after some thought I don’t feel like I could continue being the artist you all know and love if my art is policed, I have to… pic.twitter.com/59oUOPe8Hp
— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
