Joseph Junior Adenuga Jr. popularly known by his stage name, Skepta is a British MC, Songwriter, Rapper, Video Director and record Producer. Skepta and his brother Jme founded the British record label, Boy Better Know in 2006. Skepta released his debut album, Greatest Hits in 2007 and the second one, Microphone Champion in 2009. Skepta has also won MOBO and BET Awards for Best Video, Best Song and Best International Act. Skepta has many interesting tattoos on his body. Let us explore the ones he has and the meanings behind them.
1. ‘Forever’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The front side of Skepta’s neck contains the word, “FOREVER” tattooed on it.
Meaning: This tattoo is a nod to Skepta’s clothing line, No Fear Forever.
2. ‘PAIN’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The inner side of his left wrist contains the word, “PAIN” tattoo on it.
3. ‘Tower Bridge’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The left side of his stomach contains a large tattoo of the London Tower Bridge along with the river, ‘Thames’ and a small boat hanging at the docks below the right tower.
Meaning: The Tower Bridge, which was built in 1886 has become a symbol of London, joining the north and south London over the River Thames. Skepta got this tattoo as he loves the country he was born into. This is not the only landmark tattoo he has on his body as you’ll soon find out.
4. ‘Flag’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The middle part of Skepta’s chest contains a tattoo of a red plus sign which is the flag of London. There are two diagonal red lines as well which make it partly the Flag of the United Kingdom.
Meaning: Skepta is a patriot and just like his landmark tattoos, to show his love for London, he got the flag pattern tattooed on his body.
5. ‘Tribute’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The left side of his body, just below his pec contains the words, “LUKEY LIVES” tattooed on it.
Meaning: Skepta got this tattoo as a tribute to his friend, Lukey Maxwell who was fatally stabbed in North London and did not make it. Skepta got the words tattooed on him to signify that Lukey still lives in his heart and many others who loved him.
6. ‘Big Ben’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The right side of his stomach contains a tattoo of the Big Bentley.
Meaning: This is another one of the famous landmark tattoos Skepta has all over his body to show his love for London.
7. ‘OVO Owl’ Tattoo
Tattoo: Just above his Big Ben tattoo is a tattoo of the OVO owl.
Meaning: After Drake got a tattoo of Skepta’s label, Boy Better Know, to show his love for fellow rapper Drake, Skepta got the tattoo of the OVO Owl inked on his body. The OVO Owl was created by Drake which stands for October’s very own as all of his friends birthdays’s come in October.
8. ‘Portrait’ Tattoo
Tattoo: Skepta’s right arm contains a tattoo of a portrait of a woman. There are also two red roses tattooed below the portrait.
Meaning: The portrait is of Skepta’s mother whom he adores very much.
9. Chest Tattoo
Tattoo: Skepta’s chest contains a large tattoo of a Hawk along with the words, “BOY BETTER KNOW” tattooed on it.
Meaning: The Hawk asserts dominance and the words, Boy better know is the name of Skepta and his brother, Jme’s record label.
10. Words and Star Tattoo
Tattoo: Skepta’s neck contains a tattoo of a red star with the word, “GREATNESS” tattooed across his throat. His right shoulder contains the word, “GOOD” tattooed on it and his left shoulder contains the word “EVIL” tattooed on it. His chest also contains a tattoo of a small flock of birds flying in the sky.
Meaning: Skepta got good and evil tattoos to signify how everything in life is a battle of Good and Evil. He says he knew he would be a star and was always destined for greatness.
11. ‘Man and Woman’ Tattoos
Tattoo: The left shoulder of the rapper contains a tattoo of the face of a man along with that of a woman tattooed on it.
12. ‘Skepta’ Tattoo
Tattoo: The back of the British MC contains the word, SKEPTA tattooed on it. Below the word are the words, “You See Two Decks And A Mixer But I See The Bigger Picture” tattooed.
Meaning: Skepta is the name that he gave to himself as a stage name. The words, “You See Two Decks And A Mixer But I See The Bigger Picture” are lyrics from his brother, Jme’s song Don’t Get Rude. He got this tattoo to show his love and support for his brother.
