“Happy Halloween, you pagans.”
Skepta has surprised fans with the Vicious EP, just in time for Halloween. The project — independently released on Boy Better Know, the label he co-owns with his brother and fellow grime star Jme — popped up on streaming services today (Oct. 31).
The six-song EP houses Skeppy’s signature, bass-heavy bravado over menacing beats perfect for the ghoulish holiday; listen for samples of police sirens, crow squawks and ominous cemetery bell tolls throughout. This record also has features from A$AP Rocky, A$AP Nast, U.K. grime crew Section Boyz and, most astonishing of all, The Based God himself. That track, “Sit Down,” marks the first time Skepta and the Bay Area oddball Lil B, known for his marble-mouthed flow (a strong contrast to Skepta’s own quickened British clip), have collaborated.
The London-hailing grime vet has made it a sporadic tradition to drop new music on All Hallow’s Eve; back in 2014, Skepta dropped the viral loosie “It Ain’t Safe” featuring Young Lord and last year dropped verses on two new tracks, his own single “No Security” and a feature on Section Boyz’ “The Worst.” Vicious EP marks Skepta’s first solo release since his chart-topping and Mercury Prize-winning 2016 album Konnichiwa.
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