Skepta removes single artwork following criticism around Holocaust comparisons

Skepta has released an apology following allegations that the artwork to his upcoming single, 'Gas Me Up (Dilligent)' had referenced the Holocaust.

The single artwork was shared on the rapper, producer and DJ's social media on January 9, with the track name ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ — which is set to feature on his upcoming album ‘Knife And Fork’.

The now-deleted imagery was created by artist Gabriel Moses, and depicted a group of people with shaved heads in matching shirts — with one having the track title, “GAS ME UP”, tattooed on the back of their head.

Skepta had received backlash following the post, as social media users critiqued the visual's allusions to the holocaust, and similarity to images of Jewish prisoners in concentration camps taken from World War II.

In response, Skepta removed the post from his social media and issued an apology on January 10 — noting that the image was inspired by “80’s, Skinhead, Football culture” and that he vows to be “more mindful going forward”.

His full statement reads: “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 ’80s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many and I can promise you that was definitely not our plan so I have removed it and I vow to be more mindful going forward - Skepta”

In a following post shared a few hours later, Skepta continued his apology with a screenshot from the mood board behind the artwork adding that the single is still planned to be released later this month.

In this added statement, he writes: “I can honestly see how my single artwork without context can be deemed 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 quit if I can’t express my art as I see it. So to help with context here are some pictures from our mood board for the 1980’s UK story for my album ‘Knife & Fork’”.

A date is yet to be confirmed for Skepta’s upcoming album ‘Knife And Fork’ but his single ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ is still planned for release on January 26.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter