Skepta has revealed Pharrell Williams features on his new album ‘Konnichiwa’.
The 33-year-old grime star releases the LP on May 6 and admits it was an incredible experience working with the ‘Happy’ hitmaker in the studio because he has an infectious love of music.
Speaking to Zane Lowe for an upcoming Apple Music Beats 1 radio show, he said: "Pharrell loves music. I don’t know how much money he has, or how much he’s trying to make. But I know whatever financial situation he’s in his music is always going to be sick. When I’m in the studio with him it’s like I’m working with someone I’ve known all my life."
Skepta – real name Joseph Junior Adenuga – is one of the UK’s most critically acclaimed rappers and is considered a pioneer of the grime genre along with his MC brother Jme.
And the ‘Shutdown’ hitmaker – who is from Tottenham in London – wanted to showcase the best artists from the British hip hop scene on his upcoming LP, which was something grime fan Pharrell encouraged.
He said: "I knew I had an obligation to represent the country when I did this album. Not just different MCs, but sonically. I know what is on my back with this album and I’ve got every element from London needed. I don’t want to announce the MCs but it’s very well rounded. And Pharrell’s blessed me. People respect him. I don’t think grime has ever been respected, it’s not seen as a nice sound. But having Pharrell bless my album, maybe you can see that the freeness of his music; that’s what we’re doing as well."
Skepta – whose last studio album was 2011’s ‘Doin’ It Again’ – has already unveiled the track ‘Ladies Hit Squad’, which features D Double E and A$AP Nast, from the album and ‘Lukey World’, a tribute to close friend Lukey Maxwell who died after being stabbed in London last year.
No other collaborations have been confirmed yet.
Skepta and his BBK crew will headline Wireless festival in London on Sunday July 10.
Skepta reveals Pharrell Williams is on new album
