What makes Konnichiwa by Skepta notable?

Konnichiwa received widespread critical acclaim, debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart and earning Skepta the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2018. The album played a crucial role in popularizing grime worldwide, influencing a new generation of artists and solidifying Skepta's position as a leading voice in the genre. By the time Skepta released Konnichiwa in May 2016, he had established himself as a key figure in the UK grime scene following his previous albums, including the critically acclaimed Konichiwa (2014). This album marked a significant moment in his career, as it came during an international resurgence of interest in grime, particularly after his performance at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival.

Who is Konnichiwa for?

Konnichiwa works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, short, punchy listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Konnichiwa?

Konnichiwa has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Konnichiwa

Skepta · 2016

44 min · 12 tracks · grime

A fierce blend of grime beats and assertive lyricism that captures the pulse of contemporary UK culture.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Shutdown — This track exemplifies Skepta's commanding delivery and vibrant energy, encapsulating the essence of grime while also becoming a cultural anthem for the genre.
→
It Ain’t Safe — With its hard-hitting production and incisive lyrics, this track showcases Skepta's ability to address social issues while maintaining an infectious groove.
→
Ladies Hit Squad — Featuring collaborations with notable female artists, this track highlights Skepta's inclusive approach and showcases versatility within the traditionally male-dominated genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Konnichiwa showcases strong lyricism and production while maintaining a cohesive energy throughout its tracks.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a confrontational tone, followed by a sequence of tracks that maintain high energy and aggressive beats.
Several tracks feature layered vocal deliveries, where Skepta alternates between rapid-fire verses and melodic hooks, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
The production incorporates heavy bass lines and minimalist beats, often punctuated by sharp snares and hi-hats, characteristic of grime's raw sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
short, punchy listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
focused lyrical engagement

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album significantly raised Skepta's profile and earned him the Mercury Prize.
Career context: By the time Skepta released Konnichiwa in May 2016, he had established himself as a key figure in the UK grime scene following his previous albums, including the critically acclaimed Konichiwa (2014). This album marked a significant moment in his career, as it came during an international resurgence of interest in grime, particularly after his performance at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival.
Stylistic neighbors: Jme· Giggs· Stormzy