The criticism centered on the perceived link between the artwork and the Holocaust.

Photo credit: Skepta – Facebook

British rapper Skepta has issued an apology and removed the artwork for his latest single ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent),’ following a wave of backlash online. Set to be released on January 26th, the cut is the lead single from the artist’s upcoming album, ‘Knife & Fork’.

In a series of posts on Twitter, Skepta expressed that he did not intend to offend anyone with the artwork, which featured a group of men with shaved heads, one of whom had a tattoo that said ‘Gas Me Up.’ The artist has since taken down the artwork and promised to be more considerate in the future.

The criticism primarily focused on the perceived connection between the artwork and the Holocaust, which was further fueled by the title of the track. Comments on the now-deleted posts on Twitter and Instagram announcing the single also included instances of antisemitic remarks.

However, Skepta clarified that the artwork was not intended to reference the Holocaust. Instead, it symbolized his parents’ experience of immigrating to the UK in the 1980s and the associated skinhead and football culture.

‘I can understand how my single artwork, without context, could be seen as offensive,’ Skepta acknowledged. ‘Especially in times like these. But again, that was never my intention.’

Check out the tweets and artwork below.

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 80’s, Skinhead, Football culture and it has been taken offensively by many and I can…

— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) January 10, 2024