★★★☆☆
Two of the UK’s most influential artists, grime pioneer Skepta and electronic producer Fred again.., have joined forces on a new collaborative extended play titled Skepta..Fred. Just a few months after “Victory Lap” was released, the pair’s first official collaboration, this project continues to merge Skepta’s cutting lyricism with Fred’s expansive electronic production.
At first glance, this partnership may have seemed unlikely, but now it almost feels inevitable. Skepta has been the defining voice of the UK grime movement since the mid-2000s, well known for top hits like “That’s not me,” featuring JME and “Shutdown.” He is well known for pushing boundaries within the genre, so it comes as no surprise that he continues to do this in Skepta..Fred.
Fred again.., meanwhile, has become one of Britain’s most versatile producers, building a reputation for turning intimate samples into worldwide club anthems, such as “Delilah (pull me out of this)” or “Marea (we’ve lost dancing).”
Although Skepta and Fred again.. work together as equals on the EP, on his Instagram, Fred explained he has been, “A fan of Skepta [his] whole life.” For Fred, stepping into this creative partnership with Skepta is not just a collaboration—it’s the realization of a lifelong dream.
The EP opens with “Back 2 Back,” a hard-hitting, festival-ready track that immediately sets the tone for the album. Its relentless pace makes you feel like you are right there in the crowd, experiencing the song live alongside thousands of other fans.
“Open up your bedroom door / Let your mum hear this / Introduce her to the music,” Skepta raps.
At first glance the line is comical, but it voices a real aim to break down barriers between generations. Skepta and Fred Again.. want their music to be for everyone.
Next is “London.” The track’s upbeat tempo and jumpy feel capture the chaotic energy of the city. Skepta raps, “I come alive in the nighttime’ and ‘She knows the city is mine / Where do you wanna go?”
“21 years” slows the pace down significantly, producing a more introspective piece about Skepta’s two-decade journey in music.
“Twenty-one years with the / same faces around me,” Skepta raps, highlighting his loyalty and longevity in a notoriously volatile industry.
Fred also praises Skepta in the track, saying, “No one can say they’ve done what he’s done and still doin it.”
The EP finishes strong with the recurrence of “Victory Lap,” featuring PlaqueBoyMax, a true fan favorite.
While the EP is clearly designed for live performance, the instruments feel predictable and even static at times. If you heard a 30-second snippet of any one of the songs, you’ve essentially heard all the song has to offer.
A couple of songs also feel underdeveloped, with certain beats lacking the eccentricity and emotional depth associated with Fred again..’s solo work. The EP could have benefited from tighter editing and a more cohesive narrative thread throughout.
Despite this, it is clear that Skepta..Fred highlights the chemistry between two artists operating at the top of their game. You really feel the energy when listening.
For Skepta, the project is symbolic of his consistent relevance nearly two decades into his career. He remains unafraid to take risks and experiment outside the traditional grime blueprint.
The EP also cements Fred again..’s reputation as a boundary-pushing producer who thrives on active collaboration and can adapt his style without losing his own distinct identity.
Although these tracks don’t reflect Fred Again..’s and Skepta’s best work, they illustrate a strong development in the blend of grime with electronic genres.
Skepta..Fred has one foot firmly planted in the UK underground and the other stepping boldly into commercial electronic house. Whether it was a perfect project or not, Skepta..Fred feels less like a one-off experiment and more like a blueprint for the future of British music.
