Skepta has released a statement about the claims that were being made about the artwork for his upcoming new single which some allege make references to the Holocaust. In a statement on X on January 10, the rapper addressed the controversy while talking about the inspiration behind his new material and its accompanying imagery.

“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,” he wrote.

He goes on to say that while the cover had “been taken offensively by many”, the interpretation linked to WW2 “was not our plan.” Skepta then confirmed that he had “removed” the artwork and vowed to “be more mindful going forward.”

In another post, Skepta shared a collage of some photographs that inspired “the 1980’s UK story for my album ‘Knife & Fork’” to provide additional context behind the inspiration of the cover art.

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

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… pic.twitter.com/59oUOPe8Hp

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

The UK  rapper will release the song “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” on January 26. It will be featured on his much anticipated sixth studio album, Knife And Fork.