Konnichiwa
by Skepta
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 97 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 97
  3. Negative: 5 out of 97
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. eltonravonne
    May 17, 2016
    10
    Although there has been a long gap (5 years, 2011's Blacklisted) in between commercial releases for Skepta, with 2016's Konnichiwa he proves that he's still on form and dare I say it, a perfect 10 this time around. This release is a slight departure from past Skepta efforts because of the fact it's easily his most accessible album. You don't have to be a dedicated grime-head to "get it",Although there has been a long gap (5 years, 2011's Blacklisted) in between commercial releases for Skepta, with 2016's Konnichiwa he proves that he's still on form and dare I say it, a perfect 10 this time around. This release is a slight departure from past Skepta efforts because of the fact it's easily his most accessible album. You don't have to be a dedicated grime-head to "get it", it's simple and plain while still maintaining it's identity.

    He's managed to build off of the momentum generated by the previous teasers he's dropped in the last year or so (Namely 'Lukey World', 'Top Boy' and a special Soundcloud Halloween Mix) and put out an effort that's more than deserving of the buzz it's received. 2015/2016 has really been kind to Skepta and Boy Better Know. From a Drake co-sign to an unlikely BBK/A$AP alliance, Skepta and his BBK cohorts are more than primed to hit America (if they choose to do so).

    Konnichiwa is the album that stays true to it's grime, UK roots while simultaneously catching the ear of more mainstream outlets. From production, to the features (the usual [BBK, JME, Wiley, etc.] to the unlikely [Pharrell Williams]), to Skepta himself with 5 featureless tracks), this is a well-rounded effort with something for everyone.
    With Konnichiwa, Skeppy is well...he's 'Doin It Again' and whatever you do, don't call that man Junior.

    (My Standout Tracks: 'Corn on the Curb', 'Crime Riddim', 'Ladies Hit Squad', 'Detox' and 'Text Me Back'.....even though all 12 are distinct in their own way)    … Expand
  2. sepiaclouds
    May 28, 2016
    7
    I have a varied taste in music - Grime I would label as a guilty pleasure but none the less I enjoy it - and what a way to satisfy it with a new Skepta album. Personally, I do prefer JME's 'Integrity>', but this album was still pretty good.

    1. Konnichiwa: The best opening I could imagine for this album, not the best song on the album, but still very strong and the bars were consistent    I have a varied taste in music - Grime I would label as a guilty pleasure but none the less I enjoy it - and what a way to satisfy it with a new Skepta album. Personally, I do prefer JME's 'Integrity>', but this album was still pretty good.

    1. Konnichiwa: The best opening I could imagine for this album, not the best song on the album, but still very strong and the bars were consistent and well delivered. (9/10)
    2. Lyrics: I was very impressed by this song, the lyrics were witty and executed perfectly. (9/10)
    3. Corn on the Curb: I don't like Wiley all that much, but I liked this song. His featuring in it did make a difference and if Wiley were to produce music that sounded all like this song, I would defiantly listen to it.
    4. Crime Riddim: Eh. (7/10)
    5,6 & 7. It Ain't Safe, Ladies Hit Squad & Numbers: All of these songs were what knocked my score from a 9 to a 7. The rhythms weren't at all good, and Pharrell just seems to get on my nerves in 'Numbers' (5/10 for all)
    8. Man: As an avid fan of Queens of the Stone Age, the sampling of 'Regular John' struck me immediately, good job, Skepta. Ignoring the really cringy video, this is one of the best songs Skepta has released. (9.5/10)
    9 & 10. Shutdown & That's Not Me: We all know both of these songs, and we all know that they're both very good. (8/10 Shutdown, 8.5/10 That's Not Me)
    11. Detox: I think this is THE best song Skepta has released, and therefore is my favourite on the album; go listen to it. (10/10)
    12. Text Me Back: I didn't think this song was necessary. Much like 'The Empty Hourglass' from Architects most recent album, it just felt like filler. (4/10)

    I'm not exactly a Grime fan, but I do occasionally listen to it and I do like most of the genre. Skepta, wake up your brother, I wouldn't mind some more material from him.    … Expand
  3. Orudomonki
    May 15, 2016
    8
    Whole project has been on point! Great bars, great beats and great use of grime! Favorite songs: Numbers, Shutdown, Konnichiwa, Text me back. UK Hip-hop is growing and it shouldn't be underestimated!

    8/10
  4. mc_ryn
    May 22, 2016
    8
    Although there are gaps, where bars which are not thought about enough - could of been improved and production which seemed not fit for a grime artist, Skepta's passion pulls through for a coherent album, a staple for grime in the future and now.
  5. AiAmano
    May 12, 2016
    8
    Really enjoyed this album. Skepta does a really good job in flowing and picking the right beats. Theres just one hit after another, it has really nice feature guests (especially JME), it just goes hard. So good job to Skepta, really nice grime album :)
  6. joeytrent
    May 14, 2016
    7
    The fanfare behind Skepta's long awaited studio album seems to have reached deafening levels in recent weeks. Clamour for the album to be a genre-defining record was mixed with fear that it would be a trumped up disappointment. Ultimately for me, it's probably a mixture of the two. One of the best qualities about this album is that it is very much Skepta's. Many UK artists can fall intoThe fanfare behind Skepta's long awaited studio album seems to have reached deafening levels in recent weeks. Clamour for the album to be a genre-defining record was mixed with fear that it would be a trumped up disappointment. Ultimately for me, it's probably a mixture of the two. One of the best qualities about this album is that it is very much Skepta's. Many UK artists can fall into the trap of reaching a level of stateside notoriety and hauling every bit-part US rapper onto their album, resulting in a watered down, pseudo-hip hop album that lacks all originality. This doesn't happen here. This album is unfailingly British. The collaborations are kept minimal, and almost all of them work out. Though the tracks on here are for the most part a tight, cohesive mix of grime bangers, there are a couple of moments where Skepta completely misses the mark (Ladies Hit Squad, which boasts a horrendous A$AP Nast feature). The album is also very short. It runs 12 songs long, less than 45 minutes, and is made all the shorter by the fact it was supported by 5 singles. Given Konnichiwa was announced 2 years ago, one can be forgiven for perhaps expecting a little more than Skepta offers here. But when all is said and done, this is a good album. Skepta's now patented blend of impressive lyricism and commercial appeal is refined into a strong series of grime bangers.… Expand
  7. michaelpbourke
    May 17, 2016
    7
    Certainly one of the best Grime albums to come out in the past 5 years (alongside Intergrity > & Blacklisted) but it does have its faults. One of the main ones for me is the talking scenes. They're interesting the first time round but get annoying when you just want to play the album. It would be great if they were sperated into interludes. The other main fault is Pharrell Williams' hookCertainly one of the best Grime albums to come out in the past 5 years (alongside Intergrity > & Blacklisted) but it does have its faults. One of the main ones for me is the talking scenes. They're interesting the first time round but get annoying when you just want to play the album. It would be great if they were sperated into interludes. The other main fault is Pharrell Williams' hook on Numbers it is very out of place on the record. The only other problem is Skepta falls short lyrical with a few cringey one liners that could have easily been changed & improved. However saying all this it is a very good album & well worth buying for any Grime fans.… Expand
  8. Clean
    Jun 4, 2016
    4
    Only half of the album had unreleased songs the other half had songs that were between 2 and 3 years old. The topics where mostly mundane and the instrumentals weren't as grimey as they should have been for one of the biggest grime artists of 2016.
  9. Mcgillacuddy
    Aug 15, 2016
    8
    For my first time listening to Skepta, I have to say that I'm very, very satisfied. This guy can rap. No seriously, this guy can RAP. He's has such great flow and lyrics, and the production in every song is just straight fire.
  10. KucaJamie
    Nov 3, 2016
    9
    This is one of the best grime albums I've heard in a while. Skepta is a great artist, but we haven't seen all of his talent until this Mercury Prize Winner. My personal favourite is the brutal 'That's Not Me' with a great beat, brilliant flow, and a good feature from JME. 'Shutdown' is also a highlight, with Skepta showing by his lyrics and his flow that he is one of the best around. OtherThis is one of the best grime albums I've heard in a while. Skepta is a great artist, but we haven't seen all of his talent until this Mercury Prize Winner. My personal favourite is the brutal 'That's Not Me' with a great beat, brilliant flow, and a good feature from JME. 'Shutdown' is also a highlight, with Skepta showing by his lyrics and his flow that he is one of the best around. Other great ones are 'Man' and 'Ladies Hit Squad' but if you are just discovering this album, be sure to give it a listen. It's fantastic.… Expand
  11. privateskolim
    Jan 22, 2020
    9
    Bardzo przyjemny album. Skepta pokazał jak wraca się na ścieżki z których się zboczyło w poszukiwaniu sławy i pieniędzy. Płyta przez którą poznałem co to grime więc tym bardziej na plus!

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best Album of 2016
83
#83 Most Discussed Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. PopMatters
    Aug 24, 2016
    80
    A strong album and potential watermark moment in both Skepta career and grime’s history.
    Read full review
  2. Record Collector
    Jul 15, 2016
    80
    Konnichiwa isn’t just the sound of young Britain, but a bar-raising example of just how creative UK music can be.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    Lines aimed at authority, competition, and bottom feeders all shoot clean through.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »