Skepta has returned to the ring with “Round 2,” a fierce, calculated diss aimed at Joyner Lucas that reignites a simmering rivalry between UK grime and American hip-hop. The track dropped with little warning, but its intent was clear: this was no casual response—it was a declaration.
A direct reply to Joyner’s “Nobody Cares,” the track doesn’t meander. Instead, Skepta goes for the jugular, lacing brooding production with pointed bars that question Joyner’s credibility and artistic authenticity. He takes subtle but stinging shots at Joyner’s tendency to rap in third person, brushing off the theatrics and reminding listeners of his own bona fides—including triple platinum sales in the U.S.
Skepta’s Bars Rekindle Grime vs. Rap Debate
There’s no shortage of standout lines, but one lands with particular bite: “I beat you in two lines,” a curt dismissal of Joyner’s recent sparring with Tory Lanez. Elsewhere, Skepta leans into his roots, declaring, “I don’t do gimmicks. I do Guinness,” blending grit and wit with a nod to London’s nightlife and grime culture.
The release comes on the heels of Skepta’s cameo during Drake’s headlining Wireless Festival set, a moment that added fuel to the fire. The diss has sparked debate—some welcome the drama, others see it as unnecessary posturing—but either way, it’s pushed the grime-vs-rap conversation back into the spotlight.
Joyner’s “Nobody Cares” has its defenders, but the ball is now in his court. With fans on both sides watching closely, what began as a lyrical exchange has turned into something bigger—a cultural back-and-forth with no clear winner yet in sight.