Skepta appeared in a U.K. courtroom Friday (October 3) to face charges of drug-driving and speeding after authorities say he was found with cannabis in his system and driving over the limit in two separate incidents.
The 43-year-old rapper is accused of operating a Mercedes-Maybach while under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, during a traffic stop on May 14, 2023, in High Wycombe, north of London. In a separate incident, prosecutors say he was clocked doing 37 mph in a 30 mph zone while driving a £400,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom on November 20, 2023.
In addition to the drug and speeding charges, Skepta is also being prosecuted for allegedly failing to provide Thames Valley Police with information about the driver of the Rolls-Royce.
The Boy Better Know co-founder appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on October 3 wearing a white T-shirt and light blue trousers. He confirmed his name, address and date of birth before the judge postponed the case due to what was described as a “lack of court time.”
Skepta has denied all charges.
The Mercury Prize-winning artist has long been a prominent figure in British Hip-Hop, rising to fame with his 2007 debut and later branching into fashion, modeling and film. Despite his success, Skepta has expressed discomfort with his celebrity status.
In a recent interview with Dazed, he said, “I don’t care about fame. Really. I care about art. I care about making the best song. I care about people selecting my poetry as theirs. I hate being famous.”
He added, “I just feel like, whatever fame has brought me is what I’ve always had already, you know what I mean? The eyes, the judgment – I’ve always had that. In the early days it helped to toughen me up and prepare me for now. But I don’t need it any more.”
Skepta comes from a well-known creative family. His brother JME, born Jamie Adenuga, is also a rapper and part of the Boy Better Know collective. Their sister Julie Adenuga is a respected broadcaster and radio personality.
The trial is scheduled to resume sometime in 2025.
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