UK grime artist Skepta and Nigerian artist Asake have teamed up on ‘Aloe Vera’, a track from Skepta’s project The Fork and Knife. The song was released through Big Smoke Records under an exclusive licence to Epic Records.
The production credits go to Lex Luger, Vanko and FRANKIE XY. The track is built on heavy, trap-leaning 808s and crisp drum programming, with subtle log-drum accents and acoustic melodies that add West African color.
The track combines UK rap aesthetics with West African vocal structures. Skepta’s precise, assertive verses sit over the rhythm, while Asake sings choir-backed Afro-fusion harmonies. Skepta’s verses carry the narrative, and Asake’s chorus work lifts the song.
Lyrically, ‘Aloe Vera’ uses the plant as a metaphor for healing and for keeping composure under pressure. Its themes include resilience, soothing stress, success and self-preservation.
