Insomnia

Released in March 2020, Insomnia is a collaborative studio album by Skepta, Chip, and Young Adz (of D-Block Europe). While Skepta is primarily known as a grime pioneer, this project represents a significant pivot toward the UK trap sound that dominated the late 2010s. The album was recorded in a concentrated burst of creativity, resulting in a cohesive, high-energy listen that emphasizes chemistry over individual stardom. Critical reception noted the surprising synergy between the three artists, particularly how Skepta's veteran presence anchored the more experimental, melodic tendencies of Young Adz. The production is characterized by heavy 808s and minimalist melodic loops, moving away from the industrial grit of Skepta's Konnichiwa era toward a more polished, commercial aesthetic. It stands as a testament to the versatility of the London scene, bridging generational and stylistic gaps within UK hip-hop.