Skepta fires at Joyner Lucas in “JUNIOR’S LAW” diss track [AUDIO]

Skepta and Joyner Lucas Take Their Transatlantic Beef to New Heights with “JUNIOR’S LAW”

The hip-hop world is buzzing as Skepta and Joyner Lucas continue their fiery transatlantic feud, with Skepta’s latest diss track, “JUNIOR’S LAW,” was released earlier this week (July 29). Therefore, marking the latest chapter in this UK vs. US rap battle. What began as a debate over lyrical superiority has evolved into a full-blown clash of bars, egos, and cultural pride. Thus, captivating fans on both sides of the Atlantic. For readers, this beef is more than just a rivalry. Additionally, it’s a showcase of hip-hop’s competitive spirit and a moment that’s defining the genre this year.

The Origins of the Skepta-Joyner Lucas Feud

The beef kicked off in early this month when Skepta, a UK grime legend, took to X to challenge American rappers. Thus, declaring, “I wanna clash an American rapper. Finally get this UK/US rap debate sorted.” His bold claim that UK lyricists outshine their US counterparts caught the attention of Joyner Lucas. Lucas is a Massachusetts-born rapper known for his rapid-fire delivery and battle-ready bars. After that, Lucas responded on X. Therefore, tweeting, “The moment I’ve been waiting for… say the word, Joyner Lucas vs @Skepta. #UKvsUS.” Thus, setting the stage for a lyrical showdown.

Skepta fired the first shot with “Friendly Fire” on July 11, a track that mocked Lucas’ style with lines like, “Joyner Lucas, you bastard / Why you rap like you studied at Harvard?” Lucas retaliated four days later with “Nobody Cares.” As a result, accusing Skepta of fading relevance in the UK: “Maybe you’re mad because you ain’t got buzz up in the U.K. no more.” The back-and-forth escalated with Skepta’s “Round 2” and Lucas’ “Round 2 K.O.,” each track sharpening the jabs and drawing fans deeper into the drama.

Now, Skepta’s “JUNIOR’S LAW” has taken the feud to another level. Now, the grime icon is aiming to end the battle once and for all. Released during a high-energy performance at Glastonbury Festival 2025, the track is packed with witty retorts and a multi-faceted beat that blends grime’s gritty roots with trap influences. This is a masterclass in diss tracks. Also, it’s keeping the genre’s competitive edge alive.

Breaking Down “JUNIOR’S LAW”

Skepta’s “JUNIOR’S LAW” is a calculated strike. Therefore, designed to dismantle Lucas’ credibility while asserting UK rap’s dominance. The track opens with a jab at Lucas’ response time. Thus, rapping, “You took too long to hit back, fam / Where’s the fire you claim in your raps?” Skepta also references Lucas’ admiration for Eminem. Therefore, sneering, “And I never said that you’re the Black Eminem, boy, I said you’re the Black Stan.” That’s a line that’s already sparked heated debates on X. Another standout bar targets Lucas’ personal anecdotes: “You musta banged your head / Told them you wished your dad was dead / That’s some madness, dread.”

The production was handled by M1OnTheBeat and Goxan. It merges grime’s signature bounce with trap’s heavy bass, creating a backdrop that amplifies Skepta’s aggressive flow. Unlike his earlier diss tracks, “JUNIOR’S LAW” leans into humor and cultural references. As a result, Skepta pokes fun at Lucas’ attempts to mimic UK slang: “Diluted grime, bruv, it’s not as easy as it seems.” Fans on X have praised the track’s clever wordplay. One user ended up posting, “Skepta cooked with JUNIOR’S LAW. Joyner gotta come harder than this.”

However, others sided with Lucas. Thus, arguing, “Joyner’s bars hit deeper, Skepta’s just flexing.”
Lucas’ response to “JUNIOR’S LAW” has been dismissive, with the rapper taking to X to call it “the worst one I heard out of the 3 skippy” and urging Skepta to “give it up.” His refusal to drop a new track has led some to speculate the feud may be fizzling out, but others believe Lucas is strategizing for a bigger comeback. Either way, “JUNIOR’S LAW” has kept Skepta in the driver’s seat, with fans and critics alike dissecting its impact on the beef.

The Cultural Significance of the UK vs. US Rap Battle

The feud between Skepta and Joyner Lucas taps into a broader conversation about the UK and US hip-hop scenes, a rivalry that’s been simmering for years. Skepta’s initial challenge was rooted in his belief that UK rappers, often overlooked by American audiences, deserve more respect for their lyrical prowess. His comments echoed sentiments shared by Drake at Wireless Festival 2025. There, the Canadian superstar declared, “No disrespect to America, but nobody in the world can outrap London rappers.” Lucas’ laughing emoji response to Drake’s statement added fuel to the fire. Therefore, framing this beef as a proxy for a larger cultural debate.

For UK hip-hop, Skepta’s campaign is a rallying cry. Artists like Dave, Central Cee, and Stormzy have elevated grime and drill to global stages. However, many feel the US market still undervalues their contributions. Skepta’s diss tracks, including “JUNIOR’S LAW,” are a bold assertion of UK rap’s identity. Thus, blending grime’s raw energy with the bravado of hip-hop’s golden era. On the US side, Lucas represents a generation of American rappers who view lyricism as a sport. Therefore, drawing from battle rap traditions to defend their turf. His willingness to engage Skepta head-on has earned him respect, even among critics who question his mainstream appeal.

This feud also highlights the role of social media in modern hip-hop rivalries. Platforms like X have turned the beef into a real-time spectacle, with fans sharing memes, reactions, and hot takes. The hashtag #UKvsUS has trended multiple times since July. Therefore, amplifying the feud’s reach and keeping both artists in the spotlight. This dynamic underscores how social media has transformed beefs from studio exchanges to global conversations, with every bar and tweet dissected by millions.

What’s Next for Skepta and Joyner Lucas?

As of right now, the ball is in Joyner Lucas’ court. His dismissive reaction to “JUNIOR’S LAW” suggests he’s either stepping back or plotting a strategic response. Lucas has a history of engaging in high-profile battles, including clashes with Tory Lanez and Logic, which ended on respectful terms. His experience could give him an edge if he chooses to counter with a new track, but he’ll need to match Skepta’s wit and cultural nuance to reclaim momentum. Fans on X are split, with some urging Lucas to “drop that heat” while others believe he’s better off focusing on his ADHD 2 album, released on July 18.

Skepta, meanwhile, shows no signs of slowing down. His Glastonbury performance and “JUNIOR’S LAW” release have solidified his status as a grime icon, and he’s hinted at more music in the pipeline. Sources close to the rapper suggest he’s also prepping a collaborative project with UK artists like JME and Frisco, potentially capitalizing on the feud’s buzz to elevate the grime scene. Whether he continues targeting Lucas or shifts focus to other American rappers—like ASAP Rocky, whom he initially called out—remains to be seen.

Why This Beef Matters to Hip-Hop Fans

The Skepta-Joyner Lucas beef is a throwback to the genre’s competitive roots. Therefore, reminiscent of classic rivalries like Tupac vs. Biggie or Jay-Z vs. Nas. Unlike those era-defining feuds, this one is driven by lyrical skill rather than personal animosity, making it a refreshing addition to 2025’s hip-hop landscape. The clash also showcases the diversity of hip-hop’s global reach, with Skepta’s grime-infused bars standing toe-to-toe with Lucas’ battle-rap precision.

The feud’s cultural implications are equally significant. By pitting UK and US rappers against each other, Skepta and Lucas are sparking conversations about lyricism, authenticity, and regional pride. For fans, it’s a chance to celebrate the genre’s evolution while debating who truly holds the crown. As one X user put it, “Skepta vs. Joyner is hip-hop at its rawest—bars, beats, and no filter.” Whether you’re Team UK or Team US, this beef is a reminder of why hip-hop remains the world’s most dynamic music culture.