Skepta has officially entered the international rap beef arena with his new track “Friendly Fire,” taking aim at American rapper Joyner Lucas. The track, released on July 11, arrives in response to recent online exchanges between the two artists, which started when Skepta called for a UK vs. US lyrical battle. While Joyner quickly volunteered to represent the States, Skepta brushed him off, suggesting Joyner wasn’t the real target of his energy. “Friendly Fire” lives up to its name—sharp, tactical, but not overly hostile.
In the track, Skepta critiques Joyner’s rap style, poking fun at his overly technical delivery and accusing him of lacking authenticity. One notable line from the song reads, “Joyner Lucas, you bastard, why you rap like you studied at Harvard?”—a sarcastic jab that mocks Joyner’s polished flow as being overly academic and sterile. Rather than launching into a full-on diss, Skepta treats Joyner as a side mission, suggesting he doesn’t see him as a worthy opponent on the main stage.
What’s clever about “Friendly Fire” is its restraint. Instead of turning the beef into a personal war, Skepta keeps the tone measured, using the moment to elevate the UK scene while minimizing Joyner’s relevance. He reminds fans that his real interest lies in challenging bigger names—most notably A$AP Rocky. The track functions more as a warning shot, a flex of lyrical precision rather than a full-out attack.
Reactions to the song have been mixed, with UK fans praising Skepta for his cool-headed confidence, while some US listeners feel the diss didn’t go far enough. Still, the move has sparked excitement around a potential transatlantic battle, with fans now waiting to see if Joyner or Rocky will fire back. Whether or not this leads to a major clash, “Friendly Fire” has already served its purpose—putting Skepta’s name front and center in the global rap conversation.