Pure Water (Skepta song)
"Pure Water" is a song by English grime artist Skepta, released as a single in 2018 by Boy Better Know.[1] The song references the sachets of water that are sold by street vendors in West Africa.[2] It debuted and peaked at number 78 on the UK Singles Chart.[3]
| "Pure Water" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Skepta | ||||
| from the album Ignorance Is Bliss | ||||
| Released | 8 May 2018 | |||
| Genre | Grime | |||
| Length | 3:07 | |||
| Label | Boy Better Know | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Joseph Adenuga | |||
| Producer(s) | Skepta | |||
| Skepta singles chronology | ||||
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Critical reception edit
Stereogum stated that the song starts with a "nursery rhyme riff before slinking into a rubbery, muscular beat", with Skepta rapping "Pure water and lots of ice/ She knows that I be the boss of life."[4] Noisey pointed out the song's use of puns in relation to the title, including references to "ice", and complimented Skepta's wit, as well as how he sounds over the "sparse, percussive beat".[5] Complex called the track "ice cold" and said Skepta delivers his "trademark flow over self-produced signature sounds", calling it "another entry into a long line of bass-heavy, all-out grime tracks in his back catalogue".[2] NME called it one of Skepta's most "contemplative" tracks "to date".[6] HotNewHipHop said Skepta's "direct delivery on the track complements the minimal and smooth production".[7]
Music video edit
The music video for the song was directed by Olivia Rose.[8] While Skepta teased the music video in June 2018, showing a behind-the-scenes clip of several women wearing lots of jewellery,[9] the full video was uploaded to YouTube on 31 October 2018.
Charts edit
| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC)[3] | 78 |
References edit
- ^ "Pure Water - Single by Skepta". Music.apple.com. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Skepta Kicks Summer Off With Ice-Cold New Single "Pure Water"". Complex.com. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 24 October 2018.
- ^ "Skepta - "Pure Water"". Stereogum.com. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ "Skepta's New Track "Pure Water" Is a Welcome Refreshment". Vice.com. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ "Skepta returns with new single 'Pure Water'". Nme.com. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ "Skepta Delivers New Banger "Pure Water"". HotNewHipHop.xom. 7 May 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
- ^ "Skepta Drops Black & White Video for "Pure Water"". Hypebeast. 31 October 2018. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
- ^ "Skepta Teases Video for "Pure Water"". Hypebeast.com. 4 June 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2021.