Skepta Debuts New Album Songs at Reading Festival and Brings Fired Viral Security Guards On Stage

Skepta turned his Reading Festival performance into a massive headline-grabbing spectacle on August 28, delivering fresh music and staging an unforgettable viral crossover. The UK rap legend treated the crowd to the world premiere of three brand-new tracks from his long-awaited upcoming album, *Fork & Knife*. During the energetic festival set, fans in attendance became the very first audience to hear unreleased cuts titled "Pandora's Box," "Aloe Vera," and "Innocent Smile." The forthcoming LP serves as the official follow-up to Skepta's acclaimed 2019 project, *Ignorance Is Bliss*, alongside his house-infused EP *Más Tiempo Vol. 2*. While the star previously indicated in April that he was putting the final touches on the record, an official drop date has not yet been confirmed.

The festival set was packed with visual art alongside the music. Nigerian artist Slawn shared the stage with the rapper throughout the night, executing live spray-paint art directly behind Skepta to create an immersive backdrop for the performance. However, the emotional high point of the night occurred when Skepta launched into "Toxic," his 2025 collaboration with American rapper Playboi Carti. Skepta paused to invite two former venue security guards onto the main stage after they recently swept social media feeds.

The pair went viral online after being recorded dancing enthusiastically to "Toxic" while working security detail at Playboi Carti's London show. That viral moment unfortunately led to the venue firing both workers from their jobs shortly after the footage spread across the internet. Refusing to let their viral energy go unrewarded, Skepta invited the duo out to join him in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans. Welcoming them as his "security guard brothers," he gave them the ultimate stage to celebrate. The high-powered Reading set took place ahead of his scheduled performance at Leeds Festival as excitement for *Fork & Knife* continues to build.