Words: James Keith

Through thick and thin, East London’s Sir Spyro has been an ardent and essential supporter of grime music. Even when it felt like the genre was struggling and people weren’t paying attention, Spyro pushed through, flying the flag for the scene and making sure those embers never went out.

As both DJ and producer, Sir Spyro has played an integral role in grime’s enduring lifespan. For over a decade, his Grime Show was a staple on Rinse FM before he brought that magic to 1Xtra after taking over Logan Sama’s Friday night slot. Showcasing DJs and MCs alike, Sir Spyro’s radio shows have always been an essential stop-off point for grime heads. And let’s not forget his Sounds Of The Sir Grand Finale farewell show on Rinse. To be able to fill a room with so many legends, all lined up to salute and wish him luck at 1Xtra, is testament to the vast amount of respect he’s earned in the scene.

As a producer, Spyro’s iconic Sounds of the sir… call-sign has become an indisputable sign of quality. Vocalling a Spyro beat is almost a rite of passage; only the most talented are given the honour of vocalling his wobbly, dubby grime riddims. Over the years he’s supplied beats for P Money, Jme, Big H, Capo Lee, D Double, Ghetts and just as many remixes, not least his recent reworkings of Ed Sheeran and Mahalia. Even the success of those last two don’t compare to how ubiquitous his Stormzy productions have become. Of the three instrumentals that Spyro contributed to Gang Signs & Prayer, “Big For Your Boots” was the jewel in its crown and for the next couple of years replaced “Shut Up” as the Croydon MC’s surefire moshpit-starter.

As he enters his second decade in the biz, Spyro has secured legendary status for himself and a legacy that few can compete with.

Here are 20 reasons to love Sir Spyro.