Sir Spyro

Sir Spyro is a pioneering grime DJ, producer and radio figure whose influence stretches from the genre’s pirate-radio foundations to some of its biggest mainstream moments. Born Karl Joseph in East London, he grew up surrounded by Caribbean music and early UK dance culture, falling in love with jungle, garage and the emerging grime sound from a young age. By his mid-teens he was already DJing on local pirates, developing the sharp, heavyweight style that would later make him one of the most respected selectors in the scene. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he became a resident on Rinse FM, a position he held for more than a decade and one that cemented him as a central figure in grime’s growth. He joined the legendary Ruff Sqwad crew in 2011, while also establishing his own platforms and labels to champion producer-driven grime instrumentals. During this period he released early cult favourites such as “Side By Side” and “Topper Top,” tracks that became staples in sets across the UK and highlighted his signature dark, rolling basslines and instantly recognisable “Sounds of the Sir!” producer tag. Spyro’s production career expanded into major commercial success when he co-produced Stormzy’s “Big for Your Boots,” one of the defining tracks of the Gang Signs & Prayer era and a Top 10 UK hit. He followed this with work on Stormzy’s “Sounds of the Skeng” and the official remix of Ed Sheeran and Stormzy’s “Take Me Back to London,” which reached Number 1 in the UK and introduced Spyro’s sound to a global audience. These moments solidified his reputation as a producer capable of shaping underground culture while contributing to mainstream chart success. In 2017 he moved from Rinse FM to BBC Radio 1Xtra, where he took over the weekly grime show - a key national platform for MCs, producers and new talent. His 1Xtra show quickly became one of the most important spaces for live sets, guest appearances and breaking new artists, winning acclaim for its authenticity and consistency. For many in the scene, Spyro’s show has become the modern benchmark for grime radio, with memorable moments ranging from iconic freestyle sessions to spotlighting emerging MCs who later broke through. Alongside radio and production, Spyro has toured extensively as a DJ, performing at major clubs, festivals and live events across the UK and Europe. He has launched label ventures including Tekkerz, continued to champion new producers, and remained a respected mentor and culture-carrier within the grime community. His influence spans nearly every aspect of the genre: the clubs, the radio waves, the charts, and the careers of countless MCs. Spyro remains more active than ever: in 2024 he dropped singles such as “Energy Gang” and “Over the Wall,” and in 2025 he released “G.I.B (Grime Is Back)” with D Double E and “8 Bar” featuring an all-star MC lineup - followed by “Start & Stop” featuring Killa P, which was nominated for a Best Track award by DJ Mag. He also continues to champion his label Tekkerz and collaborate with emerging producers and MCs, reinforcing his role as both artist and mentor in the grime community. Widely regarded as one of the greatest grime DJs of all time and one of the culture’s most trusted ears, Sir Spyro has played a vital role in shaping both the sound and the story of UK grime. His career bridges generations - connecting its raw early energy with its modern evolution - and his legacy continues to grow with each project, collaboration and radio moment he delivers.