Ruff Sqwad

Ruff Sqwad are one of grime’s most pioneering and influential collectives. Hailing from Bow, East London—the genre’s birthplace—they helped define grime’s golden era with their raw, melodic, and unmistakably forward-thinking sound. Their seminal 2005 mixtape, Guns and Roses Vol. 1, remains one of grime’s most critically acclaimed releases, shaping generations of MCs and producers.

From pirate radio dominance to timeless anthems like Together, Functions on the Low, and Xtra, Ruff Sqwad’s music transcends decades, cementing their status as innovators. Their influence echoes in today’s biggest UK artists, with Skepta, Stormzy, Ghetts, and Dave all standing on grime’s foundation.

Their return with Flee FM reignited the scene, and they’ve built on that momentum with Flee FM 2, uniting legends D Double E, Roachee, and members of Nasty Crew, Roll Deep, and Boy Better Know—bringing together grime’s most iconic collectives for a landmark moment.

Now, in 2025, Ruff Sqwad celebrate the 20th anniversary of Guns and Roses Vol. 1 with a UK and European tour, culminating in a headline performance at SXSW London—a defining moment in grime’s ongoing legacy.