When listening to the early years of Ruff Sqwad, it's evident that they held the purest elements of grime with a whole decade's worth of emotionally-driven productions made by some of the most innovative beatsmiths of our generation. Think that's an exaggeration? "Functions On The Low", "Xtra", "Pied Piper", "Anna" and even "Tings In Boots", are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their iconic offerings. And, on top of that, lay piercing flows with 8-bar forecasts of "showering down" raves, love, and self-motivation. Tinchy Stryder, Rapid, Slix, Dirty Danger, Fuda Guy, Shifty Rydos, Mad Max, and DJ Scholar—we salute you.
Words by Laura 'Hyperfrank' Brosnan
Ruff Sqwad – "And Ting" (Unknown Date)
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A super early cut from the Ruff Sqwad mandem, Rapid's battering of the buttons here doesn't disappoint—and neither do his bars (Your wifey, she's a bosh and ting, fucked her up in the loft and ting). In all honesty, these tracks were chosen as an excuse to screwface your life away and buss a two-step at the bus stop, until you realise just how groundbreaking their music actually was. If there was ever a time to make a petition for Guns & Roses Vol. 3—that time would indeed be now.
Ruff Sqwad – "R U Double F" (Unknown Date)
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This track was unreleased, and, apparently, the MP3 was lost so only radio rips allow this rough copy to live on. Pulsating synths drive through the low KBP on this one, leaving us grime stans forever wishing for that full release... Dream on, dreamers.
Ruff Sqwad – "Jampie" (2005)
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Lifted from Guns & Roses Vol. 1, "Jampie" stands out from a strong batch of Ruff Sqwad material. Produced by Wiley, the icy track features Slix as the lead with Trim and Stamina thrown in for good measure. But it's actually Stamina's verse that glues this cut together, reeling off his truthful tale of life on the streets: It used to be good in the endz, no snakes just mates, no bad minding, just friends/Not a care in the world, nothing could hold us back, not a dare in the world/And I thank God, that I'm still here in the world, cos the hoods fucked up cos of drugs and girls. Bars for days!
Ruff Sqwad – "Anna" (2005)
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"HEY!" shouts Rapid, as the crew take us on a visual and aural tour of London's East End. "Anna" was the track that took Ruff Sqwad from local pirate radio talents, to having their boats on screens up and down country. At a time when the only way to spread your voice as an MC was through DVDs and radio, these guys were definitely pushing the boundaries as an independent grime act.
Ruff Sqwad – "Xtra" (2006)
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We're from east London where the man dem ah... (and the office shouts: BOOP! BOOP! BOOP! BOOP! BOOP!). If you've ever experienced this tune in a rave, you'll understand the excitement when Slix drops his "Down" hook; gender-neutral gunfingers fly up and invisible shots fire into the air. Take a listen for yourself if you think we're being Xtra! (P.S. Those Cassette Playa tees still look *insert fire emoji*).
Ruff Sqwad – "Died In Your Arms" (2006)
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A grime song sampling Cutting Crew's "Died In Your Arms"? Yes, and it works absolute wonders. Writing about love isn't exactly original, but this track scraps the typical male ego and delivers heartbreak in a more vulnerable state. What an idiot, what a doh doh/I should have known that girl was a hoe doh. We've all been there, Dirty Dang! We've all been there.
Test Icicles f/ Ruff Sqwad & Statik – "Catch It Remix" (2006)
