By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – London, The landscape of British underground electronic music has always been defined by its ability to evolve while remaining fiercely loyal to its roots. Few figures embody this duality as effectively as Sir Spyro, the producer and DJ whose name has become synonymous with the raw energy of grime and the precision of the 140 BPM bass scene. In a move that bridges the gap between nostalgia and forward-thinking production, Sir Spyro has officially released his latest body of work, the ‘2nd SQ’ EP, through the legendary Deep Medi Musik imprint. The release is not merely a collection of new tracks; it serves as a significant milestone for both the artist and the label, marking two decades of Deep Medi’s influence and ten years since Spyro’s most iconic anthem changed the trajectory of the genre.
The ‘2nd SQ’ EP arrives at a pivotal moment for Deep Medi Musik. Founded by Mala—one-half of the pioneering duo Digital Mystikz—the label has spent twenty years as the gold standard for dubstep and experimental bass music. Since its inception, Deep Medi has been less of a traditional record label and more of a cultural institution, curated with a meticulous ear for "weight" and "vibration." For Spyro to return to the fold during the label’s 20th-anniversary celebrations highlights the deep-seated respect between the producer and the imprint’s founder. This relationship was solidified a decade ago with the release of "Topper Top," a track that arguably redefined the crossover potential of grime and dubstep.
"Topper Top" was more than just a club hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. Featuring the gravelly tones of Teddy Bruckshot alongside Lady Chann and Killa P, the track’s minimalist but devastatingly heavy production became a staple in sets ranging from tiny basement clubs to massive festival stages. It represented the "Deep Medi sound" applied to the grime aesthetic—sparse, menacing, and built for high-fidelity sound systems. Now, ten years after that landmark release, Sir Spyro returns to the label with ‘2nd SQ,’ a four-track exploration that proves his mastery of the 140 BPM format has only sharpened with time.
The new EP, which is currently available via Bandcamp and major streaming platforms, consists of four distinct compositions that lean into the dark, rhythmic complexity for which Sir Spyro is known. While Spyro is often celebrated for his high-energy grime sets on BBC Radio 1Xtra, his production work for Deep Medi allows him to explore the more atmospheric and technical side of bass music. The ‘2nd SQ’ EP is a masterclass in restraint and impact. It avoids the cluttered maximalism often found in contemporary electronic music, opting instead for surgically precise percussion and sub-bass frequencies that demand to be heard on a proper rig.
Reflecting on his return to the label, Spyro expressed a profound sense of pride in his ongoing association with Mala’s imprint. He noted that being part of the 10th-anniversary celebrations with "Topper Top" was a career highlight, and returning for the 20th anniversary feels like a natural progression. This sense of longevity is rare in the fast-paced world of electronic music, where trends often flicker and fade within a few years. The partnership between Spyro and Deep Medi suggests a shared philosophy: a commitment to the "sound system" culture that prioritizes the physical experience of music over commercial accessibility.
The release of ‘2nd SQ’ follows an exceptionally productive period for Sir Spyro. In the summer of 2024, he collaborated with the legendary D Double E for the single "Energy Gang," a track that captured the frantic, infectious spirit of the London underground. They followed this up in early 2025 with "G.I.B (Grime Is Back)," a self-explanatory title that served as a manifesto for the genre’s enduring relevance. While those projects focused on the synergy between producer and MC, ‘2nd SQ’ shifts the spotlight back to Spyro’s capabilities as a solo composer. It allows the listener to focus on the textures and structural nuances of his beats without the distraction of a vocal performance, though the tracks are undoubtedly "riddims" that would welcome the right lyricist in a live setting.
To understand the significance of this EP, one must look at the broader context of Sir Spyro’s career. As the host of "The Grime Show" for many years and now a staple on BBC Radio 1Xtra, he has been the primary gatekeeper for the UK grime scene. He has seen the genre rise to mainstream prominence, retreat back to the underground, and reinvent itself multiple times. Throughout these cycles, Spyro has remained a constant, providing a platform for emerging talent while continuing to push his own sonic boundaries. His ability to navigate the worlds of radio broadcasting and underground production is a testament to his versatility.
Deep Medi Musik’s 20-year journey is equally impressive. In an era where physical media often takes a backseat to digital streaming, Mala’s label has maintained a cult-like following for its vinyl releases. The label’s aesthetic—often featuring minimalist artwork and a signature silk-screened look—has become a badge of quality for bass enthusiasts. By bringing Sir Spyro back for the ‘2nd SQ’ EP, Deep Medi reinforces its mission to bridge the gap between different facets of the UK’s 140 BPM spectrum. Whether it is the meditative deep dubstep of artists like Gantz or Kahn, or the grime-adjacent pressure of Sir Spyro, the label provides a cohesive home for music that shares a certain "weight."
The tracks on ‘2nd SQ’ are already garnering attention for their technical sophistication. Early listeners have noted the EP’s ability to evoke the "golden era" of dubstep while utilizing modern production techniques that give the tracks a crisp, contemporary edge. It is a balancing act that Spyro performs with ease. He understands the history of the music he makes, but he is never trapped by it. Each track on the EP feels like a conversation between the past and the future, utilizing the foundational elements of dub, reggae, and early grime to create something that feels entirely current.
The timing of this release also coincides with a broader resurgence of interest in the 140 BPM sound. After years of dominance by faster tempos like drum and bass or the drill-influenced variations of rap, there is a growing movement of producers and fans returning to the slower, more methodical pace of dubstep and traditional grime. Sir Spyro is at the forefront of this movement, acting as a bridge between the old guard and the new generation of listeners who are discovering the power of a well-placed sub-bass note.
As the ‘2nd SQ’ EP circulates through the global DJ community, it is expected to become a staple of the 2025 festival season. Much like "Topper Top" before it, these tracks possess the "dancefloor utility" that makes them essential tools for DJs. They are versatile enough to be played in a dark room at 3:00 AM or on a massive outdoor stage in the middle of the afternoon. This utility is a hallmark of Spyro’s work; he builds music that is functional, but never formulaic.
In the grander narrative of UK music, the collaboration between Sir Spyro and Deep Medi Musik serves as a reminder of the strength of independent infrastructure. Both the artist and the label have thrived by staying true to their specific visions rather than chasing mainstream trends. This commitment has earned them a level of respect that transcends charts and social media metrics. The ‘2nd SQ’ EP is more than just a four-track release; it is a celebration of a decade-long partnership and a twenty-year legacy of bass music excellence. For fans of the London sound, it is an essential addition to the canon, proving that even after twenty years, the "Medi" frequency remains as powerful as ever.