HBD @trenchtrenchtrench ! 🏆 5 years old, and still setting pace 😎
Still a 1 of 1, still documenting Black British music culture like no other (aiight, @complex_uk as well ha..). We do this for the generations to come; real heritage business! Big up the whole team, the contributors and all the brands that have backed our cause over the years. More greatness ahead! 💯
Mad one 🙏🏾 Got interviewed by @Forbes for their diversity in business series. Honoured, for real. (Just need to make that 💰 list now lol.) Link in bio.
ON A LEVEL: @joeblackuk & @squeekstp 📈✨
In this episode of ON A LEVEL, @josephjppatterson catches up with Islington road rap icons Joe Black and Squeeks as they prepare to release their new mixtape, ‘The Usual Suspects’ 🔥 15 years after dropping their cult-classic track of the same name, the duo reunited in the studio to finally deliver a full-length project for the people. Arriving at a time when that raw, road rap energy has felt somewhat absent from the UK scene, this project reconnects with the honesty and substance that defined an era, standing as both a nod to the sound’s foundations and a statement of intent for its future.
Both artists have built respected (albeit sporadic) careers, with underground releases that continue to resonate years later, from Joe Black’s 2011 mixtape ‘Realionaire’ to Squeeks’ 2012 anthem, “Big Squeeko”. Here, the pair reflect on the early road rap era, their role in helping pave the way for a new gen of North London rappers, and also share their thoughts on culture vultures, what it means to be “authentic” today, and the future of this scene that we all love.
Hit the LINK IN BIO to watch in full 🔗
In @josephjppatterson ’s latest ‘UK Culture Picks’ column, all eyes are on the legends of road rap—a sound and a feeling the UK scene has been needing; Central Cee goes grime; legacy talks with Charlie Sloth; Skepta’s Más Tiempo house invasion, and much more! 😮💨
Hit the LINK IN BIO to read on 🔗
Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson is the Editor-in-Chief of Complex UK and founder of TRENCH Magazine. He has spent his career championing UK Black music and culture, working across grime, rap and R&B while creating space for emerging talent and new voices.
Through TRENCH, he has built a platform spanning print, digital and live events, partnering with brands including Hennessy, adidas, Spotify, BBC, Netflix and Google. His work continues to centre culturally relevant storytelling and the next generation of creatives.
Best Man settings.. 😮💨
My best mate aka Pastor Patterson aka Farda got married yesterday. 76 years old... I’m inspired yo lol. Wishing blessings on blessings (soon my turn) 🙏🏾👑
In this month’s ‘UK Culture Picks’ column, @josephjppatterson pays tribute to grime visionary Dot Rotten, a complex genius who helped shape the sound forever. Plus, big love to the MOBO Awards as they celebrate 30 years of Black British excellence, a standout debut from Ms Banks with ‘South LDN Lover Girl’, and how house music stable Circoloco never disappoints—even from Paris! 😮💨
Hit the LINK IN BIO to read on 🔗
