Ryder

Hailing from northern England, 20-year-old producer Ryder exemplifies the internet’s transformative power. His viral #skeptacore project, blending Skepta’s iconic bars with inventive production, launched him into the spotlight and led to 48 Hours, a collaborative EP with the grime legend. Featuring tracks like All Alone and For You, the EP, made in just two days, earned over 50 million Spotify streams and widespread acclaim.

Ryder’s sound is shaped by influences like J Dilla, Kaytranada, and Kanye West, resulting in genre-blurring, emotional tracks. Growing up in Hull, music was a constant, with his dad introducing him to ska, reggae, and ’90s alternative. At 11, Ryder began producing on a secondhand laptop, uploading tracks online. By 14, he was traveling to London for studio sessions, lying to his dad about his trips while quietly building connections.

Through persistence, Ryder collaborated with artists like Nadia Rose and met mentors, including his manager, Aaron Whyte, and musician Leon Jean-Marie, who gave him guidance and a place to stay. In 2022, Ryder earned a Spotify scholarship to BIMM Institute, where he launched the #skeptacore series, gaining millions of views on TikTok and catching Skepta’s attention.

The success of 48 Hours was bittersweet, as Ryder lost his father during its creation. He honored him with the EP’s cover, a nostalgic photo of them together. With WTF/I Been and a 2025 EP on the way, Ryder proves passion can turn dreams into reality.