Anthony Edwards (born November 24, 1988) better known professionally as Squeeks or Big Squeeko, is a British rapper from Islington, North London, known for his gritty lyricism, distinctive raspy flow, and longevity in the UK rap scene. A pioneer in the early 2010s, he has earned a reputation as a cult figure in road rap and real rap.

Early Life and Career

Born in Islington, England on November 24 1988, Squeeks emerged in the UK rap underground as part of his local scene, alongside contemporaries Joe Black and Benny Banks—often referred to as the unofficial "Islington trio". He first rose to prominence with the breakout track “Big Squeeko”—a reimagined remix of Nipsey Hussle’s “Rose Clique”—which became a cult classic and helped define his raw UK trap‑influenced aesthetic  .

He released several mixtape albums during the 2010s, including Totally Presidential, Presidential Musiq, The White House, and Memory Lane, building a devoted underground fanbase.

Hiatus and Return

In 2015, Squeeks was sentenced to prison following conviction for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and spent several years incarcerated . He returned to music in 2021, marking his comeback with a powerful Daily Duppy freestyle that amassed over 3 million views, showcasing introspective bars reflecting on his time behind bars and renewed hunger for his craft .

Recent Work and Collaborations

Since his return, Squeeks has released a string of singles and videos including:

“How Many Times” (2021), featuring visuals of nocturnal street scenes and luxury cars as he reclaims his sound and positioning in UK rap . “Goodfellas” (2021), a collaborative track with Rimzee and Born Trappy that draws thematic inspiration from the Scorsese film and solidified his status as a real rap heavyweight . “Streets Quiet” (2024), a reflective single examining life’s challenges from a seasoned perspective . “Want Some” (2024), which revealed a more emotional and melodic side of him, contrasting with his usual gritty narratives .

He also appeared on the GRM Daily podcast No Behaviour in 2023, adding humor and charm to conversations with hosts Margs, Loons, and Beanos . GRM Daily also featured him in The Legacy freestyle series, highlighting his enduring impact and lyrical prowess in UK rap circles .

Musical Style and Influence

Squeeks is widely celebrated for his deep, raspy voice, authentic storytelling, and no-nonsense approach to street narratives. He helped lay the groundwork for UK trap fusion rap with a flow characterized by infectious ad‑libs and low-budget yet iconic videos . Fans and critics alike often cite his fluid adaptability across tempos and formats—from piano-backed introspection to hard-hitting freestyles .

Legacy and Reception

While some argue his style was more prominent in the 2010–11 era, Squeeks has maintained a dedicated fanbase and continues releasing work that resonates with those who value lyricism and authenticity. Reddit users describe him as “one of the original pioneers of UK rap” and long-time admirers say he’s “still drops music sometimes and he has a podcast called Golden Era UK Rap” . Another commenter noted his comeback was solid:

“Squeeks is a beast… that bs charge was crazy” .

Selected Discography Daily Duppy! (Freestyle, 2021) Singles: “Jailhouse”, “How Many Times”, “Goodfellas” (with Rimzee & Born Trappy), “Streets Quiet”, “Want Some” Mixtapes: Totally Presidential, Presidential Musiq, The White House, Memory Lane

References

All claims above are sourced from articles and music coverage on GRM Daily, Complex, Famous Birthdays, and UK rap commentary by fans