Welcome to ON A LEVEL, a sitdown interview series brought to you by Complex UK, which sees our EIC, Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson, get real with some of the greatest music talents of now.
In the fifth episode of ON A LEVEL: Season 2, JP sits down with the UK music legend Durrty Goodz. Rising through grime’s ranks in the early 2000s, the East London-hailing MC quickly gained respect in the scene for his sharp lyricism, commanding presence on the mic and his fearless approach to clashes and live sets. Known for doing things his own way, Goodz has always highlighted his independence, prioritising substance over hype—something that has earned him lasting respect from artists and fans alike.
While his career has had its ups and downs in terms of releases, Goodz made a big impact in 2025; with a series of freestyles, select appearances and his 17-track project, Vanguard, he reminded everyone what the game had been missing lyrically. His bars are as sharp as ever, with fresh styles and flows that will have new listeners hooked. Goodz’s recent work is more reflective but still direct, showing growth while keeping the raw edge that originally set him apart. As the grime scene continues to evolve, Goodz remains a solid and respected figure, valued for his longevity, authenticity, and his ability to more than hold his own.
In this interview, Durrty Goodz talks us through the highs and lows of being an independent artist, why grime MCs should focus on making songs instead of rave reloads, what the vibe was like in the room when he clashed Wiley in 2002, his incarcerated brother Crazy Titch, family life and more.
You can stream Durrty Goodz’s latest mixtape, Vanguard—featuring Krayzie Bone, Omar, Trim, Flirta D and more—below, or cop it from Bandcamp here.