S Dog stands out as one of Bradford’s most distinct voices, a bassline-oriented MC whose music balances between disorder and lucidity. Hailing from the city, he's recognized for energetic tracks such as ‘450’ and ‘New Machine’ with Bad Boy Chiller Crew, along with a body of work that blends rap, bassline, and a raw sense of humor grounded in working-class Northern life.
“It’s just me, man,” he explains regarding his style. “That’s my personality. I have severe ADHD; I’m not a serious person, but I’m not an idiot either.” This vibrant energy, a bit rebellious yet always self-aware, permeates all his work. Whether it's lively club tracks or cleverly crafted lyrics about his upbringing in Bradford, his music consistently embodies a sense of liberation and is unmistakably his own.
His performance at Summer Sounds represents a kind of homecoming. However, for S Dog, it’s more about authenticity than local pride. “To be honest, I don’t feel anything about it. It’s just a typical booking,” he reveals. “Honestly, it’s a bit odd they chose me. I’m the most English Pakistani artist on that lineup, so it’s a peculiar choice.”
This sense of self-awareness resurfaces when discussing Bradford's status as UK City of Culture 2025. “It hasn’t really changed anything for me. But I guess for the youth, they’ve done what they can. They are making an effort,” he states, emphasizing that this scene has been flourishing well before the designation. “The music scene isn’t tied to Bradford 2025,” he asserts. As he reflects on growing up, he mentions the local talent, naming the BOC lot, Blazer Kid (now Blazer Boccle), Lunar C, and others. “But the current scene? That’s what we created,” he adds. “It features Bad Boy Chiller Crew, me, YA, Marky B, Blazer Boccle – all of us.”
There’s a sense of pride in that independence. Bradford, as S Dog expresses, has a unique perspective on the world. “When you’re from Bradford or live here, we notice things that other cities overlook. There are stories to tell that not many other places can share, and there’s always something happening, you know what I mean? It’s a city that… it just has a lot going on, you know?” This combination of joy and tension is central to his music. “There’s plenty to rap about that might not be quite legal. But if you’re creating party music as well, it’s a town that loves to celebrate. It’s a city with its own unique sounds. We can visualize things to write about that other cities can’t.”
However, it's not purely about escape. Nowadays, S Dog's music resonates with younger audiences, many of whom see him as a role model. “Sometimes I feel like a figure for young kids now. They want me to visit them at the youth centre on Toller Lane,” he shares. “Kids sometimes look up to us, maybe for the wrong reasons, but you have to make something positive from that.”
Despite his influence, he doesn’t claim to have all the answers. “I don’t really make music to create that kind of impact,” he confesses. “But probably the most significant thing since becoming S Dog is my daughter recognizing me.”
When asked which of his songs best encapsulates Bradford, his response is straightforward: ‘Custard’, ‘Bradford Bad Boy’, and ‘450’ – a significant anthem for 2024. Regarding the festival lineup, he is candid: “Honestly, that’s not really my type of music. I don’t choose to listen to those artists, not in a negative way. They’re all doing their thing, and I respect that. But it’s just not what I prefer.”
Regardless, whether he’s energizing a festival crowd, collaborating with BBCC, or visiting a youth center on Toller Lane, S Dog’s objective remains clear: maintain authenticity, embrace fun, and always represent Bradford on his own terms.
With thanks to: Genevieve Taylor
Photo Credit: Nathaniel Joseph
Summer Sounds, a new two-day global music festival co-curated by Dialled In, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and Serious, takes place at Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley this weekend (August 2nd and 3rd).
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S Dog is among Bradford's most notable voices, an MC with a bassline-centric style that balances chaos and clarity in his music. Having been born and raised in the city, he’s