Josh Skints

As a founding member and high-energy frontman of the London-based collective The Skints, Josh Waters Rudge (performing as Josh Skints) has become one of the most distinctive voices in the modern UK reggae-punk scene. His delivery is defined by a rapid-fire, "chatting" style that draws as much from the gritty urgency of London grime and garage as it does from traditional Jamaican rub-a-dub. By blending these street-level influences with a sharp, socially conscious pen, he has helped steer The Skints toward a sound that captures the multicultural complexity of 21st-century Britain—a stylistic versatility that has made him a frequent and natural collaborator across the Easy Star Records universe. His solo contributions within the label's catalog highlight a seamless synergy with fellow UK heavyweights Gentleman’s Dub Club. Josh’s presence is felt heavily on their 2023 LP On A Mission and the Down To Earth sessions, where his rhythmic precision acts as a perfect foil to the band’s cinematic brass and deep bass grooves. These appearances further solidify the creative bridge between his work with The Skints—evident on standout Easy Star releases like Swimming Lessons and the Protoje-assisted "Restless"—and the broader roster. Whether anchoring a massive festival anthem or cutting through a stripped-back dub remix, Josh Skints remains a pivotal figure in the label’s ongoing mission to push the boundaries of the genre while staying true to its rebellious, sound-system roots.