Some artists come through with talent. Others come through with presence. In his exclusive appearance on the Tales From The Trap podcast, rising UK rapper Amzino showed he has both.
Known for his raw delivery, sharp energy and hunger on the mic, Amzino is quickly becoming one of the names to watch in the UK music scene. But this conversation was not just about music. It was about upbringing, creativity, pressure, independence, acting and what it takes to build a career from the ground up.
With his film debut in the gritty UK crime drama Tales From The Trap, Amzino is stepping into a new world while bringing the same intensity that has made people pay attention to his music.
Growing Up in North London
Amzino’s story starts in North London, where he was born and raised. Speaking openly on the podcast, he described his upbringing as real, character-building and full of lessons.
Raised by his mum alongside his siblings, Amzino reflected on life growing up on a council estate. Rather than leaning into the usual stereotypes often attached to working-class London communities, he spoke about the friendships, relationships and experiences that shaped him.
For Amzino, North London is not just where he is from. It is part of who he is. It gave him personality, perspective and the drive to make something happen for himself.
From School Mischief to the Studio
When asked what he was like as a kid, Amzino did not pretend he was the perfect student. He admitted he was cheeky, mischievous and more interested in sports, girls and creativity than sitting in a classroom.
Although he still managed to pass his college course, his passion was already pulling him towards music. While he was meant to be in college, he would often head to the studio instead.
One of his earliest music experiences came through a youth unit in Walthamstow run by a man called Colin. The space helped young people learn different skills, including making clothes, but it also had a studio. That studio became a turning point.
It was there that Amzino made his first ever song with his best friend Matthew. The track was never released, but he still remembers it as a major moment in his journey.
Why Amzino Moved From Drill to Grime
Like many young UK artists, Amzino first started making drill. He understood the darkness and intensity of the genre, but over time he found himself moving towards grime.
During the interview, he explained that grime gave him a different kind of energy. Drill can be heavy, direct and focused, while grime allows more room for hype, individuality and performance.
For Amzino, grime is a space where artists can sound different. It is not just about what is being said, but how it is delivered. That difference in energy helped him find a sound that suited his personality.
He also pushed back against the idea that drill music is responsible for violence. Comparing it to violent video games, he made the point that music often gets blamed too easily. In his view, drill and grime have given young Black artists a platform, helping people build careers, reach audiences and change their lives.
Building a Name in the UK Music Scene
Amzino’s artist name originally started as AMS. When he found out another artist was already using the name, he blended it with Zeno, a name some people already called him. From there, Amzino was born.
As he started taking music more seriously, he began networking, performing and connecting with other artists. He spoke about the value of artist communities, including cyphers where MCs come together, perform and test themselves.
One key moment came when Scorcher discovered him at a grime radio set in Tottenham and helped push him in the right direction. From there, more people started noticing his talent.
Eventually, Wiley reached out after seeing Amzino online. That led to studio sessions and a close working relationship. For a young artist coming through grime, having that kind of support is a serious co-sign.
Making His Acting Debut in Tales From The Trap
A major part of the podcast focused on Amzino’s acting debut in Tales From The Trap, a new UK crime drama built around music, street culture and the realities behind the lifestyle.
The opportunity came through Wiley, who recommended Amzino for the role. At first, Amzino was confused when he was told a script was coming his way. But once he read it and stepped into rehearsals, everything started moving quickly.
What stood out most was how naturally he connected acting with music. To Amzino, both are forms of performance. Whether he is on stage or on set, the job is to make people feel something.
Learning lines felt similar to learning lyrics. Playing a character felt similar to stepping into performance mode. That connection helped him bring authenticity and energy to the role.
Behind the Scenes of the Film
Amzino described filming Tales From The Trap as one of the best experiences of his life. He spoke about funny moments on set, including scenes where he struggled not to laugh, as well as more intense scenes where he had to find real emotion.
The podcast also touched on the realism of the film. When asked how accurate the setting felt compared to life in London, Amzino said it felt very real, especially the trap house location used during filming.
Rather than glamourising violence, the film appears to explore pressure, choices and consequences. As Amzino pointed out, showing a reality on screen does not automatically mean celebrating it. Sometimes it is about telling the truth of a world people often talk about but do not fully understand.
Staying Independent as an Artist
Music remains Amzino’s main focus. He revealed that he has a headline show, an EP on the way and a growing collection of unreleased tracks.
At this stage, he is still independent and wants to stay that way unless the right deal comes along. He explained that being independent teaches artists how the music industry works, from distribution and PRS to mixing, mastering and releasing music properly.
Amzino also produces beats and can engineer himself, giving him more control over his sound. Even when he works with other producers, that knowledge helps him understand exactly what he wants from a record.
Goals, Collaborations and What Comes Next
Amzino sets goals at the start of each year. Some are realistic targets, while others are bigger goals designed to push him further. These include building a stronger fanbase, doing more shows and reaching major view milestones.
When asked about dream collaborations, he named Michael Jackson, JME and Fred again. It is a mix that says a lot about his mindset. He respects legends, grime culture and modern creative experimentation.
He also made it clear that music matters more than numbers. For Amzino, a collaboration is about making a strong song, not just chasing followers.
Advice for Upcoming Artists
One of the strongest parts of the interview came when Amzino shared advice for other artists. His message was simple: stay consistent, protect your mental health and keep enjoying the process.
He warned against treating music too much like a job, because that can take the fun out of it. At the same time, he stressed that consistency is what keeps momentum moving.
He also spoke about the importance of networking. Whether it is through Instagram, live shows, studio sessions or cyphers, artists need to put themselves in the right rooms and make their presence known.
Amzino Is Ready for His Moment
Amzino’s appearance on the Tales From The Trap podcast showed an artist with hunger, humour and ambition. From North London to the studio, from grime sets to film sets, he is building his path one move at a time.
With new music coming, a film debut on the way and a growing reputation in the UK scene, Amzino is not just trying to be heard. He is trying to be remembered.
