Emerging artist SWB is a lesson in channeling anger into productive action. Born in Massachusetts, he originally started writing and recording music as a way to call out people he had problems with. It all started with a diss track—and then another one and another one. Each incident generated a lot of hype and attention from everyone around him at the time. In college, his musical career developed further through collaborations, a mixtape, and even some live performances. SWB started making music to spread a message and to be heard. Despite his increasing popularity, his focus has not shifted to money or fame. For him, it’s always been about influence and reach.
SWB doesn’t view himself as a rapper. Rap is just an outlet to spread messages and vibes for other people to consume. His music is heavily influenced by his father’s rise from poverty and abuse to the CEO of a large corporation he built from nothing. That mindset of determination and perseverance is a frequent theme in his music. He has also addressed many important topics such as racism, sexual assault, and alcoholism, among many others. In addition to the common turn-up party tracks, he has a diverse style and incredible depth that reaches far beyond. In his upcoming EP Last Words, he addresses his father’s story, police brutality, pedophilia in America, and calling out people from the past. He doesn’t ever sacrifice a weak instrumental for an important message, though—every beat on the new EP is hard and catchy.
SWB has a master’s degree in Global Entertainment and Music Business from Berklee College of Music and he studied at their Valencia, Spain campus. He got a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing from Loyola University Maryland. Unlike many in the industry, he actually went to school and studied the music industry. He has a deep understanding of the industry, artist management, finance, trends, and has a firm grasp on why certain artists are popular, and others never get any attention. Recently, he signed with Youngville Agency, which guarantees 100% ownership of his masters and brand.
SWB makes music for those who appreciate lyrical rap with real messages without sacrificing incredible instrumentals. Many of his fans are suburban kids who don’t feel well-represented by guns, drugs, and gang life rap, a common theme in hip-hop. His music is more for the suburban audience that grew up with different experiences, such as those in college or are more socially aware. He makes music for people who care about a message and lyrics in hip-hop but want to hear it over a catchy beat.
What separates SWB from other musical artists is that he has never tried to become rich or famous. His goal has always been to get better and to have more people hear his message. He has spoken on topics relating to racism, sexual assault, and alcoholism in addition to the traditional party tracks. SWB brings a fresh perspective and a unique background to a genre full of imitators, focusing on quality instrumentals. His creative process entails creating an incredible instrumental first before writing a single word.
SWB sees himself involved in club management and ownership in the future. Entertainment is a huge part of his life, and he wants to create spaces for people to perform and consume music. He has been organizing parties and events nonstop since he was sixteen, so he has always brought people together, making sure they had loud music, enough alcohol, and a ton of fun.
Check out SWB’s latest single, “Danger in the Neighborhood,” for free on Spotify.
