Swae Lee

Last updated

Swae Lee
Swae Lee in Feb 2019.png
Lee in 2019
Background information
Birth nameKhalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown
Also known as
  • Kid Krunk
  • Kid the Great
  • iHipster Lee
Born (1993-06-07) June 7, 1993 (age 30)
Inglewood, California, U.S.
Origin Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Discography Swae Lee discography
Years active2010–present
Labels
Member of Rae Sremmurd
Children2
Website swaeleeofficial.com

Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown (born June 7, 1993), [1] [2] [3] known professionally as Swae Lee, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Known for his wide vocal range and genre-bending, Lee first saw mainstream recognition as one half of the Mississippi-based hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd, which he formed with his brother Slim Jxmmi. They signed with Mike Will Made It's EarDrummer Records, an imprint of Interscope Records in 2013 to release four albums which contained hit singles including "No Flex Zone," "No Type," and "Black Beatles" (featuring Gucci Mane)—the latter topped the Billboard Hot 100. He guest featured on French Montana's 2017 single "Unforgettable," which became his first song to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 as a soloist and received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Later that year, he received a Grammy Award nomination for co-writing Beyoncé's single "Formation."

Contents

In 2018, Lee released his debut solo studio album, Swaecation as part of Rae Sremmurd's third album, SR3MM (2018)—a triple album. That same year, his single "Sunflower" (with Post Malone) was released for the accompanying soundtrack to the film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). The song peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100, received two Grammy Award nominations, [4] and became the highest-certified song in RIAA history; the first to receive double diamond (20× platinum) certification. [5] Also in 2018, he released the single "Close to Me" (with Ellie Goulding and Diplo)—which peaked the US Adult Top 40 airplay chart—and made an uncredited guest appearance on "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott, which peaked the Billboard Hot 100 and also garnered two Grammy nominations. His 2020 single, "Be Like That" (with Kane Brown and Khalid) peaked within the top 20 on the chart and received quadruple platinum certification by the RIAA.

Early life

Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown was born on June 7, 1993, in Inglewood, California, to a single mother who worked on tanks in the United States Army. [6] [2] [7] Lee was raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, and began to make music in high school with his brother Slim Jxmmi and local rapper Lil Pantz as "Dem Outta St8 Boyz". [8] After graduating high school, Lee, alongside his brother, had a period of homelessness in which they squatted in an abandoned house. [9] [10]

Career

In 2013, he and Slim Jxmmi signed to Mike Will Made It's label EarDrummers Entertainment as Rae Sremmurd. They have since released three studio albums under EarDrummers, SremmLife , SremmLife 2 , and SR3MM .

Lee in 2015 Swae Lee.jpg
Lee in 2015

In March 2015, Lee was featured on Mike Will Made It's "Drinks on Us", which also featured artists Future and The Weeknd, and became his first single as solo artist. [11] In September 2015, he was featured on Wiz Khalifa's "Burn Slow", [12] which peaked at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Lee's first solo entry on the chart. [13]

In April 2017, Lee was featured on French Montana's "Unforgettable". [14] The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Lee's first top ten single on the chart as a solo artist. [15] In September 2018, Jhené Aiko featured Lee on her track "Sativa". [16] Two months later, Lee released a song titled "TR666" alongside Trippie Redd. [17] On May 4, 2018, almost two years after its initial announcement in August 2016, Lee released his debut solo album, Swaecation as a part of a triple album set, which also contained Rae Sremmurd's third studio album, SR3MM and Slim Jxmmi's debut studio album as a solo artist, Jxmtro . [18] [19] In October 2018, he featured on the song "Close to Me" by Ellie Goulding and Diplo. [20] Lee also collaborated on XXXTentacion's song "Arms Around You" after his death, along with Lil Pump and Maluma. [21] On October 18, 2018, Lee featured on Post Malone's song "Sunflower" for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , [22] which became Malone's third and Lee's first song as a soloist to top the Billboard Hot 100. [23] He appeared on Nicki Minaj's 2018 album Queen. [24]

In May 2019, he collaborated on the song "Crave" with Madonna on her album Madame X . [25] In August 2019, Lee released "Won't Be Late" featuring Canadian rapper Drake, produced by Tekno and Mike Will Made It. In October 2019, he was featured on 88rising's "Walking", alongside Joji, Jackson Wang, and Major Lazer. In 2020, he released the single "Someone Said", based on his feature on Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode". He also collaborated with Chloe x Halle on the Mike Will Made It-produced "Catch Up", from the former's album Ungodly Hour . He was featured on the remix to Arizona Zervas' hit song "Roxanne". On June 18, 2020, Lee released the single, "Reality Check". [26]

Lee invested in esports organization XSET in October 2020. [27] Lee has been working on his upcoming album Human Nature since 2020. In the same year, he appeared on Pop Smoke’s posthumous album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon . [28] In 2021, he collaborated with Alicia Keys on the single "Lala" at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. [29]

Artistry

Lee has become known for his hooks and melodies, as demonstrated in collaborations with the likes of Madonna, Ellie Goulding, Anitta, French Montana, and Post Malone, among other artists. He has been described as 'the songbird of our generation', [30] with several of his peers and critics praising his vocal ability. According to a 2017 interview with A Polaroid Story, Lee describes himself more as a singer than a rapper. [31]

Personal life

Lee has a daughter, who was born in 2020, with Brazilian model Aline Martins. In 2022, he filed for joint custody [32] and had a son with girlfriend Victoria Kristine. [33] [34] [35] [36]

Lee has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and released a song with Rae Sremmurd as a tribute to the neurotype in 2023— "ADHD Anthem (Too Many Emotions)". [37]

Discography

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2017 "Formation" (as songwriter) Song of the Year Nominated [38]
2019 "Sicko Mode" (with Travis Scott, Drake, and Big Hawk) Best Rap Performance Nominated [39]
Best Rap Song Nominated
2020 "Sunflower" (with Post Malone) Record of the Year Nominated [40]
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Nominated

MTVU Woodie Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2017Swae LeeSongwriter of the YearNominated [41]

Soul Train Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2016 "Formation" (as songwriter) The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award Nominated [42]

Teen Choice Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResultRef.
2019 "Sunflower" Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song Nominated [43]

Related Research Articles

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Michael Len Williams II, known professionally as Mike Will Made It or simply Mike Will, is an American record producer and rapper. He is best known for producing trap beats for several Southern hip hop and pop artists on various commercially successful singles, including "Black Beatles" and "Powerglide" by Rae Sremmurd, "Mercy" by Kanye West, "No Lie" by 2 Chainz, "Bandz a Make Her Dance" by Juicy J, "Pour It Up" by Rihanna, "Love Me" by Lil Wayne, "Body Party" by Ciara, "We Can't Stop" by Miley Cyrus, "Formation" by Beyoncé, and "Humble" by Kendrick Lamar. He embarked on a career as a non-performing lead artist in 2013 with his debut single "23", which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. His 2017 follow-up single, "Rake It Up" peaked at number eight on the chart. He has released six mixtapes and one solo studio album, Ransom 2 (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rae Sremmurd</span> American hip hop duo

Rae Sremmurd is an American hip hop duo consisting of brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi, both of whom originate from Tupelo, Mississippi. They signed a recording contract with record producer Mike WiLL Made-It's label EarDrummers Records, an imprint of Interscope Records as the first act to sign with the label in 2013. The duo rose to mainstream prominence following the release of their 2014 singles "No Flex Zone," "No Type" and "Throw Sum Mo". Each received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, and promoted the release of their debut studio album, SremmLife (2015), which itself received double platinum certification. Their 2016 single, "Black Beatles" peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of their second album SremmLife 2 (2016), which saw continued commercial success. During that same year, the duo also formed their own record label, SremmLife Crew Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Flex Zone</span> 2014 single by Rae Sremmurd

"No Flex Zone" is the debut single by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd, consisting of Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi. It was released on May 18, 2014, by EarDrummers Entertainment and Interscope Records, as the lead single from their debut studio album SremmLife (2015). The song was produced by Mike Will Made It and A+. The hip hop song, which appears on the duo's debut album SremmLife (2015), has since peaked at number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for the song was released on September 18, 2014. The song has been certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over one million copies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Type</span> 2014 single by Rae Sremmurd

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<i>SremmLife</i> 2015 studio album by Rae Sremmurd

SremmLife is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released on January 6, 2015, by Ear Drummer Records and Interscope Records. The album was supported by five singles: "No Flex Zone", "No Type", "Throw Sum Mo" featuring Nicki Minaj and Young Thug, "This Could Be Us" and "Come Get Her".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rae Sremmurd discography</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unforgettable (French Montana song)</span> 2017 single by French Montana

"Unforgettable" is a song by Moroccan-American rapper French Montana featuring Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd. It was released through Epic Records and Bad Boy Records on April 7, 2017, as one of the lead singles from his second studio album Jungle Rules, along with "No Pressure". Produced by Jaegen, 1Mind, C.P Dubb, the song peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it French Montana's first song as a lead artist to reach the top 10 of that chart and Swae Lee's first as a solo artist. The official music video for "Unforgettable" has received over 1.5 billion views on YouTube.

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<i>SR3MM</i> 2018 studio album by Rae Sremmurd

SR3MM is the third studio album by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released on May 4, 2018, by Ear Drummer Records and Interscope Records. The triple album also includes the debut solo studio albums by each of the duo, Swaecation by Swae Lee and Jxmtro by Slim Jxmmi. The album features guest appearances by Juicy J, Travis Scott, Future, Pharrell, Young Thug, The Weeknd and Zoë Kravitz, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Powerglide (song)</span> 2018 single by Rae Sremmurd featuring Juicy J

"Powerglide" is a single by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released on March 1, 2018 by EarDrummers and Interscope Records as the third single from their third studio album SR3MM (2018). The song is written by the artists alongside producers Mally Mall, Jean-Marie Horvat, and Mike Will Made It. The song features guest vocals from American rapper Juicy J.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guatemala (song)</span> 2018 single by Swae Lee, Slim Jxmmi and Rae Sremmurd

"Guatemala" is a song by American singer and rapper Swae Lee in collaboration with his brother and fellow American rapper Slim Jxmmi, the other half of Rae Sremmurd. It was released on April 11, 2018 as the second single from Lee's debut studio album Swaecation (2018), part of a triple album set of Rae Sremmurd's third studio album SR3MM. and was produced by Mally Mall, TuneDaRula and Rubin.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hopeless Romantic (Wiz Khalifa song)</span> 2018 single by Wiz Khalifa featuring Swae Lee

"Hopeless Romantic" is a song by American rapper Wiz Khalifa featuring fellow American rapper and singer Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd, from the former's sixth studio album Rolling Papers 2 (2018). It was released to urban contemporary radio on August 7, 2018, by Atlantic Records as the album's second radio single. It was produced by Young Chop & CBMix.

"Sunflower" is a song performed by American rappers and singers Post Malone and Swae Lee. It was released on October 19, 2018, as a single from the soundtrack to the 2018 animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and was later included on Post Malone's third studio album Hollywood's Bleeding (2019). An official remix features Latin singers Nicky Jam and Prince Royce.

<i>Sremm 4 Life</i> 2023 studio album by Rae Sremmurd

Sremm 4 Life is the fourth studio album by American hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. It was released through Ear Drummer and Interscope Records on April 7, 2023. The album features guest appearances from Young Thug and Future. Production was handled by Mike Will Made It, Chopsquad DJ, Zaytoven, Paddy Beats, Murda Beatz, Pluss, Oxthello, Jaxx, Keanu Beats, J-Bo, Bizness Boi, Banshee the Great, 30 Roc, Melz, Oz, Cubeatz, Ari PenSmith, Sonny Digital, Austin Powerz, Sav, D-Jay Sremm, Ronny J, and Dynox. The album was supported by two singles, "Torpedo" and "Tanisha ". It serves as the follow-up to the duo's previous album, SR3MM (2018), and is their first project after coming out of a five-year-long hiatus.

"Sativa" is a song by American singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko from her second studio album, Trip (2017). It features a guest appearance from Swae Lee. It was released on September 22, 2017, by Def Jam Recordings, and was later remixed with vocals from Slim Jxmmi of Rae Sremmurd.

References

  1. ↑ "Rae Sremmurd". Biography.com. A&E Networks. August 12, 2019. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  2. 1 2 Bemrose, Bekki. "Swae Lee". allmusic. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
  3. ↑ "Swae Lee, 1993-". Library of Congress. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  4. ↑ "Halsey's 'Without Me' Tops Billboard Hot 100, Becoming Her First No. 1 as a Lead Artist". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  5. ↑ "Post Malone and Swae Lee Make History with First-Ever RIAA Double-Diamond Single "SUNFLOWER (SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE)"". Recording Industry Association of America . February 8, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  6. ↑ "What Happens in Vegas With Rae Sremmurd". Complex. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Swae Lee". Universal Music France. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Rae Sremmurd Behind The Scenes with Shorty Da Prince". ZHipHopCleveland.com.com. WENZ. July 2, 2014.
  9. ↑ Weiner, Jonah (April 3, 2018). "High Times With the Black Beatles: Inside Rae Sremmurd's Wild Third Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Interview: Rae Sremmurd". ACCLAIM. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  11. ↑ Drinks On Us (feat. The Weeknd, Swae Lee & Future) – Single by Mike WiLL Made-It on Apple Music, March 6, 2015, retrieved February 8, 2018
  12. ↑ Burn Slow (feat. Rae Sremmurd) – Single by Wiz Khalifa on Apple Music, September 3, 2015, retrieved February 8, 2018
  13. ↑ "Rae Sremmurd Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  14. ↑ "French Montana Earns First No. 1 on Hot Rap Songs Chart With 'Unforgettable'". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  15. ↑ "French Montana Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  16. ↑ Leight, Elias (December 22, 2018). "Swae Lee Made Enough Hits in 2018 to Last Him a Lifetime". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Trippie Redd and Swae Lee Drop New Song TR666 – XXL". XXL Mag. December 26, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  18. ↑ Morris, Jessie. "Swae Lee Announces Debut Solo Album 'Swaecation'". Complex.
  19. ↑ "Rae Sremmurd Announce Release Date For "SR3MM" Triple Album". HotNewHipHop. April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  20. ↑ Bein, Kat. "Ellie Goulding Shines With Diplo & Swae Lee on 'Close to Me': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
  21. ↑ "NEW MUSIC: XXXTENTACION & LIL PUMP FEAT. MALUMA & SWAE LEE – 'ARMS AROUND YOU'". Rap-Up. October 25, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Early Release! Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 November 3rd, 2018 Countdown". Billboard.
  23. ↑ Trust, Gary (January 14, 2019). "Post Malone & Swae Lee's 'Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  24. ↑ "Swae Lee Steals the Show (Again) on Nicki Minaj's 'Chun Swae'". Rolling Stone. August 10, 2018.
  25. ↑ Zemler, Emily (May 10, 2019). "Hear Madonna and Swae Lee Team Up for 'Crave'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  26. ↑ "Swae Lee Drops New Single 'Reality Check'". Rap Up . June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  27. ↑ Millman, Ethan (October 28, 2020). "Swae Lee Is the First Artist to Invest in XSET, an Esports Company Rebuilding Gaming Culture". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Swae Lee on Upcoming 'Human Nature' Album: 'I'm Breaking all the Rules'". Billboard.
  29. ↑ "ALICIA KEYS HONORS NEW YORK CITY IN STIRRING VMAS PERFORMANCE". MTV. September 12, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Swae Lee is the songbird of our generation and his latest single proves it". Kulturehub.com. March 1, 2018. Archived from the original on May 24, 2021. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  31. ↑ A POLAROID STORY x RAE SREMMURD: SWAE LEE INTERVIEW , retrieved September 17, 2019
  32. ↑ "Swae Lee Files for Joint Custody of Baby Daughter with Brazilian Model". Complex Networks .
  33. ↑ "Swae Lee & Newborn Baby Narrowly Avoid Injury in Wild Coachella Brawl". April 25, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Swae Lee Expecting First Child with Girlfriend Victoria Kristine". August 30, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Swae Lee and His Girlfriend Victoria Kristine Are Expecting Their First Child Together - the Source". August 31, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Swae Lee Protects Newborn Son As He Fights His Way Past Coachella Security". April 25, 2023.
  37. ↑ "Rae Sremmurd – ADHD Anthem (Too Many Emotions)", Genius.com, retrieved September 19, 2023
  38. ↑ "59th Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees". Grammy.
  39. ↑ "61st Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees". Grammy. December 6, 2018.
  40. ↑ "62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (2019)". Grammy. May 19, 2020.
  41. ↑ "Winners by Category – 2017 Woodies". MTV .
  42. ↑ "2016 Soul Train Awards: See the Full Winners List". Billboard .
  43. ↑ "Teen Choice Awards 2019: See the full list of winners and nominees". Entertainment Weekly.
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