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Key Information

Daniel Keith Swain (born August 18, 1983), known mononymously as Danny!, is an American rapper, record producer, singer, and composer.[1]

Swain rose to prominence after his debut performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,[3] where he premiered his song "Evil". After joining Okayplayer Records, Danny! released his album Payback,[1][4] cited by AllMusic as one of the best hip-hop releases of the year.[5] In 2013, Ebony magazine listed Swain among other rising artists in its "Leaders of the New School" piece, calling Swain one of a handful of "innovators".[6]

Swain has composed background music that has since been placed in numerous motion pictures and television programs, most notably FOX's animated series Bob's Burgers for which Swain was awarded an Emmy plaque for his contributions to an episode that won in the Outstanding Animated Program category at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017.[7]

Early life

[edit]

Swain, the only son of military parents,[8] was born in Killeen, Texas and moved to Columbia, South Carolina, as a teenager. He attended Richland Northeast High School and began pursuing music as a hobby during his second year.[1] Swain started penning his own lyrics and recorded songs as a showcase for his production.[9]

Career

[edit]

2004–2006: Early beginnings, Charm and instrumental albums

[edit]
Main articles: The College Kicked-Out, F.O.O.D. (album), and Charm (Danny! album)

After spending nearly a year networking with local artists, Swain released his debut mixtape The College Kicked-Out.[1][10] The record received mixed to unfavorable reviews—an up-and-coming Charlamagne tha God was among Kicked-Out's critics, panning the mixtape on air while working as a local radio station personality—which Swain would allude to in much of his later work.

Shortly after Kicked-Out's release Swain was accepted to the Savannah College of Art & Design and accordingly relocated to Savannah, Georgia.[1] It was here that he began to work on his second project, F.O.O.D.[10] The following year Swain officially released his third mixtape Charm,[10] which was notable for featuring an underlying theme of escapism in its narrative of a musician who wants success in music to take him away from his day-to-day routine.

During this time Swain compiled an instrumental album, Dream, Interrupted, in an effort to promote his production; within two years the sequels Dream, Fulfilled and Dream, Extinguished would also be released.[10]

It's all people telling you to do this and that…[but] when you do what they say and it still doesn't work in your favor, it's like, 'well, I was fine the way I was'. You just got to keep moving. There's no guarantee for anything.


Swain, on instinct and perseverance
(GQ, 2014)[11]

2007–2011: MTV, And I Love H.E.R. and Interscope era

[edit]
See also: Danny Is Dead, And I Love H.E.R.: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and Where Is Danny?

After Charm, Swain received his first big break when MTV played a role in securing him a recording contract with Definitive Jux, an independent music label, at the time helmed by El-P of Run the Jewels fame.[12][13] The record deal allowed Swain to release an album through the label, promoting it with a 12" single and accompanying music video slated for an exclusive premiere on mtvU. Though the label's involvement would not amount to a released album—only the single "Just Friends", which charted on the Billboard Hot 100[14]—the deal did establish an ongoing relationship between Swain and MTV, which began using his music extensively in various programs.

Swain self-released his debut album, the faux-soundtrack And I Love H.E.R.[10] The album was cited at the time by publications such as Pitchfork,[15] LA Weekly[16] and ABC News[17] as one of the best releases of the year. And I Love H.E.R. was also notable for introducing another musical direction for Swain, who was experimenting with hip house, downtempo and lounge/electronica to produce a sort of "lounge-hop" hybrid.

Following And I Love H.E.R.'s success, Swain completed the Where Is Danny? album.[10] Interscope Records, through its short-lived digital distribution program,[18] distributed a revamped version of the album on iTunes.[19]

2012–present: Breakthrough, music licensing and The Book of Daniel

[edit]
See also: Payback (album) and The Book of Daniel (album)

After the release of his third studio LP Payback,[10] the title track of Swain's previous album was featured in a commercial for Sonos wireless speakers. Swain signed on as a composer for MTV's internal Hype Music label[20] (later absorbed into Sony/ATV's Extreme Music production music library) and slowly transitioned into a producer role, landing instrumental placements with various Viacom television programming as well as commercials for Nordstrom, McDonald's, and incidental music for Bob's Burgers and its soundtrack, The Bob's Burgers Music Album.

In 2014, Swain started working on a new album, initially titled Deliverance, but later changed to The Book Of Daniel after the book in the Bible.[11] During the album's development Swain appeared in Sesame Street's "Party Bus" video, which featured an original remix of "The Wheels on the Bus" composed by Swain. He also began working as a voiceover artist, narrating a season of Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL in 2016 for ESPN. The following year Swain was awarded an Emmy plaque from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his musical contributions to the Bob's Burgers episode "Bob Actually" (Outstanding Animated Program, 2017[7]), composing music for three scenes.[21]

In 2015, a tracklist for The Book of Daniel was revealed at Swain's website. The album debut was announced for February 29, 2016,[22] but it was not released. Another scheduled date, October 31, 2018,[23] passed without the album release.

Despite a halt in studio releases, Swain continues to contribute to Bob's Burgers while composing library music and incidental cues under various aliases for Extreme Music.

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Danny! discography

Studio albums

[edit]

Instrumental albums

[edit]

Production credits

[edit]
Artist Song(s) Album Year
Danny Brown "Exotic", "The Nana Song" The Hybrid 2010
Danny Brown "Counterfeit", "Hey!"* Detroit State of Mind 4 2010
Lil B "The Game On Lock", "Illusions of G" Illusions of Grandeur 2 2012
Wale "Never Never Freestyle" Folarin 2012
Cody ChesnuTT "Scroll Call (Danny Swain Remix)" Landing on a Hundred: B-Sides & Remixes 2014

Film and television placements/credits

[edit]
Song(s) Where Featured Network Year
"Intermission (interlude)" Jersey Shore After Hours MTV 2008
"Cafe Surreal" aMTV promotional bumper MTV 2009
"Ebony Flower" Wainy Days My Damn Channel 2009
"Check It Out" Disaster Date MTV 2011
"The Groove" Dina's Party HGTV 2011
"The Groove" Love Lust SundanceTV 2011
"The Groove" 2011 Comedy Awards Comedy Central 2011
"Cafe Surreal", "The Groove" Red Bull Signature Series: Supernatural NBC 2012
"Cafe Surreal" The Association ESPN 2012
"Crasy Sound" Elbow Room HGTV 2012
"Evil" live performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon NBC 2012
"God Bless The Child" Breaking Amish TLC 2012
"Loser" Breaking Amish: Extended Episodes TLC 2012
"Misery" Rockstar Presents: XDurance Series (with Rob Adelberg) YouTube 2012
"Pineapple Gumdrop" LXTV 1st Look NBC 2012
"Still Standing" Life After: Karyn White TV One 2012
"Where Is Danny", "I Ain't The Walrus" Sonos television advert cable 2012
"Cafe Surreal" Crown Royal: Best Of promotional clip during 2013 NBA Playoffs TNT 2013
"Malice In Blunderland" The Challenge: Rivals II MTV 2013
"Man On The Moon" Snooki & Jwoww MTV 2013
"One Day It'll All Make Cents" The Show with Vinny MTV 2013
"Torture" World of Jenks MTV 2013
"Gibraltar (Danny!'s Pride And Vanity Remix)" Just Blaze interview[24] Okayplayer 2014
"Check It Out" Nordstrom anniversary sale summer promo cable and radio 2014
"Take Me To The Muddy Grass" "Work Hard or Die Trying, Girl" episode of Bob's Burgers FOX 2014
"The Wheels On The Bus" "Party Bus" segment on Sesame Street PBS, HBO, YouTube 2016
"Gangsta's Pair o' Dice", "Breakdance Bugaloo", "Walk Like This, No No Like This" "Bob Actually" episode of Bob's Burgers FOX 2017

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Danny!

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from Grokipedia
Danny! (born Daniel Keith Swain on August 18, 1983) is an American rapper, , singer, and known for his work in alternative and underground hip-hop. Originating from , but based in , he emerged in the mid-2000s as a self-taught and outspoken MC, crafting beats and lyrics that emphasize narrative depth and self-awareness. Swain, performing under the mononym Danny!, debuted with the independent album The College Kicked-Out in 2004, which he produced entirely himself, marking the start of his DIY approach to hip-hop. His style blends conscious rap with experimental production, often exploring personal themes through intricate storytelling and jazz-influenced samples. By 2006, he released Charm and Dream, Interrupted (the latter under his birth name), gaining traction in indie circles for their polished sound and lyrical complexity. In 2007, Danny! signed with the influential label, resulting in the EP Danny Is Dead, which showcased a more refined rap delivery and solidified his reputation as a versatile underground artist. Subsequent works like And I Love H.E.R. (2008) and Where Is Danny? (2011) further highlighted his production skills and conceptual ambition. In 2012, he achieved a breakthrough with Payback on Records, followed by continued independent releases, including the 2018 , and music licensing work. Though he maintained a cult following rather than mainstream breakthrough, his music continues to influence niche hip-hop communities with its emphasis on authenticity and innovation as of 2025.

Early life

Daniel Keith Swain, professionally known as Danny!, was born on August 18, 1983, in , to military parents. As their only child, he experienced a nomadic childhood marked by frequent relocations across the country due to his parents' service obligations. These constant moves shaped Swain's early years, limiting opportunities to form lasting connections in any single community. In his teenage years, the family settled in . There, he attended Richland Northeast High School. During high school, Swain discovered as a personal , experimenting without any formal training or instruction. This casual engagement laid the groundwork for his later creative endeavors, though he did not pursue it professionally until the early .

Career

2004–2006: Early beginnings, Charm and instrumental albums

Danny!'s professional career commenced in 2004 with the self-release of his debut , The College Kicked-Out, on November 2, which he produced entirely on his own using limited resources. Distributed through small-scale online platforms and physical copies via his imprint 1911 /Badenov , the project showcased his initial foray into hip-hop production and , drawing from personal experiences during his brief tenure. The mixtape's raw, DIY approach reflected his independent ethos, limiting its reach but establishing a foundation for his underground presence. Building on this momentum, Danny! released his second mixtape, (Finding Out Our Destination), on May 17, 2005, again self-produced and distributed in restricted quantities through online sales and direct mail-order. Clocking in at over an hour, the tape expanded his sonic palette with sample-heavy beats and introspective lyrics, maintaining the lo-fi aesthetic of his earlier work while experimenting with thematic depth around personal growth and navigation. This release further honed his skills as a beatmaker and MC, solidifying his reputation in niche hip-hop circles without major promotional support. In 2006, Danny! transitioned to his first commercial studio album, Charm, self-released on March 14 under his real name Danny Swain, following an initial limited run in late 2005 that was reissued for broader availability. Self-produced with jazzy, swinging R&B samples and tight hip-hop instrumentation, the album featured conversational flows and humorous , such as witty quips on fame and relationships in tracks like "Can't Wait." Its 73-minute runtime blended lighthearted with smooth, drugged-out vibes, earning praise for elevating his production quality while retaining an intimate, underground feel; critics noted its resemblance to works by artists like Little Brother and . Distribution remained constrained to online retailers like and direct sales, emphasizing his hands-on control over the creative and commercial process. During this period, Danny! also ventured into instrumental hip-hop with Dream, Interrupted, self-released on August 14, 2006, as a beat tape intended to complement Charm. Comprising 23 tracks of sample-based instrumentals spanning 46 minutes, the album highlighted his production prowess through moody, atmospheric loops without vocals, distributed similarly in limited physical and digital formats. These works underscored his versatility, allowing fans to appreciate his beats in isolation amid his early independent phase.

2007–2011: MTV, And I Love H.E.R. and Interscope era

In 2007, Danny! (born Daniel Keith Swain) secured his first major label opportunity through a partnership between and Records, winning the inaugural "Best Music on Campus" competition, which granted him a with the independent hip-hop label. This deal marked a significant transition from his independent releases, providing resources for further development while allowing him to retain creative control. Following the signing, Danny! self-released his fourth studio album, And I Love H.E.R.: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, in June 2008, a concept album framed as a soundtrack to an imagined film about his relationship with hip-hop, drawing inspiration from Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R." and The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The project showcased his signature production style, featuring breezy, life-affirming beats built on lush jazz-soul samples like warm horns and strings, paired with empathetic, narrative-driven lyrics exploring personal and cultural themes through character vignettes. Pitchfork praised the album for its generous soundscapes and clever storytelling, awarding it a 7.3 rating and highlighting tracks like "Wanderland" for their broader resonance in underground hip-hop circles. In March 2009, issued Danny!'s debut single "," a live version of a track originally appearing as a hidden cut on his 2007 EP Danny Is Dead!. The soulful, introspective cut, produced by Danny! himself, reflected his evolving blend of jazz-inflected beats and confessional rap, though limited promotion kept it confined to niche audiences. During this period, Danny! expanded his production portfolio by contributing beats to emerging underground artists, which helped solidify his reputation as a versatile beatmaker in the indie hip-hop scene. After delays due to label shifts— ceased operations in 2009—Danny! self-released Where Is Danny? in October 2009, a sprawling 27-track with polished production and guest features from artists like Von Pea. distributed a revamped digital version in 2011 through its short-lived program, making it available on platforms like and broadening its reach beyond self-release limitations. The album's experimental structure and thematic depth on industry frustrations further cemented Danny!'s in underground hip-hop, though commercial success remained elusive.

2012–present: Breakthrough, music licensing and The Book of Daniel

In 2012, Danny! achieved a significant breakthrough with the release of his studio album Payback on September 25 via the relaunched Okayplayer Records, marking his return to independent distribution following his Interscope tenure. The album featured collaborations with artists including Phonte and Little Brother, blending hip-hop with soulful production. To promote Payback, Danny! performed the lead single "Evil" live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on September 20, backed by house band The Roots, marking one of his first major network television appearances. The visibility from extended to commercial media, as a of Danny!'s earlier track "Where Is Danny?" was featured in Questlove's 2012 Sonos "Listening Is Back" advertising campaign, which highlighted wireless audio systems and helped elevate his profile during the album's rollout. Concurrently, Danny! began contributing original compositions to television, starting with background music for the Fox animated series around the time of its early seasons. His work on the show has included incidental scores for episodes such as season 7's "" in 2017, establishing a steady role in media soundtracking. In 2014, Danny! announced plans for a new studio album initially titled , which he later retitled and described as his fourth full-length project. Production updates followed in 2016, including a revealed tracklisting of 12 songs and preview snippets shared via his official channels, but the album has not been released as of 2025. This delay reflects a broader shift in Danny!'s career, with no major solo album releases since , as he pivoted toward , library compositions, and media placements over original artist projects. He continued the Dream instrumental series with Dream, Fulfilled in 2007 and Dream, Extinguished in 2008. Post-2012, Danny! expanded significantly into , creating production library tracks and cues for sync opportunities in , , and under pseudonyms for outlets like , while maintaining ongoing contributions to . This focus on behind-the-scenes media work has sustained his industry presence, with placements in shows like MTV's The Challenge: Rivals II and various commercials underscoring his versatility beyond rap albums.

Artistry

Musical style

Danny!'s musical style is characterized by a seamless fusion of hip-hop with , , and , achieved primarily through heavy sampling and lo-fi production techniques that evoke a raw, nostalgic aesthetic. His beats often draw from samples and influences, creating a backpacker hip-hop sound that refreshes the genre's golden era without imitation, as heard in albums like And I Love H.E.R. where producer Alex Goose contributes to this layered, sample-driven approach. Early works such as Charm exemplify this with self-produced tracks featuring swinging R&B samples, freewheeling jazzy rhythms, and upbeat elements, all crafted in a DIY environment that emphasizes lo-fi warmth over high-fidelity polish. Lyrically, Danny! employs a humorous, narrative-driven style that weaves personal anecdotes with cultural commentary, delivered through a nonchalant, conversational flow that avoids overexertion. His self-aware and metacritical bars often inject into introspective themes, as seen in Payback's expansive vocabulary and witty , such as splitting sentences with rhetorical flair to underscore relational drama. This approach maintains an organic feel, blending lighthearted quips about industry trends with deeper storytelling, distinguishing his raps from more aggressive contemporaries. Complementing his digital sampling, Danny! incorporates live instrumentation to enhance the organic texture of his compositions, including harpsichords, strings, flutes, harps, and keys alongside guest vocals for a lush, epic quality. In tracks like "For The Love Of Money," this hybrid method—merging neo-Timbaland digital elements with live band arrangements—produces a fuller, more immersive sound. His reputation for eclectic, sample-based beats extends to drawing from 1970s soul records, contributing to the soulful backbone of his instrumental work and overall hip-hop framework. Over time, Danny!'s sound has evolved from the raw, DIY ethos of his early releases to more polished compositions suited for media placements, reflecting a maturation in arrangement and thematic depth. This progression is evident in Payback, a breakthrough album that exemplifies his refined style with agile, pop-infused beats and broader sonic experimentation.

Influences

Danny!'s creative development drew heavily from pioneering hip-hop producers known for innovative sampling and beat construction, including , whose minimalist approach on albums like inspired Swain's production on subsequent projects. Groups like and shaped his integration of psychedelic elements into hip-hop, providing a template for experimental yet accessible production on works such as And I Love H.E.R.. Lyrically, Common's metaphorical storytelling in tracks like "I Used to Love H.E.R." impacted Swain's conceptual approach to personifying hip-hop as a romantic interest, blending narrative depth with melodic soul samples from artists like . Swain's early exposure to music stemmed from his military family background, which involved frequent relocations to places like , , , and , immersing him in regional Southern U.S. sounds such as and alongside his parents' records. This diverse upbringing, combined with self-taught production skills honed in the 1990s boom-bap era after hearing Craig Mack's "Flavor in Ya Ear" at age 11 or 12, fostered his affinity for independent hip-hop aesthetics, including admiration for labels like that championed underground talent during his formative years. These influences converged in albums like Charm, where boom-bap foundations met jazz-soul melodies to create a distinctive sound.

Discography

Studio albums

Danny! signed with in 2007, releasing the EP Danny Is Dead on July 17, 2007, which is considered a significant early studio project showcasing refined rap delivery. Danny! self-released his debut full-length studio album, And I Love H.E.R.: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, on June 25, 2008. This 17-track concept album, structured as a fictional film soundtrack, explores a rapper's tumultuous relationship with hip-hop, personified as a woman, with key tracks including the introspective title song "And I Love H.E.R." and "Headlines." Pitchfork lauded it as a sophisticated project, highlighting Danny!'s dexterous rhymes and thematic ambition in a 7.8/10 review. The project solidified his reputation in alternative hip-hop circles for its emotional vulnerability and polished production. Where Is Danny?, Danny!'s second studio , was initially released on , 2009, with a wider distribution push in 2011 via , aiming for broader commercial appeal. The expansive 27-track effort features eccentric, stream-of-consciousness flows over eclectic beats, including collaborations like "Hoedown Showdown" with Von Pea, and reflects Danny!'s frustrations with the music industry. While praised its entertaining rhymes and charm in a positive , the album garnered mixed reception overall, with some critics noting its uneven length and ambitious scope amid the label's promotional efforts. In 2012, Danny! released Payback through Okayplayer Records, capping his concept album series with a 17-track tribute to producers and . The project blends narrative storytelling about industry revenge with heavy sampling from Elliott's catalog, featuring tracks like "Evil" and "Little Black Boy." It generated mainstream buzz following Danny!'s television debut performing "Evil" with on in September 2012. Critics appreciated its completeness and referential style, with RapReviews and highlighting its 80-minute runtime as a cohesive, high-energy statement. Danny! self-released The Book of Daniel on December 3, 2013, a concept album framed as an original motion picture score with 40 tracks exploring autobiographical and industry themes through narrative production. No major studio albums have been released since as of 2025. Some albums in his catalog were accompanied by instrumental counterparts released separately.

Instrumental albums

Danny!'s instrumental albums, released under his Daniel Swain, form a trilogy known as the "Dream" series, emphasizing his prowess as a beatmaker through sample-heavy hip hop productions designed to highlight his production skills for potential collaborators and fans of music. These works, self-released during his , allowed him to demonstrate his sampling techniques without vocals, drawing from soul, funk, and R&B sources to create moody, introspective soundscapes that appealed particularly to other producers seeking beats. The series underscores Danny!'s roots in underground hip hop production, where he crafted loops and arrangements that echoed the style he later refined in his vocal projects. The inaugural entry, Dream, Interrupted (2006), marked Danny!'s initial foray into full-length instrumental releases, featuring 23 tracks of sample-based beats that form a contemplative landscape, blending mellow grooves with subtle emotional depth to convey narrative arcs without words. Self-released on August 14, 2006, the album was initially distributed in limited fashion, primarily through online platforms and targeted to international markets like the UK, reflecting his efforts to build a production portfolio amid his emerging rap career. Running 46 minutes, it prioritizes smooth transitions and atmospheric sampling, establishing a template for his beat-centric output. Building on this foundation, Dream, Fulfilled (2007) expanded the series with more intricate arrangements, incorporating layered samples and rhythmic variations that added complexity to the core formula of soul-infused instrumentals. Released on April 23, 2007, as a self-released project, the 20-track album delves deeper into chopped and screwed aesthetics, offering a fuller sonic palette that attracted attention from producers for its versatility in hip hop contexts. At 48 minutes, it represents a maturation in Danny!'s production approach, emphasizing dynamic builds and textural depth to showcase his evolving craft. The trilogy concluded with Dream, Extinguished (2009), Danny!'s third and final instrumental album, which further refined the series' melancholy tone through 23 tracks inspired by 1970s AM radio soul, funk, and R&B, often leaving original samples intact while adding beats, scratches, and flourishes for originality. Self-released on June 23, 2009, the nearly hour-long collection features reworked classics from artists like and , creating introspective, mellow soundscapes with occasional jazzy or funky detours that highlight his sampling ingenuity. Rated 7.5 out of 10 by reviewers for its cohesive vibe akin to MF DOOM's Special Herbs series, it solidified the instrumental works' role in Danny!'s portfolio as essential showcases for his beatmaking expertise.

Mixtapes

Danny!'s early mixtapes played a pivotal role in cultivating his initial fanbase within the underground hip-hop community, offering free or low-cost distributions that highlighted his distinctive lyrical wit and production flair. His debut mixtape, The College Kicked-Out, released on November 2, 2004, was self-released and marked Danny!'s introduction to the rap scene with a humorous, self-promotional style featuring witty , personal anecdotes, and comedic . Running approximately 57 minutes, the project showcased tracks that blended self-reflection with playful bravado, helping to attract early listeners through its accessible and entertaining approach. This mixtape established Danny!'s unique voice, laying the groundwork for a growing audience eager for his unconventional takes on hip-hop tropes. Following up in 2005, F.O.O.D. (an acronym for Finding Out Our Destination), released on May 17, served as a continuation of his promotional efforts with a focus on freestyles and remixes that demonstrated his lyrical versatility and production skills. The mixtape received positive reception, including radio airplay, which further expanded his fanbase by exposing his emotional depth and creative remixing abilities to a broader audience. Building directly on the momentum from The College Kicked-Out, it solidified Danny!'s reputation as an innovative underground artist. Danny!'s third mixtape, Charm, was released on March 14, 2006, by 1911 Music and Badenov Records, marking his first commercially available project after earlier independent efforts. The 21-track mixtape serves as a concept piece chronicling a young aspiring rapper's struggles and temptations in the industry, with standout tracks like "Give Me a Chance," "Temptation," and the title song "Charm" showcasing his witty and soulful production. It received praise as an underground favorite for its narrative depth and innovative sampling, earning acclaim from hip-hop outlets for blending conscious themes with accessible beats. These mixtapes paved the way for Danny!'s shift toward more structured full-length albums later in his career.

Production and media

Production credits

Danny! began establishing himself as a sought-after in the underground hip-hop scene starting in 2010, contributing beats characterized by soulful samples and intricate drum patterns to several notable artists. His production work during this period emphasized collaborations with emerging rappers, often featuring flipped R&B and elements that aligned with his own style. These contributions helped bridge underground mixtapes and early breakthrough projects, showcasing his versatility beyond his solo . One of his earliest significant collaborations was with on the 2010 mixtape Detroit State of Mind 4, where produced the tracks "" and "Hey!". "" samples his own composition "Better Than I've Ever Been," creating a layered, introspective vibe that complements Brown's raw lyricism, while "Hey!" delivers a bouncy, upbeat suited for Brown's energetic flow. Later that year, on Brown's debut The Hybrid, handled production for "Exotic" and "The Nana Song," both of which incorporate smooth, exotic samples—"Exotic" draws from Guiot's "B. Is for Basse," infusing a jazzy, atmospheric feel, and "The Nana Song" flips Paul Simon's "Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War" for a playful yet gritty tone. These beats were pivotal in Brown's early sound development, highlighting 's ability to craft production that amplified the rapper's eccentric delivery. In 2012, Danny! extended his reach to the Based movement with contributions to Lil B's Illusions of Grandeur 2. He produced "The Game On Lock," sampling Anita Baker's "" for a lush, seductive backdrop that underscores Lil B's positive, stream-of-consciousness style, and "Illusions of G," which maintains a similar soul-infused groove to explore themes of and authenticity. These tracks exemplified Danny!'s skill in adapting his production to Lil B's unique, freeform approach, adding depth to the 's eclectic energy. That same year, he provided the beat for Wale's "Never Never (Freestyle)," originally from his album Dream, Interrupted, sampling Jill Scott's "" to create a moody, reflective that allowed Wale to delve into personal . This credit marked Danny!'s entry into slightly more mainstream circles while retaining an underground edge. From 2010 to 2014 and beyond, Danny!'s production expanded to include additional work with underground figures, such as co-production and features on tracks like "Misunderstood" with Blu and from his 2012 album , where his self-produced beat layers silky keys over conscious rhymes. Overall, his output during this era totals over a dozen credited productions across mixtapes and albums, focusing on hip-hop's alternative and experimental fringes, with a consistent emphasis on sample-heavy, emotive soundscapes that echoed the stylistic elements in his own releases.
ArtistReleaseYearTracks Produced by Danny!
Danny BrownDetroit State of Mind 4 (mixtape)2010"Counterfeit", "Hey!"
Danny BrownThe Hybrid (album)2010"Exotic", "The Nana Song"
Lil BIllusions of Grandeur 2 (mixtape)2012"The Game On Lock", "Illusions of G"
Wale"Never Never (Freestyle)" (single)2012Full track

Film and television placements/credits

Danny!'s music first gained notable exposure in visual media through the track "" from his 2012 album , which was featured in a Sonos commercial titled "Listening Is Back." This placement marked an early breakthrough in licensing opportunities stemming from the album's release, highlighting his and production versatility for contexts. Since 2012, Danny! has served as a for the animated series , creating original cues tailored to episode narratives. For instance, in the Season 5 premiere "Work Hard or Die Trying, Girl," he composed the instrumental "Take Me to the Muddy Grass," inspired by Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras," which underscores a sequence blending and elements during a musical breakdance scene. Similarly, for Season 7's "," his original instrumentals accompany multiple segments, including two dance studio-set routines involving characters Bob and Teddy in a Valentine's Day plotline. These contributions reflect his ongoing role in crafting episode-specific background music that enhances the show's comedic timing and character dynamics. In 2023, Danny! composed and produced a hip-hop remix of "Wheels On The Bus" for Sesame Street's "Party Bus" digital short, featuring original music and performance as DJ Danny!. Post-2012, Danny! expanded into broader library , supplying tracks for various television programs and advertisements. Through affiliations such as 's Music label, he has composed instrumentals for network programming and promotional content, facilitating placements across and related outlets. This licensing work has positioned his catalog as a resource for sync opportunities in episodic TV and commercial spots, emphasizing his shift toward media composition beyond standalone releases.

Awards and recognition

In 2017, Danny Swain received an Emmy plaque from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his original musical contributions to the Bob's Burgers episode "Bob Actually," which won the Outstanding Animated Program award at the 69th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. His ongoing work as a composer for the series, including hip-hop instrumentals, formed the basis for this recognition. Swain's 2008 album And I Love H.E.R.: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack earned critical acclaim, with awarding it a 7.3 out of 10 and praising its empathetic lyrics, breezy beats, and witty ruminations on personal struggles. The project highlighted his ability to blend introspective hip-hop with life-affirming production, marking a high point in his early independent output. His 2012 album Payback also received strong recognition, appearing on AllMusic's list of favorite hip-hop/rap albums of the year for its sharp storytelling and high-profile collaborations. RapReviews rated it 9 out of 10, commending its depth across 17 tracks and Swain's status as a respected underground producer. Earlier, in 2007, he won an mtvU "Best Music on Campus" award for his track "Dream," providing early validation for his self-produced hip-hop style. Throughout the 2010s, Swain garnered nominations and honors in underground hip-hop circles, including shortlists for album of the year from outlets like for releases such as Where Is ? (2010). His production credits and independent ethos have cemented his legacy as an influential figure in alternative hip-hop, inspiring artists with his DIY approach and genre-blending innovation.

References

  1. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/danny%21-mn0000554626
  2. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/3951849
  3. https://www.allmusic.com/album/dream-interrupted-mw0001448152
  4. https://www.allmusic.com/album/charm-mw0000522842
  5. https://www.allmusic.com/album/danny-is-dead-mw0000482181
  6. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/danny!-mn0000554626
  7. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/danny/128419833
  8. https://www.jango.com/music/Danny%2B/_full_bio
  9. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-the-college-kicked-out/
  10. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-food/
  11. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-charm/
  12. https://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2006_03_charm.html
  13. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-dream-interrupted/
  14. https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2007/01/24/local-student-wins-mtv-award/13814310007/
  15. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/danny-danny-is-dead/
  16. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12082-and-i-love-her-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/
  17. https://www.popmatters.com/123052-danny-brown-the-hybrid-2496185816.html
  18. https://www.popmatters.com/70881-flavor-for-your-ear-eventually-an-interview-with-danny-2496053527.html
  19. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/189447-where-are-they-now-20-icons-of-the-hip-hop-blog-era-news
  20. https://open.spotify.com/album/3U6c2AHzXiRPmA6UERgPJL
  21. https://www.okayplayer.com/danny-payback-out-september-25th-exclusive-best-of-mixtape/318617
  22. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/danny/payback/
  23. https://www.okayplayer.com/video-danny-x-the-roots-evil-live-on-jimmy-fallon/489339
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC79jQ4cJJ4
  25. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8780492/
  26. https://www.dannyswain.com/video/bobs-burgers-danny-swain-bob-actually/
  27. https://www.dannyswain.com/news/danny-the-book-of-daniel-tracklist/
  28. https://genius.com/albums/Danny-swain/The-book-of-daniel
  29. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-the-book-of-daniel/
  30. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/77HU/sonos-featuring-questlove-song-danny
  31. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/mtv-features-danny-swain-soundtrack/
  32. https://www.thecouchsessions.com/articles/music/review-danny-and-i-love-her
  33. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/danny-payback/
  34. https://theboombox.com/danny-swain-interview/
  35. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-danny-is-dead/
  36. https://www.rapreviews.com/2007/07/danny-danny-is-dead/
  37. https://music.apple.com/us/album/and-i-love-h-e-r-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/285024039
  38. https://www.rapreviews.com/2008/07/danny-and-i-love-h-e-r/
  39. https://www.allmusic.com/album/where-is-danny--mw0001509642
  40. https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/danny-where-is-danny/
  41. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/51182-danny-where-is-danny.php
  42. https://www.okayplayer.com/the-okayplayer-interview-the-adventures-of-danny-from-jay-z-to-von-pea/679288
  43. https://www.rapreviews.com/2012/01/danny-payback/
  44. https://www.allmusic.com/album/payback-mw0002295250
  45. https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-book-of-daniel-original-motion-picture-score/1725715397
  46. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/
  47. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-dream-fulfilled/
  48. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/discography/danny-dream-extinguished/
  49. https://www.rapreviews.com/2008/02/danny-daniel-swain-dream-extinguished/
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/1222854-Danny-Charm
  51. https://insidepulse.com/2006/05/09/48407/
  52. https://hypebeast.com/2013/4/danny-where-credit-is-due
  53. https://www.whosampled.com/Danny-Brown/Counterfeit/
  54. https://genius.com/Danny-brown-counterfeit-lyrics/q/producer
  55. https://genius.com/Danny-brown-exotic-lyrics/q/producer
  56. https://www.whosampled.com/Danny-Brown/Exotic/
  57. https://genius.com/Danny-brown-the-nana-song-lyrics/q/producer
  58. https://www.whosampled.com/Danny-Brown/The-Nana-Song/
  59. https://genius.com/Lil-b-the-game-on-lock-lyrics/q/producer
  60. https://www.whosampled.com/Lil-B/The-Game-on-Lock/
  61. https://genius.com/Wale-never-never-freestyle-lyrics
  62. https://respect-mag.com/2012/09/new-music-danny-feat-blu-lil-b-misunderstood/
  63. https://www.dannyswain.com/video/
  64. https://www.dannyswain.com/video/danny-swain-bobs-burgers-work-hard-or-die-trying-girl/
  65. https://www.dannyswain.com/video/danny-swain-sesame-street-party-bus/
  66. https://www.dannyswain.com/music/danny-swain-sesame-street-wheels-on-the-bus/
  67. https://www.allmusic.com/blog/post/allmusics-favorite-hip-hoprap-albums-of-2012
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