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Swae Lee
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Key Information
Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown (born June 7, 1993),[1][2][3] known professionally as Swae Lee, is an American rapper and singer. Known for his wide-ranged, reverb-heavy vocals and genre-blending, Lee is one half of the Mississippi-based hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, which he formed in 2010 with his brother Slim Jxmmi.
Rae Sremmurd signed with Mike Will Made It's EarDrummer Records, an imprint of Interscope Records in 2013. The duo's first three studio albums — SremmLife (2015), SremmLife 2 (2016) and SR3MM (2018) — debuted within the top ten of the Billboard 200, and spawned hit songs including "No Flex Zone," "No Type," and "Black Beatles" (featuring Gucci Mane)—the latter of which topped the Billboard Hot 100. As a solo act, he guest appeared on French Montana's 2017 single "Unforgettable," which peaked within the latter chart's top ten—becoming his first song to do so as a solo artist—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."
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)—a top 40 US hit with double platinum certification—and made an uncredited guest appearance on Travis Scott's single "Sicko Mode", which became his second song to top the Billboard Hot 100 and likewise earned two Grammy nominations. His 2020 single, "Be Like That" (with Kane Brown and Khalid) reached the top 20 of the chart and received quadruple platinum certification by the RIAA.
Early life
[edit]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
[edit]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.

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
[edit]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
[edit]In April 2019, Lee's home was raided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for possession of exotic animals, during which his pet spider monkey was seized.[32]
In January 2020, Lee's stepfather Floyd Sullivan was shot and killed. Michael Sullivan, Lee's half-brother, was taken into police custody as the suspected perpetrator.[33] Michael Sullivan pleaded guilty to second degree murder in October 2023.[34]
Lee's first child, a daughter with Brazilian model Aline Martins, was born in 2020. In 2022, he filed for joint custody.[35] That same year, he had a son with girlfriend Victoria Kristine.[36][37][38][39]
Lee has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and released a song as part of Rae Sremmurd in tribute to the neurotype in 2023—"ADHD Anthem (Too Many Emotions)".[40]
In July 2024, Lee expressed disapproval of Vice President Kamala Harris, and urged his fans on X to not vote for her in the 2024 United States presidential election.[41]
Discography
[edit]- Swaecation (2018)
- Human Nature (TBA)
Awards and nominations
[edit]Grammy Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | "Formation" (as songwriter) | Song of the Year | Nominated | [42] |
| 2019 | "Sicko Mode" (with Travis Scott, Drake, and Big Hawk) | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | [43] |
| Best Rap Song | Nominated | |||
| 2020 | "Sunflower" (with Post Malone) | Record of the Year | Nominated | [44] |
| Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | Nominated |
MTVU Woodie Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Swae Lee | Songwriter of the Year | Nominated | [45] |
Soul Train Music Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | "Formation" (as songwriter) | The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award | Nominated | [46] |
Teen Choice Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | "Sunflower" (with Post Malone) | Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song | Nominated | [47] |
| Choice Song From a Movie | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Rae Sremmurd". Biography.com. A&E Networks. August 12, 2019. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- ^ a b Bemrose, Bekki. "Swae Lee". allmusic. Retrieved August 17, 2019.
- ^ "Swae Lee, 1993-". Library of Congress. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
- ^ "Halsey's 'Without Me' Tops Billboard Hot 100, Becoming Her First No. 1 as a Lead Artist". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "What Happens in Vegas With Rae Sremmurd". Complex. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ "Swae Lee". Universal Music France. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
- ^ "Rae Sremmurd Behind The Scenes with Shorty Da Prince". ZHipHopCleveland.com.com. WENZ. July 2, 2014.
- ^ Weiner, Jonah (April 3, 2018). "High Times With the Black Beatles: Inside Rae Sremmurd's Wild Third Album". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Interview: Rae Sremmurd". ACCLAIM. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ 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
- ^ Burn Slow (feat. Rae Sremmurd) – Single by Wiz Khalifa on Apple Music, September 3, 2015, retrieved February 8, 2018
- ^ "Rae Sremmurd Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "French Montana Earns First No. 1 on Hot Rap Songs Chart With 'Unforgettable'". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ "French Montana Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ Leight, Elias (December 22, 2018). "Swae Lee Made Enough Hits in 2018 to Last Him a Lifetime". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
- ^ "Trippie Redd and Swae Lee Drop New Song TR666 – XXL". XXL Mag. December 26, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ Morris, Jessie. "Swae Lee Announces Debut Solo Album 'Swaecation'". Complex.
- ^ "Rae Sremmurd Announce Release Date For "SR3MM" Triple Album". HotNewHipHop. April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
- ^ Bein, Kat. "Ellie Goulding Shines With Diplo & Swae Lee on 'Close to Me': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ "NEW MUSIC: XXXTENTACION & LIL PUMP FEAT. MALUMA & SWAE LEE – 'ARMS AROUND YOU'". Rap-Up. October 25, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
- ^ "Early Release! Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 November 3rd, 2018 Countdown". Billboard.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Swae Lee Steals the Show (Again) on Nicki Minaj's 'Chun Swae'". Rolling Stone. August 10, 2018.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (May 10, 2019). "Hear Madonna and Swae Lee Team Up for 'Crave'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
- ^ "Swae Lee Drops New Single 'Reality Check'". Rap Up. June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Swae Lee on Upcoming 'Human Nature' Album: 'I'm Breaking all the Rules'". Billboard.
- ^ "ALICIA KEYS HONORS NEW YORK CITY IN STIRRING VMAS PERFORMANCE". MTV. September 12, 2021. Archived from the original on September 13, 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ A POLAROID STORY x RAE SREMMURD: SWAE LEE INTERVIEW, July 18, 2017, retrieved September 17, 2019
- ^ "Swae Lee's L.A. Home Also Raided for Exotic Animals, Spider Monkey Seized". Yahoo News. April 3, 2019.
- ^ "Rae Sremmurd's Stepdad Fatally Shot in Mississippi, Duo's Younger Brother in Custody (UPDATE)". www.complex.com. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ Journal, WILLIAM MOORE Daily (October 31, 2023). "Rap duo's stepbrother pleads guilty to second degree murder". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- ^ "Swae Lee Files for Joint Custody of Baby Daughter with Brazilian Model". Complex Networks.
- ^ "Swae Lee & Newborn Baby Narrowly Avoid Injury in Wild Coachella Brawl". April 25, 2023.
- ^ "Swae Lee Expecting First Child with Girlfriend Victoria Kristine". August 30, 2022.
- ^ "Swae Lee and His Girlfriend Victoria Kristine Are Expecting Their First Child Together - the Source". August 31, 2022.
- ^ "Swae Lee Protects Newborn Son As He Fights His Way Past Coachella Security". April 25, 2023.
- ^ "Rae Sremmurd – ADHD Anthem (Too Many Emotions)", Genius.com, retrieved September 19, 2023
- ^ "Swae Lee Faces Backlash After Telling Fans Not to Vote for Kamala Harris". Billboard. July 29, 2024.
- ^ "59th Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees". Grammy.
- ^ "61st Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees". Grammy. December 6, 2018.
- ^ "62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (2019)". Grammy. May 19, 2020.
- ^ "Winners by Category – 2017 Woodies". MTV. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017.
- ^ "2016 Soul Train Awards: See the Full Winners List". Billboard.
- ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2019: See the full list of winners and nominees". Entertainment Weekly.
External links
[edit]Swae Lee
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Upbringing and family background
Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown, professionally known as Swae Lee, was born on June 7, 1993, in Inglewood, California. His family soon relocated to Tupelo, Mississippi, where he spent his childhood in the Ida Street public housing projects amid pronounced economic deprivation. Raised primarily by his single mother, Bernadette Walker, who had served in the United States Army, Swae Lee navigated a household marked by parental separation stemming from his father's drug-related issues and domestic violence.[12][13][14] These conditions imposed severe material constraints, including periods of homelessness and reliance on low-wage survival strategies, which Walker's resourcefulness helped mitigate through her emphasis on practical adaptability in the face of scarcity. The Ida Street projects, characterized by high crime rates and limited opportunities, exposed the family to ongoing instability, compelling early development of tenacity as a means of enduring daily precarity.[15][16] Swae Lee's older brother, Aaquil Brown (later known as Slim Jxmmi), served as a primary early influence and collaborator during these years, with the siblings initiating informal music experimentation as a shared response to their environment's pressures. This fraternal dynamic, forged in shared deprivation, provided mutual support and an initial creative outlet, laying groundwork for disciplined persistence amid external adversities like poverty and familial disruption.[14][16]Musical career
Rae Sremmurd era
Rae Sremmurd, the hip-hop duo formed by brothers Swae Lee (Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown) and Slim Jxmmi (Aaquil Hassan Brown) in 2010 in Tupelo, Mississippi, initially built momentum through local performances before signing with producer Mike Will Made-It's Ear Drummer Records imprint. Their breakthrough came with the debut single "No Flex Zone," released on June 18, 2014, which went viral via social media and peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, establishing their signature trap-infused Southern sound characterized by melodic hooks and party-oriented lyrics.[17] This track's success, driven by over 10 million YouTube views within weeks of release, directly propelled their visibility in the hip-hop landscape.[18] The duo's debut studio album, SremmLife, arrived on January 6, 2015, via Ear Drummer Records and Interscope Records, debuting at number 5 on the US Billboard 200 with 31,000 album-equivalent units in its first week.[19] Key singles from the project, such as "No Type," further solidified their chart presence, reaching number 42 on the Hot 100 and exemplifying their fusion of trap beats with accessible, repetitive cadences that resonated in club and streaming contexts.[17] The album's commercial performance, bolstered by collaborations with producers like Mike Will Made-It, underscored Rae Sremmurd's early ability to translate viral singles into sustained duo output, generating revenue through streaming and initial tours. SremmLife 2, released on August 12, 2016, debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200, moving 30,000 units in its opening week, with standout track "Black Beatles" featuring Gucci Mane achieving number 1 on the Hot 100 for seven weeks and tying records for longest-running rap number-one at the time.[20][17] This sequel expanded their trap-southern hybrid by incorporating more polished production and guest features, contributing to over 1 billion combined streams for its singles and supporting headlining tours that maintained financial viability amid rising fame.[21] By 2018, internal frictions emerged post-success, with reports of creative differences and personal strains influencing their third project, SR3MM, a triple-disc release on May 4 comprising a Rae Sremmurd album alongside solo discs Swaecation by Swae Lee and Jxmtro by Slim Jxmmi.[22] The structure reflected efforts to accommodate individual pursuits while preserving duo cohesion, debuting at number 20 on the Billboard 200, though earlier breakup rumors—fueled by social media posts and denied as "fake news" in 2017—highlighted tensions linked to the pressures of rapid ascent and substance-related issues later acknowledged by Slim Jxmmi.[23] Despite these challenges, touring from the SR3MM era sustained revenue, with the duo performing at major festivals and venues through 2018.[24]Solo career and breakthroughs
Swae Lee's solo breakthrough came with his feature on French Montana's "Unforgettable," released on April 13, 2017, as the lead single from Montana's album Jungle Rules.[25] The track, co-written and featuring Lee's melodic hook, peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned diamond certification from the RIAA in August 2022 for 10 million units sold or streamed in the United States, later upgraded to 11x platinum by August 2023.[26] [27] This marked Lee's first major solo success outside Rae Sremmurd, highlighting his ability to craft infectious, tropical-infused choruses that drove the song's global appeal and commercial dominance.[28] In 2018, Lee released his debut solo project, the nine-track EP Swaecation on May 4, bundled as part of Rae Sremmurd's triple album SR3MM.[29] The EP showcased Lee's melodic versatility through breezy, R&B-leaning tracks like "Touchscreen Navigation" and "Heat of the Moment," emphasizing lush production and falsetto-driven vocals suited for summer playlists.[30] Critics noted its cohesive, lighthearted vibe blending pop experimentation with cruising rhythms, positioning Lee as a standalone artist capable of genre-crossing hooks.[31] Lee's most enduring solo hit emerged later that year with "Sunflower," a collaboration with Post Malone released on October 18, 2018, for the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack.[32] The track, featuring Lee's airy, harmonious verse over a laid-back beat, amassed over 3 billion streams on Spotify by 2023 and became the most-streamed song in U.S. history with nearly 4 billion combined streams by June 2025.[33] It received double diamond certification from the RIAA in February 2024, signifying 20 million units, and held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks, underscoring the profitability of soundtrack synergies and Lee's hook-centric style.[34] Following these milestones, Lee continued issuing solo singles that reinforced his melodic range, including "Won't Be Late" with Drake in July 2019, which peaked at number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and demonstrated his falsetto adaptability across hip-hop and pop contexts.[35] Subsequent releases maintained a focus on versatile, earworm choruses, solidifying his solo trajectory through streaming-driven profitability rather than traditional full-length albums.[7]Collaborations and production work
Swae Lee has provided guest vocals and melodic hooks on tracks across hip-hop and pop genres, contributing to their commercial success and highlighting his vocal range. His feature on Post Malone's "Sunflower," released October 18, 2018, for the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, marked a major hit that achieved first-ever RIAA double diamond certification (20 million units) on February 8, 2024, with its enduring chart presence driven partly by Lee's reverb-heavy chorus.[34] Similarly, his hook on French Montana's "Unforgettable" (2017) helped propel the single to multi-platinum status and prolonged Hot 100 residency through its tropical trap elements.[36] In production, Lee co-produced early beats that evolved into high-profile credits, including Gucci Mane's "Pussy Print" featuring Kanye West from the 2016 album Everybody Looking, where he handled instrumentation alongside Mike Will Made It.[37] This work underscores his shift from foundational trap production to collaborations with established producers, as seen in his co-writing and vocal contributions to Beyoncé's "Formation" (2016), which earned a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year and featured Lee's iconic opening line.[6] Lee's strategic selections in features, such as his verse on Travis Scott's "Sicko Mode" from Astroworld (2018), correlated with tracks achieving diamond certifications and extended Billboard longevity due to multi-artist appeal and replay value.[36]Recent developments
In 2025, Swae Lee maintained an active touring presence amid evolving music industry dynamics, including streaming saturation and live event recoveries, with performances at festivals such as Beach, Please! in Romania from July 9–13 and Rolling Loud India on November 22.[38] [39] He also headlined Modstock at Boston College on May 1, demonstrating sustained demand for his catalog in college and regional circuits.[40] On October 20, 2025, Lee collaborated with Xbox and Team Ninja to promote Ninja Gaiden 4 by achieving a Guinness World Record for the largest video game display flown by helicopter—a 26-foot-wide screen mounted on a chopper over Miami, where he played the game mid-flight to simulate its aerial combat themes.[41][42] This stunt, tied to the game's October 20 release, underscored Lee's pivot toward gaming integrations for audience expansion beyond traditional music platforms.[43] Lee's foray into gaming builds on prior esports investments, including his 2020 stake in the organization XSET and 2021 appointment as Chief Entertainment Officer for the SYN CITY blockchain metaverse, which emphasize cross-media branding to counter music revenue volatility.[44][45] These ventures have contributed to his net worth reaching an estimated $13 million by mid-2025, driven by royalties, tours, and endorsement synergies.[46]Artistry
Musical style and vocals
Swae Lee's vocal style is characterized by a high-pitched, melodic delivery that spans a range from G2 to B♭5, encompassing over three octaves, as documented in vocal analyses of his recordings.[47] This range enables him to reach elevated registers, such as the belting techniques evident in his contributions to "Sunflower" with Post Malone, where he employs sustained high notes for emotional emphasis.[48] His vocals frequently integrate heavy auto-tune processing, which smooths pitch variations and imparts a signature robotic sheen, a production choice replicated in numerous tutorials analyzing tracks like "Unforgettable."[49] In terms of musical style, Lee blends trap beats with melodic phrasing, prioritizing catchy hooks over dense lyricism, which contributes to the infectious quality of songs like those on Swaecation.[30] This fusion yields pros such as broad commercial appeal through repetitive, singable refrains, but draws critiques for potential repetitiveness, with reviewers noting struggles to sustain replay value beyond initial hooks in solo efforts.[50] Production techniques often layer harmonies and ad-libs to enhance density, aligning with trap's rhythmic foundations while leaning into pop-R&B smoothness.[51] Live performances reveal adaptations from studio polish, where auto-tune and backing tracks dominate to replicate the processed sound, sometimes leading to technical mishaps like untuned microphones exposing rawer, less refined delivery.[52] Freestyle showcases without effects demonstrate underlying talent in spontaneous phrasing and tone control, contrasting the engineered precision of recordings and highlighting a reliance on post-production for consistency.Influences and evolution
Swae Lee's early musical style drew from the Southern rap traditions of Mississippi, where he was raised in Tupelo after being born in Inglewood, California, fostering a soul-infused approach to hip-hop rooted in regional grit and emotional depth.[53] [54] In reflecting on his origins, Lee has credited the Mississippi environment with providing "a lot of soul" that enabled authentic audience connections through relatable, heartfelt lyricism amid the duo Rae Sremmurd's high-energy trap foundations.[54] After Rae Sremmurd's peak, Lee's solo trajectory evolved toward melodic, pop-leaning versatility, prioritizing expansive hooks and genre fusion over strict rap structures, as seen in his 2018 debut solo project Swaecation, which emphasized summery, affection-driven soundscapes.[55] This pivot broadened to global appeals, including African-influenced productions like the 2019 collaboration "Won't Be Late" with Drake, co-produced by Nigerian artist Tekno, marking early bridges to Afrobeats elements.[56] Into the 2020s, Lee's adaptability countered perceptions of formulaic reliance on reverb-heavy melodies by embracing cross-genre experimentation, from pop features to production on diverse tracks, affirming his stated goal of "dominating all different genres" without self-imposed limits.[57] [58] This progression, driven by commercial hits and collaborative opportunities, reflects a causal shift from localized Southern roots to a borderless, hook-centric evolution prioritizing broad accessibility over niche fidelity.[57]Public image and controversies
Political statements
In July 2024, Swae Lee used his X account to urge Black Americans against supporting Vice President Kamala Harris for president, posting on July 27, "Do not vote for Kamala!! Do your research on that whole camp" and warning that voting for her merely because "you think she’s black is not going to end in your favor."[59][60] He framed this as a call for independent evaluation of policy records over identity-based allegiance, drawing implicitly from his own experiences of self-made success rising from Mississippi public housing and foster care without reliance on external validation.[61] Lee extended critiques to the Biden-Harris administration's foreign policy, questioning the allocation of U.S. tax dollars to overseas aid like Ukraine support amid domestic economic pressures, stating such priorities neglected American citizens' immediate needs.[62][60] He highlighted perceived inaction on Gaza as emblematic of broader administrative disconnects from grassroots realities, positioning these as empirical failures in resource stewardship rather than ideological extremes.[63] Contrasting this, Lee has voiced approval for Donald Trump, citing specific actions like presidential pardons for rappers Kodak Black and Lil Wayne as evidence of attunement to hip-hop community dynamics.[60] In an April 2023 interview, he affirmed preferring Trump over Biden for the 2024 election, noting, "He freed Kodak, He freed Wayne, He tapped in," interpreting these as pragmatic engagements over detached governance.[64][65] These remarks recurred in 2024 discourse, underscoring Lee's emphasis on leaders demonstrating tangible awareness of constituent challenges.[65]Backlash and responses
Following Swae Lee's social media posts on July 27, 2024, urging followers to research before supporting Kamala Harris in the presidential election, he faced swift criticism from fans and online commentators who accused him of spreading misinformation and aligning against Democratic interests.[66][67] Many responses on platforms like X labeled his views as anti-Black or uninformed, with users arguing that his stance overlooked systemic support for minority communities from Democratic policies.[68][69] In response to the detractors, Lee defended his position on July 28, 2024, asserting that critics were "brainwashed" and reiterating the importance of independent research over partisan loyalty.[61] He emphasized personal accountability in voting, framing the backlash as resistance to questioning established narratives.[70] Supporters, including some conservative-leaning voices in hip-hop commentary, praised Lee for demonstrating intellectual independence amid predominantly left-leaning sentiments in the music industry.[60] These reactions highlighted his comments as a rare pushback against perceived groupthink, gaining traction in circles skeptical of mainstream media's election coverage.[63] The episode contributed to a polarized public image, alienating portions of his fanbase aligned with progressive politics while earning endorsements from figures appreciative of anti-establishment rhetoric, though no verified professional repercussions in his music career emerged by late 2024.[11][71]Personal life
Family and relationships
Swae Lee maintains a close familial and professional bond with his brother, Slim Jxmmi, with whom he co-founded the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd in 2010. Despite tensions arising from individual solo pursuits and periods of hiatus for the group, the siblings have collaborated on projects and publicly affirmed their strengthened unity, attributing it to personal growth and shared experiences in the industry.[72][73] Lee is a father to at least two children. He shares a daughter named Angel, born in approximately 2021, with Brazilian model Aline Martins; in September 2022, he filed for joint custody of the child, seeking 50/50 physical and legal custody arrangements.[74][75] Earlier in 2022, Lee announced he was expecting a child with his then-girlfriend, model Victoria Kristine, following an outdoor baby shower event.[76][77] As of 2025, Lee has no confirmed romantic relationship. His past partnerships include brief associations with figures such as singer Malu Trevejo in 2021 and model Yovanna Ventura from 2018 to 2019, though details remain limited to public sightings and unverified reports. Fatherhood has notably shaped Lee's priorities, as evidenced by his legal efforts to secure custody and his selective sharing of family matters amid career demands.[74]Discography
Albums and EPs
As a member of the hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd alongside his brother Slim Jxmmi, Swae Lee contributed to the group's debut album SremmLife, released on January 6, 2015, by EarDrummer Records and Interscope Records.[78] The 11-track project, produced primarily by Mike Will Made-It, debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 49,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, including 34,000 in pure sales.[78] Rae Sremmurd's third studio album SR3MM, released on May 4, 2018, functions as a triple-disc set comprising a collaborative Rae Sremmurd portion, Slim Jxmmi's solo album Jxmtro, and Swae Lee's debut solo studio album Swaecation.[79] The overall project debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200, accumulating over 77,000 album-equivalent units in its debut week.[80] Swaecation consists of nine tracks emphasizing melodic R&B and trap elements, with features from artists including Young Thug and Slim Jxmmi, and production from Mike Will Made-It and Helluva.[29] It represents Swae Lee's first independent full-length release, distinct from group efforts, though charted as part of SR3MM. No subsequent solo albums by Swae Lee have been released as of 2025.Notable singles and features
"Black Beatles," a collaboration by Rae Sremmurd featuring Gucci Mane, topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in November 2016, achieving the duo's first number-one single.[81] "No Type," another Rae Sremmurd track, marked an early commercial breakthrough, entering the Hot 100 and contributing to their rising profile in hip-hop.[82] Swae Lee's feature on French Montana's "Unforgettable," released in 2017, peaked within the Hot 100's top 10, representing Montana's highest-charting entry at the time and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance.[83][84] The 2018 single "Sunflower" with Post Malone, tied to the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2019 after climbing from lower positions, bolstered by strong streaming performance.[85] It later became the first song certified double diamond by the RIAA, signifying 20 million equivalent units sold in the United States.[34] Into the 2020s, "Sunflower" sustained massive streaming success, accumulating nearly 4 billion plays on Spotify and ranking as the fourth-most streamed track in Apple Music history as of 2025.[86][87] Other features, such as on "Calling" from the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack with A Boogie wit da Hoodie in 2023, gained traction on streaming platforms but did not replicate the chart dominance of prior hits.[88]Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
Swae Lee, born Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown, has earned four Grammy Award nominations between 2017 and 2020, all tied to high-profile collaborations rather than solo efforts, reflecting his role as a featured artist on commercially dominant tracks.[89][90] These nominations highlight industry recognition for his melodic contributions to hip-hop and pop-rap hybrids, yet he has secured no victories, a pattern common among many genre-blending artists where voter preferences often favor established solo acts or broader cultural narratives over feature credits.[57]| Year | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Song of the Year | "Formation" (Beyoncé, as co-songwriter) | Nominated[90] |
| 2019 | Best Rap Performance | "Sicko Mode" (Travis Scott featuring Drake, Big Hawk, and Swae Lee) | Nominated[89] |
| 2020 | Record of the Year | "Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" (Post Malone featuring Swae Lee) | Nominated[89] |
| 2020 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | "Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" (Post Malone featuring Swae Lee) | Nominated[89] |