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Swae Lee

Not to be confused with Swan Lee.

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 in 2010 with his brother Slim Jxmmi. They signed with Mike Will Made It's EarDrummer Records, an imprint of Interscope Records in 2013, and released four albums that spawned hit singles including "No Flex Zone," "No Type," and "Black Beatles" (featuring Gucci Mane)—the latter topped the Billboard Hot 100. He guest appeared on French Montana's 2017 single "Unforgettable," which peaked within the 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."

Swae Lee
Lee in 2019
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 31)
Inglewood, California, U.S.
OriginTupelo, Mississippi, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
DiscographySwae Lee discography
Years active2010–present
Labels
Member ofRae Sremmurd
Children2
Websiteswaeleeofficial.com

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 topped the US Adult Top 40 airplay chart—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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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.[32] Michael Sullivan pleaded guilty to second degree murder in October 2023.[33]

Lee's first child, a daughter with Brazilian model Aline Martins, was born in 2020. In 2022, he and the mother separated as he filed for joint custody.[34] That same year, he had a son with girlfriend Victoria Kristine.[35][36][37][38]

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)".[39]

Political views

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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.[40]

Discography

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Main articles: Swae Lee discography and Rae Sremmurd discography

Awards and nominations

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Grammy Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2017 "Formation" (as songwriter) Song of the Year Nominated [41]
2019 "Sicko Mode" (with Travis Scott, Drake, and Big Hawk) Best Rap Performance Nominated [42]
Best Rap Song Nominated
2020 "Sunflower" (with Post Malone) Record of the Year Nominated [43]
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Nominated

MTVU Woodie Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2017 Swae Lee Songwriter of the Year Nominated [44]

Soul Train Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2016 "Formation" (as songwriter) The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award Nominated [45]

Teen Choice Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2019 "Sunflower" (with Post Malone) Choice R&B/Hip-Hop Song Nominated [46]
Choice Song From a Movie Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Rae Sremmurd". Biography.com. A&E Networks. August 12, 2019. Archived from the original on August 18, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  2. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on September 13, 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, July 18, 2017, retrieved September 17, 2019
  32. ^ "Rae Sremmurd's Stepdad Fatally Shot in Mississippi, Duo's Younger Brother in Custody (UPDATE)". www.complex.com. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  33. ^ 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.
  34. ^ "Swae Lee Files for Joint Custody of Baby Daughter with Brazilian Model". Complex Networks.
  35. ^ "Swae Lee & Newborn Baby Narrowly Avoid Injury in Wild Coachella Brawl". April 25, 2023.
  36. ^ "Swae Lee Expecting First Child with Girlfriend Victoria Kristine". August 30, 2022.
  37. ^ "Swae Lee and His Girlfriend Victoria Kristine Are Expecting Their First Child Together - the Source". August 31, 2022.
  38. ^ "Swae Lee Protects Newborn Son As He Fights His Way Past Coachella Security". April 25, 2023.
  39. ^ "Rae Sremmurd – ADHD Anthem (Too Many Emotions)", Genius.com, retrieved September 19, 2023
  40. ^ "Swae Lee Faces Backlash After Telling Fans Not to Vote for Kamala Harris". Billboard. July 29, 2024.
  41. ^ "59th Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees". Grammy.
  42. ^ "61st Annual Grammy Awards Winners & Nominees". Grammy. December 6, 2018.
  43. ^ "62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards (2019)". Grammy. May 19, 2020.
  44. ^ "Winners by Category – 2017 Woodies". MTV. Archived from the original on March 18, 2017.
  45. ^ "2016 Soul Train Awards: See the Full Winners List". Billboard.
  46. ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2019: See the full list of winners and nominees". Entertainment Weekly.
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