Full Name | Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown |
---|---|
Age | 30 |
Birthday | June 7, 1993 |
Birthplace | Inglewood, California, United States |
Relationship Status | Single |
Height | 5‘11" |
Net Worth | $9 million |
Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
Swae Lee is an American rapper and singer-songwriter, famous for his wide vocal range and genre-bending sound with brother Slim Jxmmi in hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd. With smooth vocals and a penchant for infectious hooks, Swae Lee has become one of the most influential melodic artists in hip hop today.
Early Life and Childhood
Swae Lee spent his early childhood in California before moving to Mississippi at age 10 with his mom and brother. The family struggled financially in Compton and moved seeking a slower pace of life.
Growing up in Tupelo, Swae Lee first started getting into music through his uncle, a member of Dem Franchize Boyz. He and Slim would perform songs together as kids, developing their musical talent through freestyling and burning demo CDs. While life in Mississippi was slower, the brothers still faced bullying and adversity as they honed their craft.
According to Swae, “We went through humble beginnings. Ain‘t have nothing, slept on the floor. But we had big dreams man."
Musical Style and Influences
Known for his smooth, melodic vocals and versatility as both a singer and rapper, Swae Lee cites Michael Jackson as a major influence growing up. He also listened to soul artists like Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield, incorporating R&B styles into his hip hop music.
Some key features of Swae Lee‘s musical style:
- Wide vocal range – he effortlessly switches from high pitches to low registers
- Layered vocal harmonies and background ad libs
- Blends singing and rapping seamlessly
- Catchy pop-style hooks and choruses
- Lyrical flow and delivery reminiscent of Young Thug
- Eccentric beats drawing from EDM, psychedelic, Southern hip-hop
"I ain’t trying to sound like nobody else. I want my own lane," Swae says. His genre-bending production and vocals creates a unique sound.
Swae Lee on His Career
According to Swae Lee: “The music industry kind of reminds me of the dope game, in a sense. The grind don’t stop. You want to keep going up the ladder. The money and the girls and all that stuff, that’s the bonus parts.”
He maintains a carefree, confident outlook as an artist. But Swae also recognizes the challenges he overcame, saying “Coming from nothing and being able to provide for your family, that’s what feels good.”
Reputation and Personality
Swae Lee has a reputation as a fun, charismatic artist known for high energy and eccentricity. His musical risk-taking and flashy style often garners attention.
But those close to Swae praise his loyalty and generosity off-stage. He remains dedicated to his family and hometown community in Mississippi. Soft-spoken in interviews, Swae Lee also has a gentle, introspective side beneath the hype.
Fun Facts About Swae Lee
- Favorite food: sweets – his stage name Swae Lee is a play on words
- Has a pet spider and pet monkey named Gizmo
- Loves anime and video games in his free time
- Known for unique fashion sense – walked in NY Fashion Week in 2019
- Has several face tattoos including a crescent moon and anarchy symbol
- Competed on MTV‘s reality show The Challenge in 2020
At just 30 years old, Swae Lee‘s distinctive sound and melodic hooks have already left an indelible mark on hip hop. As a long-time fan, I‘m excited to see what he accomplishes next!