SwaVay has some heavy cosigns behind him, including Metro Boomin, who signed him to his Boominati Worldwide imprint, and James Blake, who he's collaborated with and counts as a friend and mentor. The character that emerges through Swavay's music and minimal social media presence is of a thoughtful artist who is dedicated to his craft and focused on making authentic music rather than chasing trends.

Swavay is a compelling storyteller and versatile rapper, able to draw the listener in to detailed scenarios over classic-sounding hip-hop beats ("2nd Childhood," "Final Fantasy"), turn the energy up over modern rap production ("Hood Dreamz"), or show off a melodic approach ("2am," Who We Be"). Whatever the sound or style, though, Swavay's voice shines through, even alongside Denzel Curry and YBN Cordae on DJ Khalil's intense "Elevate" from the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack.

“This year I plan to drop another mixtape, my major label debut album and mad content," Swavay tells us. "I promise I’m not leaving fans dry this year.”