(1) A rapper from th… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least six artists using the name Sway:
(1) A rapper from the United Kingdom
(2) A shoegaze band from the United States
(3) A musician from Norway
(4) An indie rock band from Czech Republic
(5) A Dutch pop group
(6) A Japanese rapper
(7) A shoegaze band from Costa Rica
1.) Derek Andrew Safo (born 5 September 1982) is a English hip hop artist of Ghanaian origins, who uses the stage names Sway DaSafo or simply Sway; he is also a full-time producer, establishing DCypha Productions. According to the Still Speedin Songfacts he is the cousin of former Arsenal Ghanian international footballer Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and grime MC Lethal Bizzle.
Sway was born to a Muslim father and to a Christian mother. Sway attended Redlands Primary School where he spent most of his
time experimenting with music, rewriting the lyrics of his favorite artists. He attended Highgate Wood Secondary School in North London where he spent his spare time using the school equipment for musical production. Producing tracks for local artists,
he was told to use his personality to write songs by adding his humor with his lyrical talent. At the age of 16. Sway had a place in the grand final
of an open mic session at Dingwalls in London. He lost to Chester P of Task Force while Sway was a member of Tottenham-based hip hop trio Phynix Crew. Sway produced many solo singles despite being in a rap group and his first break was under the name 'Sway DaSafo' on the track "On My Own" which reached the A-list of BBC Radio 1Xtra when the station was launched.In 2003, Sway started to pursue a solo career in the British music scene. He was invited by his cousin, DJ Ink, to feature on some of his drum and bass tracks and he became a member of the group Fifth Element.[1] In 2004, Sway established DCypha Productions to enable him to release his mixtapes and debut solo album, This Is My Demo. At DCypha, Sway produces his beats and songs alongside his long-time friend Bigz.
Sway launched his solo career upon the disbanding of his group One by releasing two independent mixtapes, called This Is My Promo Volumes 1 and 2. They were underground successes, and his debut LP This Is My Demo was released on 6 February 2006. Its second single, "Little Derek", headed
in at #38 on the UK national charts. His song "Hype Boys" is used in the video game Need for Speed: Carbon, and the song "Flo Fashion" is used in the video game FIFA Street 2.
Following the release and critical acclaim of his debut album, Sway started recording his second album which he had been planning from the This Is My Promo mixtape series. In the run up to the album's release, Sway featured on numerous songs and signed to Akon's Konvict Muzik record label in 2007, becoming the only UK artist to be signed to the label. Sway released the One for the
Journey EP on May 14, 2007 on his DCypha Productions label which featured an appearance from Chamillionaire on a Part 2 version of "Up Your Speed". Following this, Sway released two mixtapes: The Dotted Lines and The Signature mixtape. The Dotted Lines mixtape was released in early 2008 and announced the recording of his second album. It was released to coincide
with the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted in Ghana and to which the song "Black Stars", a remix of "Black Boys" by Bashy, is dedicated.In December 2009, Sway announced that he was working on a new mixtape, and unveiling two tracks in the process:
"Payback" and "The Watcher". Sway then released a download-only single on iTunes named "Everyday Valentine" to coincide withValentine's Day in 2010. He offered those who were able to provide evidence for purchasing the single the opportunity to receive his mixtape prior to its release for free. The mixtape was due to be released on February 14, 2010, however this was pushed back due to continued work by Akon on the final song. The mixtape was released on February 26, 2010 from his website, to the public for free. It has been described online as 'better than most people's albums' and will feature Akon, Styles P, Kardinal Offishall, Giggs, Bigz and Mr Hudson. The Mixtape has been a smash hit online, boasting over 10,000 downloads in 10 days, both with the fans, other artists and critics and was reviewed by British Newspaper Metro who picked up on Sway's "trademark sharp
humor and quirky observations" going on to say that Sway "will reign over British rap sooner rather than later." His reputation rose from underground to mainstream after coming into the public eye by winning a MOBO award in September 2005 for Best Hip Hop Act, defeating heavyweight hip hop artists 50 Cent
and The Game to collect the award. He was also nominated for the second year running in the Best Hip Hop category and Best UK Male for the MOBO awards held at the end of September 2006[3] and in September 2008 for Best UK Male.[4] In July 2006, Sway's album This Is My Demo was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize but the award was won by the Arctic Monkeys at the ceremony on September 6.[5] In 2008, Sway was nominated for two awards at the Urban Music Awards. In November 2006, Sway won a BET Hip-Hop Award for "Best UK Hip-Hop Act", beating Blak Twang, Plan B, Dizzee Rascal and Kano. By being nominated and winning the BET for "BEST UK Hip-Hop Act", Sway appeared in a video showing himself in a cipher with Saigon, Remy Ma, and Rhymefest free-styling on a rooftop in New York. The freestyle was featured on The Dotted Lines mixtape.
2.) Sway is a shoegaze group founded in Ventura, California, United Sates in 1999. The band was founded by Andrew Saks and also included Amber Carlson, Seth Eubanks, and Vince Alatorre; however, the other members have since left the band, and Saks is now the sole member.
Sway has released several albums, including 2000's self-titled Sway, 2003's The Millia Pink and Green EP, 2006's Winter Heart EP, and 2011's This Was Tomorrow. Saks is currently writing material for a 2013 release on Saint Marie Records.
3.) Sway was the artist name of Norwegian artist Espen Lind when he released his first album “Mmm…
Prepare To Be Swayed” in 1995.
4.) Sway is also Czech indie band.
5.) A Ducth group, with influences of swing, Motown and Big Band with a modern twist. Netherlands, X Factor 2011, Single 'Stop And Stare'
6.) Sway is a Japanese rapper, actor, and model. https://twitter.com/sway_official
7.) Sway is a shoegaze band from San José, Costa Rica formed in 2017 by Kevyn Quiros. The band has been through several lineups that have included musicians from bands such as Dylan Thomas. andThe Hills.
Level Up
Sway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, we level up
We gonna climb up the levels, go harder
Like splash every time we go past
I'll never loose the game, I'm gonna last
So let's start, we level up
All over the radio and back up in the raves again
Call me the weather man it's about to be a break weekend
I'm on the cloud, let's make it rain again
Yeah, we level up
Life's but naughty shirts and dressed looking saucy
Living in our minuses, cause life begins at 40 level up
Call me Bond, James Bond
How I maintain, I tell them winner stays on
My brain racing like I'm trying to win the gold for Britain, yes!
On a one track mind, let's go the distance
We're only stopping when we pose for pictures
And now we move so wavy, we get motion sickness
Yeah, we level up
We gonna climb up the levels, go harder
Like splash every time we go past
I'll never loose the game, I'm gonna last
So let's start, we level up
Feeling like a just won the lotto
Pop a bottle and I make them say ah
Like I'm your dentist
Keys to the sweet, you can call me Alan Sugar
Well we're firing tonight, and I might need an apprentice
Reunion, old school and uni friends
It's your excuse to act like hooligans
Bend and break the rules again
Parties just getting started at 2 am
Waking up at noon next to
Who are you again?
Looking in the mirror and I feel like I'm famous
I got that glimmer in my eye like I ain't afraid of danger
Today could be the day that everything changes
I'm trying to move up to the hills where idols become neighbors
One moment , your whole world rearranges
You feeling like you graduating Oxford or Cambridge
Forever roll the dice and have it looking like Vegas
You win some you loose some, but only winners take risks
I started getting calls I've been waiting on for ages
Phone starts popping and I'm gossiping with strangers
And I know... I'm out getting wasted
All of these flashing lights popping out in places
Always forgetting names, especially with neighbors
Ah ha what's your name again
My house, lights out
Wake up in the tea, saying touch me I'm famous
Hey stranger, where you been? Long time no see
Time to level up
I'm in the game, play to win
Another round on me
Yeah, we level up
We gonna climb up the levels, go harder
Like splash every time we go past
I'll never loose the game, I'm gonna last
So let's start, we level up
In the song "Level Up" by Sway, the lyrics highlight the concept of growth and improvement as well as living life to the fullest. The chorus 'we level up' reinforces the idea of moving forward and not getting stuck in one place. Sway also refers to the different levels and stages of life, and how he intends to climb up the levels and never lose the game, demonstrating a sense of determination and resilience.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics. Sway talks about being on the radio and in the raves, showing how he has elevated his position since his earlier days. He then goes on to say that he is like the weatherman, and it's about to be a break weekend - this could mean a break from the norm, something exciting or unexpected is about to happen. The idea of living life to the fullest is reinforced later in the song when Sway talks about parties getting started at 2 am and the excitement of waking up next to someone unfamiliar.
Sway also references popular culture in the song with lines such as "Call me Bond, James Bond" and "Keys to the sweet, you can call me Alan Sugar". These lines add an extra layer of interest and relatability to the song.
Overall, "Level Up" is a catchy and inspiring tune that encourages listeners to pursue their goals and make the most out of life.
Line by Line Meaning
We level up, up, up, up, we level up
We are constantly improving and moving up to higher levels
Yeah, we level up
We are confident in our ability to succeed and progress
We gonna climb up the levels, go harder
We will work harder and push ourselves to advance to higher levels
Like splash every time we go past
We will make a big impact and be noticed every time we progress
I'll never lose the game, I'm gonna last
I will not fail and will persist until I succeed
So let's start, we level up
Let's begin the journey to success and keep improving
All over the radio and back up in the raves again
Our success is being recognized and celebrated on the radio and in clubs
We got the crowd on the wave like it's a stadium
Our success is contagious and has captivated the crowd like a stadium full of fans
Call me the weather man it's about to be a break weekend
I am predicting great things to come and a fun, enjoyable weekend ahead
I'm on the cloud, let's make it rain again
I am feeling on top of the world and want to celebrate our success
Life's but naughty shirts and dressed looking saucy
Life is short, so let's live it up and dress our best
Living in our minuses, cause life begins at 40 level up
Even when we have setbacks, we can still succeed and continue to advance
Call me Bond, James Bond
I am feeling suave and confident like the iconic spy character
How I maintain, I tell them winner stays on
I am explaining my tactics for staying on top and winning
My brain racing like I'm trying to win the gold for Britain, yes!
I am intensely focused and competitive, striving for greatness
On a one track mind, let's go the distance
I am fully committed and dedicated to achieving my goals
We're only stopping when we pose for pictures
We will keep working hard until we achieve our goal and celebrate our success
And now we move so wavy, we get motion sickness
Our success and progress is making us dizzy and overwhelmed
Feeling like I just won the lotto
I am feeling extremely fortunate and successful
Pop a bottle and I make them say ah
I am celebrating and making others happy with my success
Like I'm your dentist
I am making people smile and feel good about themselves like a dentist
Keys to the sweet, you can call me Alan Sugar
I am metaphorically in control of sweet success and can be compared to a successful businessman like Alan Sugar
Well we're firing tonight, and I might need an apprentice
We are having a great night of success and may need someone to help us continue to advance
Reunion, old school and uni friends
We are having a gathering with friends from the past, both from school and university
It's your excuse to act like hooligans
We are using this gathering as an excuse to let loose and have fun like crazy hooligans
Bend and break the rules again
We are not afraid to go against the norm and break the rules to achieve success
Parties just getting started at 2 am
We are just getting started and the party will continue late into the night
Waking up at noon next to who are you again?
We are enjoying life and being carefree, not worrying about who we are waking up next to
Looking in the mirror and I feel like I'm famous
I am feeling very confident and successful, like a famous celebrity
I got that glimmer in my eye like I ain't afraid of danger
I am not scared to take risks and am ready to face what's ahead with confidence
Today could be the day that everything changes
Every day holds the possibility for success and progress, so we must take advantage of it
I'm trying to move up to the hills where idols become neighbors
I aspire to be among the most successful and influential people, living in a high-end neighborhood
One moment, your whole world rearranges
Success can come unexpectedly and change everything in a moment
You feeling like you graduating Oxford or Cambridge
Achieving success can feel as prestigious as graduating from a top university
Forever roll the dice and have it looking like Vegas
We must keep taking risks in order to achieve success, which can be as exciting as a game of gambling in Las Vegas
You win some you lose some, but only winners take risks
Success is not always guaranteed, but those who are willing to take risks and persevere are the true winners
I started getting calls I've been waiting on for ages
My hard work and determination is finally starting to pay off with wanted opportunities
Phone starts popping and I'm gossiping with strangers
People are calling to congratulate and talk to me, even strangers who have heard of my success
All of these flashing lights popping out in places
My success is being celebrated with flashing lights and attention in various places
Always forgetting names, especially with neighbors
My success has brought attention, making it hard for me to remember everyone's name, especially those who live near me
Ah ha what's your name again?
I am struggling to remember someone's name due to my newfound success and attention
My house, lights out
My success has brought me to a point where I can afford to turn off the lights in my home
Wake up in the tea, saying touch me I'm famous
I am feeling like a celebrity, wanting to be touched and recognized for my success
Hey stranger, where you been? Long time no see
My success has attracted attention, causing old friends and acquaintances to reach out after not seeing me for a while
Time to level up
It's time to continue improving and succeed even further
I'm in the game, play to win
I am fully immersed in the game of success and am determined to come out on top
Another round on me
Let's continue to celebrate our success and progress with another round of drinks
Lyrics © Roba Music Verlag GMBH, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEREK SAFO, JOSHUA KIERKEGAARD G STEELE, KELSEY MCHUGH, DEREK ANDREW SAFO, JOSHUA STEELE, JOSHUA KIEKEGRAAD GRANT STEELE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AmamMcMam
I remember having this on my phone in college constantly on repeat. What a throw back
Apex Talk
2020 and I'm still coming back for Kelsey.
Musicismylife4231
Always been a fan of Sway:) glad he's started to get the recognition he deserves!!
Nick Litchfield
Sway is unreal live, absolutely quality
Team OG
This finally got 1 million views. Well deserved. Awesome song
Ray
banging tune sway and kelsey are what you call true artists
Megan Emily walsh
all ive done is listen to this song all week its addictive on loud!! gets me in the mood ♥
Rabbits Revenge
Big ups to flux pavillion for the production. THIS IS HIP HOP!
Bodnár Balázs
OMG, the best song! Sway great voice, Kelsey great lyrics and voice, and Flux's awesome instrumental!
xxplatoxx2
I love this song, especially loving Kelsey's vocals. Wish I could find more of her. :(