(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.
Little Derek
Sway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Chorus: x2]
Little Derek's Ok (yeah)
Little Derek's doing fine (fine)
Little Derek's doing cool (cool)
You know how we do
Olu did the trimry and I done the hairdo
And everything I wear's new
Mahadashi Jacket, Puma top,
Box-fresh jeans and nike cam boots
Sprayed a little versace dreamer on me too
So every girls who pass is like oo-oooh
Police don't pull us over like woo-woo
Cuz their kids watch MTV and channel U
But life ain't always been fine like baby blue
Cuz when u do UK rap your number two
Cuz the USA ain't giving us space to break true
So I'm on the grind trying to pioneer a breakthrough
Gotta keep the punters happy, to tango it takes two
And it seems like I'm the rapper the people take to
I've never had alot, with what I've got I've made do
And now I'm blowin up in this bitch like move-move-move
[Chorus: x2]
Step out the ride I'm feeling nice and quite fly
I'm trying to reach the top I see the top is quite high
Steady on my grind, tryin to get my face up in the source
So I keep by faith up in the boss
Up in the bright white sky
Getting calls from these record label bosses like hi
Head up in inside their offices
And listen to their promises
But no-one's made me offers yet that I could not deny
And I been making profits of this my mix tapes raw
Life ain't always been pretty like nah
On the north side of the city where its gritty like pie
We did what we had to done to get by
Hoping not get caught up in no silly drive-by
Little derek wrote lyrics while the others got high
And he ended up in HMV instead of HMP
Cuz street life could only end one way
Your friend crying on the scene like why, why, why?
[Chorus: x2]
(Baby Blue)
Knowin real fame
That's what I used to dream about
That everyone would know my name
And they would scream it out
Knowing my song words and sing along too
And I would walk down the street and hear blue, blue, blue
My video's rotating
So I got these execs debating
About whether I'm taking
And these RnB guys is asking the same thing
Calling up my phone, wondering whether I'm dating
I turn my passion to career how could I lose out?
Quit my nine to five so I don't have to sell shoes now
My CDs are moving
That's the route that I'm choosing
So I got to make it through, through, through
Little Rachael used to look up to the sky too
Analyse the planets and wonder if I could shine too
So now they ask how I'm doing I say
Little Rachael's doing okay
(Sway)
(Okay)
[Chorus: x2]
In Sway's song Little Derek, he talks about his success and the struggles of being a UK rapper. He starts by describing his confidence in his fresh appearance, from his haircut to his box-fresh jeans and Nike cam boots. He acknowledges the lack of recognition for UK rap in the United States, and how he strives to pioneer a breakthrough. Sway also mentions the pressure to keep his fans happy, all while trying to reach the top.
He also touches on the darker sides of street life, as he references the possibility of getting caught up in a drive-by shooting. Little Derek, whom he mentions in the chorus, wrote lyrics instead of getting high with others, and he was rewarded with success in HMV instead of prison time. The chorus repeats three times, emphasizing the good and stable state of Little Derek.
The song also features Baby Blue and Little Rachel, who both share their aspirations and successes in their careers and passions. Sway raps that he turns his passion into his career, refusing to sell shoes and stating that his CDs are moving. The song as a whole is a representation of striving to achieve success despite the obstacles in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Little Derek's Ok (yeah)
Sway reassures everyone that Little Derek is doing well.
Little Derek's doing fine (fine)
Sway provides additional emphasis that Little Derek is doing well.
Little Derek's doing cool (cool)
Sway affirms that Little Derek is doing great and everything is going well for him.
You know how we do
Sway acknowledges that his audience knows the type of success Little Derek is experiencing.
Stepped out my house I'm feelin fresh and brand new
Sway feels confident and optimistic as he leaves his home.
Olu did the trimry and I done the hairdo
Sway credits his stylist and himself for looking freshly groomed.
And everything I wear's new
Sway proudly boasts about wearing new clothes from head to toe.
Mahadashi Jacket, Puma top, Box-fresh jeans and nike cam boots
Sway lists the brands he is wearing to show off his fashion sense.
Sprayed a little versace dreamer on me too
Sway wore a designer fragrance, Versace Dreamer, to add a finishing touch to his appearance.
So every girls who pass is like oo-oooh
Sway attracts the attention of girls due to his stylish appearance.
Police don't pull us over like woo-woo
Sway suggests that his fashion sense makes him look like an upstanding citizen, so police don't pull him over.
Cuz their kids watch MTV and channel U
Sway implies that the police recognize him from his music videos on popular television channels.
But life ain't always been fine like baby blue
Sway acknowledges that his life has not always been easy and he's faced struggles in the past.
Cuz when u do UK rap your number two
Sway suggests that UK rap is not as popular as American rap, and therefore less respected.
Cuz the USA ain't giving us space to break true
Sway believes that the US music industry is not giving UK rappers the space to achieve success.
So I'm on the grind trying to pioneer a breakthrough
Sway is working extra hard to achieve success and pave the way for other UK rappers to follow.
Gotta keep the punters happy, to tango it takes two
Sway knows he needs to keep his fans happy and engaged in order to be successful.
And it seems like I'm the rapper the people take to
Sway observes that his music is resonating with people and becoming popular.
I've never had alot, with what I've got I've made do
Sway has not had a lot of resources, but he's managed to work with what he has and still make something of himself.
And now I'm blowin up in this bitch like move-move-move
Sway is becoming extremely successful and is excited about how quickly things are happening.
Step out the ride I'm feeling nice and quite fly
Sway gets out of his car and feels confident in his appearance.
I'm trying to reach the top I see the top is quite high
Sway has high aspirations and is determined to achieve success.
Steady on my grind, tryin to get my face up in the source
Sway is working hard to get his work recognized and featured in important media outlets like The Source magazine.
So I keep by faith up in the boss, Up in the bright white sky
Sway maintains his faith in a higher power to guide him towards success.
Getting calls from these record label bosses like hi
Record label executives are reaching out to Sway to express their interest in working with him.
Head up in inside their offices, and listen to their promises
Sway has meetings with record label executives to discuss potential business opportunities.
But no-one's made me offers yet that I could not deny
Sway hasn't received any offers that he's felt comfortable accepting.
And I been making profits of this my mix tapes raw
Sway has been making money from his mixtapes even though they aren't official studio albums.
Life ain't always been pretty like nah
Sway reminds us again that his life has had its challenges.
On the north side of the city where its gritty like pie
Sway grew up in a tough neighborhood in the north side of the city where life is hard.
We did what we had to done to get by
Sway and his friends had to take matters into their own hands to survive.
Hoping not get caught up in no silly drive-by
Sway was hoping to avoid violence and other dangerous situations that might come along with living in a tough neighborhood.
Little derek wrote lyrics while the others got high
Sway had a friend named Little Derek who was dedicated to making music while others around them were getting involved in drugs and other illegal activities.
And he ended up in HMV instead of HMP
Little Derek found a way to turn his love of music into a career by selling records at the popular HMV music store instead of ending up in prison (HMP).
Cuz street life could only end one way
Sway acknowledges that a life of crime and violence only leads to one outcome: a negative end.
Your friend crying on the scene like why, why, why?
Sway describes the emotional outcome of a life of crime and violence where friends are lost to tragic events.
Knowin real fame, That's what I used to dream about
Sway reflects on his past and how he used to dream about achieving real fame.
That everyone would know my name, And they would scream it out
Sway imagined a future where his music would be so popular that everyone would know his name and scream it out.
Knowing my song words and sing along too
Sway imagined a future where people knew all the words to his songs and sang along with him.
And I would walk down the street and hear blue, blue, blue
People would be so excited to see and hear Sway that they would cheer and shout his name as he walked down the street.
My video's rotating, So I got these execs debating
Sway's music videos are being played frequently on television and executives are discussing his potential success.
About whether I'm taking
Executives are debating whether to work with Sway or not.
And these RnB guys is asking the same thing
Sway is being pursued by R&B singers who want to collaborate with him on music projects.
Calling up my phone, wondering whether I'm dating
People are even questioning whether Sway is in a relationship or not due to his rising popularity.
I turn my passion to career how could I lose out?
Sway recognizes that he's turned his passion for music into a successful career and is excited about all the opportunities that have come his way as a result.
Quit my nine to five so I don't have to sell shoes now
Sway used to work a regular nine-to-five job where he sold shoes, but he's now able to support himself through his music career.
My CDs are moving
Sway's music CDs are selling well and he's making a good living from them.
That's the route that I'm choosing
Sway has decided that music is the path he wants to take and he's putting all his effort into it.
So I got to make it through, through, through
Sway is determined to persevere through any challenges and make it to the top.
Little Rachael used to look up to the sky too
Sway has a friend named Little Rachael who also had big dreams of success.
Analyse the planets and wonder if I could shine too
Little Rachael used to wonder if she could become successful and shine in her own way like Sway.
So now they ask how I'm doing I say, Little Rachael's doing okay
Sway updates his fans that Little Rachael is doing okay and is still working towards her own dreams.
(Okay)
Sway ends his song on a positive note, content with his current status and success.
Lyrics © Global Talent Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALEXANDER WILLIAM SHUCKBURGH, DEREK SAFO, Alexander Shuckburgh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zachary Miller
on Fall
Those are obviously the wrong lyrics for Fall.