(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.
Products
Sway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whether you drink drink drink drink coke or sip sip sip sip Snapple,
From the Capital to capital I'm trying to get that capital,
Until my name's up in bright lights and capitals,
In the big big big big city, it's a bit bit bit bit crazy,
Where babies are having babies that grow up and rob old ladies,
I've been on the hustle daily trying to get rap to pay me,
Cause working in gap or Sainsbury's ain't gunna get that Mercedes
And I've dreamed of packing those raves since back in the days, it's
dreams,
In the classroom banging on tables till the teacher says,
Derek sit back and behave
It seems in my 22 years so much has happened
But I'm still progressing, bank balance going up per annum,
But when you're doing rapping Charlie, seems to take a shooting or stabbing
to go platinum Charlie,
I ain't gunna let that happen Charlie.
[Chorus:]
City life I love you
Even though the skies are grey,
I'll never place no place above you,
People trying to hustle every night and day,
Some are living the high life,
Under the bright lights,
While others get high and throw their lives away,
And every night I pray that I don't go insane
And end up just another product of the city
It's a bit bit bit bit crazy up in the big big big big smoke,
If you're a lil lil bit bit lazy you'll end up a lil lil bit bit broke,
Overseas it seems british folk are known for sniffing coke,
Being quick witted, and wicked rich and sitting in boats,
So every time I travel abroad I've gotta set the records straight,
And represent for all the people who can't afford to flipping go,
I'm just an ordinary bloke amoungst all these different strokes,
Trying to stay afloat without doing no fraud or dealing dope,
Street lights, street life, all a flipping joke,
But I've come up a bit, had a good heart that toughened up a bit,
Look in the mirror kissed the good guy good bye,
Then exchanged my pucker-up lips for a stiff upper lip,
Little rob's jacking, watch him hold'em up with arms,
Kids are getting killed round these sides
And certain role models ain't doing jack but holding up their arms,
And that's just to do peace signs-these times are crazy
[Chorus]
No place for the weak every race is chasing paper seven days of the week,
And the streets just sound like music, 'cause kids care recording criminal
records- the police are the beat
The steaks are high and everybody wants to eat
Youths use weapons as ladders to step up on these high streets,
Equals violence, then comes the violins,
Then comes the sirens, then comes the silence,
Life's the best teacher and I'm trying to study hard,
So I can graduate up into the upper class
Front line like queen latifah in set it off,
Take notes like a bank robber in a rubber mask,
Frontline like Chiefa we take while others ask,
Duct tape the rap game, rape the pop world,
Make off take another path, maybe politics,
No mate don't take that for another laugh,
[Chorus]
Sway’s song “Products” is an honest and insightful portrayal of city life in London and New York. The lyrics describe the struggles of trying to make it in the big cities and the dangers that come with it. From trying to make money through music instead of working at “Gap or Sainsbury’s” to dealing with the realities of a city where “babies are having babies that grow up and rob old ladies,” Sway paints a vivid picture of urban life. He describes how it is a constant hustle to succeed and rise up in the world, but also acknowledges the dangers and temptations that come with this lifestyle.
The chorus of the song contains a message of both love for the city and a recognition of its flaws. Sway says he loves the city, even though “skies are grey” and people are always hustling to survive. He acknowledges the different paths people take, some living in luxury while others throw their lives away. The chorus also contains a sense of urgency and desperation, with Sway praying every night to not go “insane” and become another “product” of the city.
Overall, “Products” is a powerful and introspective look at city life, with Sway providing a unique and personal perspective on the realities of trying to make it in the big cities of London and New York.
Line by Line Meaning
From the big big big big smoke to the big big big big apple,
I'm from London, but trying to make it in New York City.
Whether you drink drink drink drink coke or sip sip sip sip Snapple,
No matter what you do or where you come from, we have one thing in common: the struggle for success.
From the Capital to capital I'm trying to get that capital,
I'm hustling hard in both London and New York City to get rich.
Until my name's up in bright lights and capitals,
I won't be happy until I've made it big and my name is in bright lights.
In the big big big big city, it's a bit bit bit bit crazy,
City life is hectic, but I still love it.
Where babies are having babies that grow up and rob old ladies,
The city can be rough, with young people growing up too fast and turning to crime.
I've been on the hustle daily trying to get rap to pay me,
I'm working hard every day to make money from my music.
Cause working in gap or Sainsbury's ain't gunna get that Mercedes
I want to make enough money to buy a luxury car, and working a regular job won't cut it.
Born in the eighties in London but African raised,
I was born and raised in London, but my roots are in Africa.
And I've dreamed of packing those raves since back in the days, it's dreams,
I've always dreamed of performing at big parties and events.
In the classroom banging on tables till the teacher says, Derek sit back and behave
I was an energetic student who would sometimes get in trouble for being too loud.
It seems in my 22 years so much has happened
I've experienced a lot in my life, despite being relatively young.
But I'm still progressing, bank balance going up per annum,
I'm still working hard and making more money every year.
But when you're doing rapping Charlie, seems to take a shooting or stabbing to go platinum Charlie,
Success in the music industry often requires violence or drama, which I want to avoid.
I ain't gunna let that happen Charlie.
I won't compromise my values or safety for success.
[Chorus:] City life I love you
Despite its challenges, I love living in the city.
Even though the skies are grey,
Even on rainy or cloudy days, I still love the city.
I'll never place no place above you,
Nothing can replace the city in my heart and mind.
People trying to hustle every night and day,
Everyone is working hard to make ends meet.
Some are living the high life,
Some people are successful and living luxuriously.
Under the bright lights,
They're often in the spotlight.
While others get high and throw their lives away,
Other people turn to drugs and waste their potential.
And every night I pray that I don't go insane
I hope the stress and chaos of the city won't drive me crazy.
And end up just another product of the city
I don't want to be consumed or ruined by the city's pressures and temptations.
It's a bit bit bit bit crazy up in the big big big big smoke,
London is a wild and unpredictable place.
If you're a lil lil bit bit lazy you'll end up a lil lil bit bit broke,
If you don't hustle hard, you won't make much money and might struggle financially.
Overseas it seems british folk are known for sniffing coke,
People from other countries have stereotypes about British people, including drug use.
Being quick witted, and wicked rich and sitting in boats,
But some British people are also successful in business and luxury.
So every time I travel abroad I've gotta set the records straight,
I want to show the world that British people are more than just stereotypes.
And represent for all the people who can't afford to flipping go,
I want to be a voice for people who can't travel or experience the world due to financial constraints.
I'm just an ordinary bloke amoungst all these different strokes,
I'm a regular guy trying to make it in a diverse and competitive world.
Trying to stay afloat without doing no fraud or dealing dope,
I'm trying to succeed without resorting to illegal or unethical activities.
Street lights, street life, all a flipping joke,
The city can be superficial and empty, despite its glamour and excitement.
But I've come up a bit, had a good heart that toughened up a bit,
I've become more resilient and assertive, while still being a good person.
Look in the mirror kissed the good guy good bye,
I've had to make tough choices and let go of my innocent or naive side.
Then exchanged my pucker-up lips for a stiff upper lip,
I've become more serious and business-like in my demeanor.
Little rob's jacking, watch him hold'em up with arms,
Crime and violence are common in some parts of the city.
Kids are getting killed round these sides
Innocent children are sometimes harmed or killed due to the dangerous environment.
And certain role models ain't doing jack but holding up their arms,
Some celebrities or leaders aren't doing anything to help the community.
And that's just to do peace signs-these times are crazy
Even the symbols of peace and positivity can feel hollow or meaningless in such a chaotic world.
No place for the weak every race is chasing paper seven days of the week,
Success requires constant effort and competition, regardless of one's background or identity.
And the streets just sound like music, 'cause kids care recording criminal records- the police are the beat
The sounds and rhythms of the city can be both beautiful and disturbing, reflecting the realities of crime and law enforcement.
The steaks are high and everybody wants to eat
The stakes and pressures are intense, and everyone is striving for success and survival.
Youths use weapons as ladders to step up on these high streets,
Some young people turn to violence and crime as a way to advance or make money in the city.
Equals violence, then comes the violins,
Violence is always followed by sadness and mourning.
Then comes the sirens, then comes the silence,
After the chaos and noise, there's a haunting stillness and emptiness.
Life's the best teacher and I'm trying to study hard,
I'm always learning from my experiences and trying to improve myself.
So I can graduate up into the upper class
I want to succeed and achieve social and economic mobility.
Front line like queen latifah in set it off,
I'm at the forefront of my field or industry, just like Queen Latifah in the movie 'Set It Off'.
Take notes like a bank robber in a rubber mask,
I'm always observing and learning from others, even if it means taking notes like a criminal.
Frontline like Chiefa we take while others ask,
I'm proactive and decisive, unlike others who hesitate or wait for opportunities.
Duct tape the rap game, rape the pop world,
I want to revolutionize and dominate the music industry.
Make off take another path, maybe politics,
If music doesn't work out, I might explore other fields like politics.
No mate don't take that for another laugh,
This is a serious matter and not a joke or casual suggestion.
Contributed by Annabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CmD Streamz
Sway needs to come back he left the scene way too early. Way ahead of his time
FRAIM PRODUCTIONS
Timeless banger!!!
Powert0ThePeople
Years later.. still a banger.
Powert0ThePeople
You had good music taste past self.
MyHipHopTunes
I'll always rock this album, UK Hip Hop at its finest
Izaak macdonald
I love this tune. I never get bored of it. Nice simple beat and well constructed lyrics.
Anders Fagerstal
This song is incredible
BlaikieMan
This is like the only tune i've seen on Youtube without any 'dislikes'...... BIG UP SWAY!!!
siebrent
what a vibe, love it
musiclover2011ize
Still banging 2022... This would be main stream with aitch buggzy and scene now 🔥🔥🔥🔥