(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.
Up Your Speed
Sway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Milton Keynes, up your speed, London, change gear
Birmingham, up your speed, Nottingham, up your speed
Please d-d-d-d-don't kill anybody
Okie Dokie!
I'm reaching for me target and I'm keeping to me target
Come on tell me the truth u're feeling this aren't ya
I'm the speed, if ya wanna keep up with me, I'm quick, call me Speedy Gonzalez
Even tho' the cameras flash we speeding regardless
Cause I love the rush like an addict on drugs who needs it to calm him
So if you love the rush like I love the rush then u better keep up with the fastest
Or you might lose your girl when I strip her like I'm feeling the lagers
Too Too Many Many Rappers Rappers Try To Try To Copy Me Copy Me But But They They Find It Find It Too Too Difficult It Difficult To Follow Me
[Chorus:]
Got a call from a freak I know, she said sway come over there's nobody home
Uped my speed, got to her house, only to find out there was nobody home
Would You Up My Speed
Go Up To Her House Only To Find Out There Was Nobody Home
Sway And Pyrelli We're Like Ronnie And Reggie
And I Dominate The Game Like a [? ]
Decide If We Lying, To See If We Ready Now
Up Your Speed Ringtone On Your Phone
Yea, We Living For The Streets Man
[? ]
Talking Bout This Shit, They Can Never Reach Me
London
Up Your Speed
Derby, Lester
Up Your Speed
Essex, Leeds
Up Your Speed
Liverpool, Ipswitch
Change Gear
Wolverhampton
Up Your Speed
Newcastle, Sheffield
Up Your Speed
Please D-D-D-D Don't Kill Anybody Now!
Have Fun With Speeding
While We Have Fun With Speeding
Or Drive Real Slow To Holla All The People
[? ] Have The Sexyest Girls All In My Vehecle
Leave Ya
In The Time We Up Ya Speed Ya
Cause I Grips The Roads In Rain Call Me Pyrelli
For Tyre On Any Terrain, You Must Be Silly
Leave A Wreck And Walks Away
So Watch Me Win It
Switchin Gears And Changin Them Lanes And Now I'm Feelin
It Was Slowwed Down But Now Sways Tellin Me Up Your Speed
I'm So Confussed
But I Hope When Cruise
Never Been With A Chick That Blows A Fuse
Trouble Overload
[? ]
And The Beats Was Keepin The Beats In The Streets
And The Speech More Hotter Than The [? ] At The Beach
(Screech)
Catch My Breath
The Roof Down Now So I Get Some Drift
Do You Get My Drift?
We On Our Way To the Top, If You Wanna Catch Up You Can Get The Lift
Damn How The Hell Will I Top That?
Cause Those Six Miles Were Enormous
Mmm... Hold On, Wait Your To Late, It's Time For The Chorus
London
Up Your Speed
Luton, Brighton
Up Your Speed
Surrey, Cambridge
Up Your Speed
Wales and Wellingborough
Up Your Speed
Colechester
Up Your Speed
North, South, East, West
Up Your Speed
Please D-D-D-D Don't kill Anybody Now!
The song Up Your Speed by Sway focuses on the adrenaline rush and thrill of speeding through different cities in the UK. The opening lines of the song call out different cities, asking them to increase their speed. The lyrics suggest that the thrill of speed and the desire to be the fastest driver can be addictive, comparing it to a drug addiction. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Up Your Speed," emphasizing the desire to go faster and faster. The verses are full of wordplay and rhyme, highlighting Sway's skills as a rapper.
The song also references the danger and potential harm that comes with speeding. Sway urges people not to kill anybody while driving fast. In one verse, he mentions getting a call from a woman asking him to come over, but when he arrives, he finds out she's not there. This could be interpreted as a warning of the risks involved in driving recklessly and potentially losing control and hurting or killing oneself or others.
Overall, the song Up Your Speed by Sway is a thrilling and energetic celebration of the rush that comes with reckless driving. It highlights the dangers and risks involved but does not necessarily endorse or condone speeding.
Line by Line Meaning
Bristol, up your speed, Manchester, up your speed,
Sway is urging the drivers in Bristol and Manchester to go faster.
Milton Keynes, up your speed, London, change gear
Sway says the car drivers in Milton Keynes should increase their speed, while those in London should change gears.
Birmingham, up your speed, Nottingham, up your speed
Sway encourages drivers in Birmingham and Nottingham to drive faster.
Please d-d-d-d-don't kill anybody
Despite the enthusiasm for speeding, Sway asks everyone to drive safely and avoid accidents.
I'm reaching for me target and I'm keeping to me target
Sway is focused on his goal and determined to reach it.
But don't get in me way or u'll end up being the target
Sway warns others not to interfere with his plans or they will be targeted by him.
Come on tell me the truth u're feeling this aren't ya
Sway asks if others are enjoying the adrenaline rush of speeding like he is.
I'm the speed, if ya wanna keep up with me, I'm quick, call me Speedy Gonzalez
Sway says he is fast and compares himself to Speedy Gonzalez, a cartoon character known for his speed.
Even tho' the cameras flash we speeding regardless
Sway is willing to speed even though there might be cameras around.
Cause I love the rush like an addict on drugs who needs it to calm him
Sway compares his love for adrenaline to the addiction of a drug addict.
So if you love the rush like I love the rush then u better keep up with the fastest
Sway challenges others who also love adrenaline to try to keep up with him in speeding.
Or you might lose your girl when I strip her like I'm feeling the lagers
Sway implies that he might steal someone's girlfriend if he wins in a race.
Too Too Many Many Rappers Rappers Try To Try To Copy Me Copy Me But But They They Find It Find It Too Too Difficult It Difficult To Follow Me
Sway is criticizing other rappers who try to imitate him but find it hard to keep up.
[Chorus:]
The chorus repeats the phrase 'up your speed' many times, urging people to drive fast.
Got a call from a freak I know, she said sway come over there's nobody home
Sway receives a call from a woman who invites him to her house when there is no one around.
Uped my speed, got to her house, only to find out there was nobody home
Sway rushes to the woman's house, only to discover that she is not actually there.
Would You Up My Speed
This is a rhetorical question, asking if the listener would like to drive at high speeds with Sway.
Go Up To Her House Only To Find Out There Was Nobody Home
Sway repeats the situation he faced earlier to emphasize his disappointment.
Sway And Pyrelli We're Like Ronnie And Reggie
Sway and Pyrelli are compared to Ronnie and Reggie Kray, infamous British gangsters.
And I Dominate The Game Like a [? ]
Sway says he is dominating the music industry, but the simile is left incomplete.
Decide If We Lying, To See If We Ready Now
Sway challenges people to believe in his success and see if he is ready to take on more challenges.
Up Your Speed Ringtone On Your Phone
Sway references his own song and encourages listeners to make it their ringtone.
Yea, We Living For The Streets Man
Sway states that he and his fans are enjoying the adrenaline rush of street racing.
[? ]
This line is unclear and cannot be properly understood.
Talking Bout This Shit, They Can Never Reach Me
Sway is confident in his success and says others cannot compete with him.
Derby, Lester
Sway urges drivers in Derby and Leicester to speed up.
Essex, Leeds
Sway asks drivers in Essex and Leeds to increase their speed.
Liverpool, Ipswitch
Sway tells drivers in Liverpool and Ipswitch to drive faster.
Wolverhampton
Sway addresses the drivers in Wolverhampton and encourages them to speed up.
Please D-D-D-D Don't Kill Anybody Now!
Sway repeats his plea for safety on the roads, asking people not to cause any accidents.
Have Fun With Speeding
Sway suggests that speeding can be enjoyable and thrilling.
While We Have Fun With Speeding
Sway is having fun while driving fast and invites others to join him.
Or Drive Real Slow To Holla All The People
Sway suggests that some people might prefer to drive slowly and interact with others instead of speeding.
[? ] Have The Sexyest Girls All In My Vehecle
This line is unclear and cannot be properly understood.
Leave Ya
It's unclear what Sway is referring to in this line.
In The Time We Up Ya Speed Ya
Sway is saying that the time it takes to increase your speed can make a big difference.
Cause I Grips The Roads In Rain Call Me Pyrelli
Sway says he can still drive fast in the rain and compares himself to Pyrelli, who also drives confidently in all conditions.
For Tyre On Any Terrain, You Must Be Silly
Sway boasts that he can handle any type of terrain, and anyone who disagrees with him is foolish.
Leave A Wreck And Walks Away
Sway is implying that he can drive recklessly and still avoid accidents, making him a skilled driver.
So Watch Me Win It
Sway is confident in his driving skills and suggests that he is likely to win any race he participates in.
Switchin Gears And Changin Them Lanes And Now I'm Feelin
Sway describes his actions while driving fast and suggests that it makes him feel great.
It Was Slowwed Down But Now Sways Tellin Me Up Your Speed
Sway is urging the listener to speed up and says he used to be slow himself but now has embraced driving quickly.
I'm So Confussed
Sway is unsure of what to do or how to proceed.
But I Hope When Cruise
Sway is saying he hopes to reach his destination when he drives leisurely.
Never Been With A Chick That Blows A Fuse
This line is unclear and cannot be properly understood.
Trouble Overload
Sway implies that driving fast can sometimes lead to trouble or problems.
[? ]
This line is unclear and cannot be properly understood.
And The Beats Was Keepin The Beats In The Streets
Sway references the music he is listening to while driving and suggests that it makes him feel excited.
And The Speech More Hotter Than The [? ] At The Beach
Sway is saying that his rap speech is hotter than the sun at the beach, implying that it is very good.
(Screech)
This onomatopoeic word suggests the sound of brakes screeching, perhaps indicating a close call or an accident.
Catch My Breath
Sway is trying to calm down and slow his breath after a high-speed pursuit.
The Roof Down Now So I Get Some Drift
Sway describes driving with the roof of his car open and suggests that it helps him drift or swerve through turns.
Do You Get My Drift?
Sway is asking if the listener understands his metaphorical drift or swerve through the turns he is taking.
We On Our Way To the Top, If You Wanna Catch Up You Can Get The Lift
Sway suggests that he and his friends are on their way to success, but others are welcome to join them.
Damn How The Hell Will I Top That?
Sway is proud of his recent accomplishments but wondering how to surpass them in the future.
Cause Those Six Miles Were Enormous
Sway is referring to a distance he just drove, which he describes as enormous due to the high speeds he was driving.
Mmm... Hold On, Wait Your To Late, It's Time For The Chorus
Sway is telling someone not to interrupt him, and suggests that it's time for the chorus of the song to begin.
Luton, Brighton
Sway urges drivers in Luton and Brighton to speed up.
Surrey, Cambridge
Sway tells the drivers in Surrey and Cambridge to drive faster.
Wales and Wellingborough
Sway suggests that the drivers in Wales and Wellingborough should increase their speed as well.
Colechester
Sway singles out the drivers in Colchester, urging them to drive faster.
North, South, East, West
Sway covers all directions and regions by asking everyone to increase their speed.
Writer(s): Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Stevie Nicks, Dahomy Watson, Derek Andrew Safo, Fleetwood Mac, Dahoney Watson, Stephanie Nicks, John Mcvie, Christine Mcvie
Contributed by Lila P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@spaintom89
2020...still ain’t forgotten
@CorpComp_I.T_Solutions
Make that 2022 😁
@EpicCrust
@@CorpComp_I.T_Solutions 2022 as well. The myspace link is still in the description
@FLOYDSTARROBLOX
2023 forever legendery
@sixman9
He hit at the wrong time, before his time, few years later and this guy would have made millions from this 🙏🏾
@drf-music
I'm late to the comments but you damn right man. But saying that, the true grime fans will remember sway for the different style he brought. Wasn't quite grime, deffo in his own lane
@madzangels
90% of business is about timing - Sway is THE example
@DATEK3CIVIC
The memories..what a classic tune still holds up very well
@gmailaccount3423
This was so far ahead of its time that it still sounds and looks fresh today 🔥
@cheddarfc1029
2023 still haven’t forgotten Sway 🫶