SWIDT were nominated for both the Critics Choice Award, and Best Urban/Hip-Hop Album at the 2016 New Zealand Music Awards. At the Awards, R&B singer Aaradhna Jayantilal Patel refused her award for Best Urban/Hip-Hop Album, claiming that the two disparate categories had been placed together for racial reasons. She gave her award to SWIDT. In her speech refusing the award, Patel described SWIDT as 'the future of hip hop'.
STONEYHUNGA reached number 4 in the New Zealand album charts. SWIDT have been nominated for 6 awards this year leading the nominations list at the 2017 New Zealand Music Awards. The Onehunga group is up for Godfrey Hirst Album of the Year, Vodafone Single of the Year, Best Group, Best Hip Hop Artist, and Vodafone People's Choice – as well as Massey University Best Producer at the Artisan Awards for band member SmokeyGotBeatz.
Praise
Swidt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Convica pull me on way back in the early days
Way before the present cause you think that imma' star
I used to rock the show just for two drinks at the bar
Yeh the courser days
Rest in peace
Rest in peace
Now days everybody wanna feat
But they never writin' raps
They too busy writin' tweets uh
A bunch of fake souls never see me in some fakes though
I'm too busy napping on the fake boat whoa
Yapping 'bout the pesos but they stay broke
Hey you wonder why me and the team fuckin' lay low woah
Trendin' top like [?]
I've been stylin' on em ever since some jetsonics
So you can lay back when Scribe dropped Crusader
I'm too busy with the praise let me talk to ya later
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise uh
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise uh
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise
I be go'in in for like 700 days
My attitude reserved, but they love my smile
She got an hour glass body, guess its perfect timing
Used to ride the bus to town
Played her all day
Now I go to Alice barbers, only time I catch a fade
How you setting goals
You can't even set a table
I inhale the pain, exhale through the nasal
Said I'm on the way to come and scoop you up like a ladle
Everybody mad we doin' shit they wasn't able
Stayin' true to who you are, that shit mandatory
Chinese whispers everybody change the stories
Do it for my pops and my brothers that's before me
Learned a lot at an early age
Rest in peace Decory
Three twelve in the tropics where you find us, yeah
Ain't stoppin' till my pockets lookin' nine months, yeah
If they see us we ain't gotta put the sign up, yeah
Run the block, run the block where they line up, yeah
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise uh
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise uh
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise
I be goin' in for like 700 days, yeah
The Swidt song "Praise" is a reflection on the rapper's journey through the music industry and the challenges of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures. The song opens with a reference to his early days in the industry, when he was told that his success was just a phase. The rapper reflects on his humble beginnings, when he would perform for just two drinks at the bar. He also pays tribute to a fallen friend, Decory, and acknowledges the influence of his family and upbringing on his success.
The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "give me praise," is a plea for recognition and validation for the rapper's hard work and authenticity. He contrasts this with the inauthenticity of others in the industry, who are too busy "writin' tweets" to focus on their music. Swidt also addresses the realities of his success, noting that he has "been goin' in for like 700 days." He acknowledges that the road to success is not easy but emphasizes that it is important to stay true to oneself and to always strive for greatness.
Overall, "Praise" is a message of hope and encouragement for aspiring musicians and creative individuals. The song encourages listeners to stay true to themselves and to work hard, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Back in 2015 told you that it ain't a phase
I knew from the start that this is what I was meant to do.
Convica pull me on way back in the early days
I had help and support from the beginning.
Way before the present cause you think that imma' star
I always had the potential to be successful.
I used to rock the show just for two drinks at the bar
I did what I loved even when no one paid attention.
Yeh the courser days
Reminiscing about the past.
Rest in peace
Honoring those who have passed away.
Now days everybody wanna feat
Everyone wants to collaborate.
Now days everybody tryna' eat
Everyone is trying to make money and succeed.
But they never writin' raps
They are not focused on what really matters.
They too busy writin' tweets uh
They are too distracted by social media.
A bunch of fake souls never see me in some fakes though
I don't associate with fake people.
I'm too busy napping on the fake boat whoa
I don't pay attention to haters and negativity.
Yapping 'bout the pesos but they stay broke
They talk about money but don't have any.
Hey you wonder why me and the team fuckin' lay low woah
We are low-key and focused on our goals.
Trendin' top like [?]
I am consistently popular and relevant.
I've been stylin' on em ever since some jetsonics
I have always been ahead of the game and unique.
So you can lay back when Scribe dropped Crusader
My talent has always shined through.
I'm too busy with the praise let me talk to ya later
I am focused on my craft and don't have time for distractions.
Give me praise, gimme gimme praise uh
I deserve recognition and respect.
I be go'in in for like 700 days
I have been working hard for a long time.
My attitude reserved, but they love my smile
I am confident and likable.
She got an hour glass body, guess its perfect timing
I appreciate and admire attractive women.
Used to ride the bus to town
I came from humble beginnings.
Played her all day
I worked hard every day.
Now I go to Alice barbers, only time I catch a fade
I have achieved success and can afford luxuries.
How you setting goals
How can you aspire to greatness?
You can't even set a table
You are not responsible or capable.
I inhale the pain, exhale through the nasal
I manage stress and pain effectively.
Said I'm on the way to come and scoop you up like a ladle
I am supportive of my friends and team.
Everybody mad we doin' shit they wasn't able
I am achieving things that others cannot.
Stayin' true to who you are, that shit mandatory
Being authentic is crucial for success.
Chinese whispers everybody change the stories
People twist the truth and distort stories.
Do it for my pops and my brothers that's before me
I am motivated by my family.
Learned a lot at an early age
I gained wisdom and experience quickly.
Rest in peace Decory
Honoring someone who has passed away.
Three twelve in the tropics where you find us, yeah
I am in a specific location with my team.
Ain't stoppin' till my pockets lookin' nine months, yeah
I am focused on making a lot of money.
If they see us we ain't gotta put the sign up, yeah
My reputation speaks for itself.
Run the block, run the block where they line up, yeah
I am in control and have power in my community.
Writer(s): amon mcgoram
Contributed by Jayden R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.