Shwayze is a free-spirited rap artist from Malibu making big waves in the Cali music scene. His unique sound is a melodious melting pot of alternative rap and indie pop with a hint of reggae. We had a conversation with Shwayze to discuss his artistry, latest single, musical influences, and more. 

Mhonaé: Did you choose music, or did music choose you? 

Shwayze: Music chose me. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an actor because I was a huge fan of Will Smith. I thought I would be an actor like him. I knew that Will Smith also did music, and I admired other multi-talented artists. So, music kind of nudged me on the shoulder. It was funny to me how music presented itself before acting. It was unexpected, but it was the perfect timing to get into it. 

Shwayze collaborated with Pittsburgh native rap superstar Wiz Khalifa to release his latest single, “Smoke Too Soon,” on July 12. The track seamlessly combines alternative rap and Cali reggae, creating a unique vibe. “Smoke Too Soon” is the fourth single from his upcoming album, “Swaycation,” scheduled to be released this fall. 

Mhonaé: What inspired the creation of “Smoke Too Soon”? 

Shwayze: I heard the beat, and it gave me a laid-back, dope feel. Also, I enjoy smoking weed, but I also prioritize health and wellness. So, I often struggle with myself because I believe that my only vice, which is weed, is not too harmful in the grand scheme of things. However, I still do occasional detoxes. 

Shwayze (cont.): I am always trying to quit, but then again, I’m not because I really love it. So, “Smoke Too Soon” is a joke about me not following through on the things that I say I am going to. It is a play on “spoke too soon” and “smoke too soon.” 

Mhonaé: I like the fusion of alternative rap and reggae on “Smoke Too Soon.” I’m a huge reggae head and I appreciated the connection between the two genres. This is a record you can vibe to. 

Shwayze: I’m happy you heard that. I’ve been making music for a minute, and it’s always been connected to reggae or Cali reggae, but not quite traditional reggae. These last couple of albums, especially the one I’m releasing in the fall, have leaned into a bit of that reggae feel because I think it’s so infectious. Mixing a little hip-hop in there has been fun. Also, having Wiz jump on there and co-sign the vibe has been beautiful.

Shwayze (cont.): I noticed that Wiz Khalifa was performing at a lot of reggae festivals, and I was doing the same. It made me realize that the reggae music scene is open to new music and incredibly supportive. That’s why my last few albums have had a reggae influence. I don’t consider myself a reggae artist; however, the newer music reflects the impact of Cali reggae.

Shwayze and Wiz Khalifa joined forces at KH Cinnamon Donuts in Los Angeles to film a video for their collaboration. The music video for “Smoke Too Soon,” directed by Nicholas Jandora, debuted on Shwayze’s YouTube channel on Thursday morning, August 1 at 9 a.m. PST. Bryce Vine, a talented singer, and rapper, along with rapper and actor GaTa, made special guest appearances. They all brought the summer vibes and showed California love. 

Shwayze: Collaborating with Wiz and GaTa on the music video for “Smoke Too Soon” was an incredible experience. I’m thankful for the continued support that allows me to share my passion for music. 

Shwayze’s latest 4 singles provide a satisfying preview of what to expect from the impending album, “Swaycation.” On June 28, he released the third single, “Single for the Summer,” a feel-good summer anthem featuring the talented singer and rapper Bryce Vine. His fans highly requested this collaboration. Shwayze is dedicated to creating music for his fans and expressing his artistry without limitations.

Mhonaé: How would you define yourself as an artist?

Shwayze: I would just say I’m a feel-good artist who makes feel-good music. That’s my lane right there.

Mhonaé: What is your creative process like? 

Shwayze: There are a ton of ways to write songs. You never know how inspiration is going to work. Sometimes, I can write without the beat at all. Other times, I may be too distracted and need music to get me going. So, I write to a melody or get a loop. But I use as many tools as I can in my toolshed.

Shwayze (cont.): I often mumble a melody that I am feeling and start recording when I hear music. Later, I listen to the recording and add words to the melody I sang. The melody keeps me engaged. I always find the melody first; the lyrics just come because the melody is the universal language.

Mhonaé: Who are your musical influences? 

Shwayze: I grew up living with my grandparents. My grandmother is from the Motown generation, and her brother was a big producer in Motown. So, my introduction to music was the music from Motown. I listened to artists like James Brown, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and, of course, the Jackson 5. Growing up in Malibu, a predominantly white neighborhood, I was one of the few Black people in the area. As I grew older, I struggled to figure out my identity. Did I want to be a surfer or a skater? Did I want to play basketball or rap?

Shwayze (cont.): A person who helped me bridge the gap and find myself was Pharrell. He was an immense influence on me during high school. Coming from a beach town and creating music that didn’t focus on gangs, Pharrell was a big deal. Kanye and his first album were also influential. He would rock polos and was witty with his lyrics. Pharrell, Kanye West, Will Smith, and Tupac were all major influences on me. And there are still so many more out there.

From the heart and soul of Motown to the rawness and realness of hip-hop, Shwayze stands on a solid lyrical foundation that has shaped him into the versatile musician that he is today. His zealous fan base and unwavering passion for his craft keep his pen flowing and the music coming. As our engaging conversation came to a close, Shwayze shared what keeps him grounded, what’s next for him, and inspirational words for aspiring artists.

Mhonaé: What keeps you motivated and grounded in this complex industry?

Shwayze: My family keeps me grounded. I have a big, close-knit family, but my son and grandparents keep me motivated and grounded. Family is everything to me! I also love what I do and have always had a hustler’s mentality. I enjoy creating things, working hard, and getting my work out there. Even in high school, I sold my merch out of my trunk, and it was fun for me. As they say, “When you do what you love, you never have to work a day in your life.” I am very inspired by that too. Through my music, I’m able to make people happy and help them forget their troubles in life. I could do this forever. 

Mhonaé: What more can we expect from you? 

Shwayze: You can expect a lot from me! I recently made a guest appearance on “Abbott Elementary” in the last season. You can also catch me on Netflix in seasons 1 and 2 of “Lincoln Lawyer.” I’m working on a film project I’m developing, and I’m excited about it. Also, I have a new album called “Swaycation” coming out in the fall, and I’ll be going on the “Swaycation” tour in October. A lot is happening, and I’m excited about it all! 

Mhonaé: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians? 

Shwayze: Keep going. Don’t stop, and don’t get discouraged. People sometimes get discouraged from criticism, or they are their own biggest critics, comparing themselves. But I would just say don’t stop; keep making music, and you are going to get better. 

Shwayze is creating feel-good music for the people. His new album “Swaycation” is available now for pre-save at https://ineffable.to/shwaycation.

Photography Credit | Ineffable Records & Asher Kai Gardner