Discovering Shwayze: The Sound of an Endless Summer

Laid-back. Chill. Mellow. Authentic. These adjectives properly introduce the poolside music the 39-year-old has built a musical career upon. Coming off a summer of beefs, chart-chasing releases and a hip-hop industry turned 50-plus, Shwayze allows us to take a breath of fresh air and a moment to rest in the peaks of bliss you can find. With a new album, Shwaycation, 39-year old Aaron Smith welcomes new listeners to ride the wave and experience a fusion of genres that offer tones of confidence and a good time. 

The Shwayze Sound

“I totally am happy with my music being in that lane,” Shwayze tells Rhyme Junkie. “When you’re kicking back, and you don’t really want to think about anything, put my music on. Just because the music is fun, doesn’t mean it has to be empty.” With heavy-Motown musical influences from his grandmother and grandfather, Smith’s songs achieve a healthy meld of cognitive recreation. “Buzzin”, a hit curated by both Shwayze and Cisco Adler that struck gold, is the relatable story of a young man meeting a fly girl at a cool spot. His music stands out not as empty beats, but as a rich tapestry of stories and subtle epiphanies, capturing a kind of peace that’s easily within reach. 

Fast forward to 2024, the California native’s music resounds with a maturing audience in search of artists to grow alongside. Shwayze takes a moment to think about how his sound has evolved before he answers. “You know, I think that melodically, my melodies are better. I think I’m still embodying that feel good vibe that the first album brought,” he says. “A lot of times when artists are still making music after 10 years, they lose that spark of their old stuff. And I think that it still has a spark, but it’s evolved into a Cali Reggae feel a little bit.” Shwayze has become a master of developing layers of his voice in hip hop and remaining authentic to the brand he founded. Songs like “Planes”, a Hip Abduction-collaboration, and “Unforgettable” from Shwayze SZN give credence to a successful mixture of pop, rap and reggae that allows his boundaries to effortlessly expand. 

Shwayze's goals beyond the music

Smith’s goals are not solely musically centered. With appearances in “The Lincoln Lawyer” as a father in search of a break and serving his skills besides Quinta Brunson in “Abbott Elementary”, Shwayze has loved acting since he was a boy. “For me it’s finding things that catch that spark, that interest, that fire,” he mentions excitedly. “You know, the acting thing, it’s just so fun. Every time I get an audition, everything stops and I have to focus on this. I’m shooting my shot for sure.”

There’s a metaphorical box for Shwayze that he continues to avoid at every career decision, which separates him from the field. A corner of the internet has heaped a hefty criticism on the hip-hop industry that the artists involved - or at least those heavily circulated - have become a monolith. In a business that celebrates a certain tone and image, Shwayze manages to sustain an identity he's comfortable with.

"“I don’t even know if I fit in the industry, so I’m not really concerned with it,” he admits. “I think just doing my own thing and focusing on my core fan base has served me well. I don’t care if it’s 100 or 1000 fans. My focus is on them and not the industry.” "

- Shwayze

Shwayze's Playlist

Shwayze’s approach to music consumption sets him apart from the typical rapper, too, showcasing a unique blend of influences and an eclectic taste. Often, he’s not too worried about hearing lyrics. Shwayze offers artists like Dominic Fike, Forest Frank and Lenny Kravitz up as a few favorites. Music from instrumentalists like PACHYMAN resonates the most. “I like instrumental things where I can still think and come up with my own stuff,” he confesses. “Songs get boring to me, too. Unless it’s oldies, you know certain songs that I love that are classics.. I lose interest. And no hate on any of the music. I appreciate it.” He complains that he needs to expose himself to more music. With an album on the way, there’s little time. 

Shwaycation arrived September 13 with a Shwayze tour following shortly after. The Malibu native has released several tracks from the upcoming project, allowing fans to preview a couple of special appearances - including a feature from Wiz Khalifa. “Smoke Too Soon” and its accompanying visual transports the audience to a sun-soaked coastline with lyrics floating like a cool breeze. For many, the collaboration between Shwayze and Wiz was long overdue. When asking Shwayze about his experience working besides the “Black and Yellow” rapper, there was hope that this would not be the only musical connection between the two. “I think we could collaborate again for sure,” he says. “I think this ripped the bandaid off for us and got us on the same track. This song was kind of like a match made in heaven. And I’m glad it came together.” His tone remains grateful, which sheds light on Shwayze’s perception of his successes and his position in the business. 

A look into FeelGood Entertainment

Smith’s idea of fame is quite simple. Great fans and good music. There is no aspiration to be the biggest. He wants to provide a good time to those who take the moment to give his art a listen. And maybe even introduce an artist or two in the future. FeelGood Entertainment is Shwayze’s self-funded label where he’s been releasing music and hopes to develop artists and eventually produce tv and film concepts. “It’s always been a passion of mine to manage and put out music under an umbrella,” Smith expresses. “It wasn’t that long ago that I was a kid trying to get on shows. The next step is to fully take an artist under my umbrella. To manage someone, I don’t take that lightly.” He continues to talk about the importance of nurturing new artists and using the information he’s received being an artist — for more than a decade — to help someone else navigate the space. Smith realizes his OG status and plans to take it seriously. 

What you see is what you get with Shwayze, soundtracks for spaces crowded with folks looking for a good time, music for an audience searching for a shoreline escape through their headphones, and he’s here for it. Shwayze doesn’t run from the idea that his art is considered carefree. It is an idea he embraces because that was the plan all along. 

“I think for all the new listeners, I’ve given you a perfect soundtrack for vacation,” Shwayze declares. “There’s messages in everything, but it’s light. And it’s filled with love.”