Swae Lee
A genre-defying vocalist who crafts infectious, melodic hooks that have become the backbone of countless modern hip-hop and pop hits.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American rapper and singer·Birthday: June 7·Millennials
Biography
Swae Lee, born Khalif Brown, emerged from Tupelo, Mississippi, with a brother and a singular, airy vocal style that would subtly reshape pop music. As one-half of the duo Rae Sremmurd with his brother Slim Jxmmi, their early hits like 'No Flex Zone' and 'Black Beatles' burst with chaotic energy. It was Swae Lee's choruses, however, that often provided the hypnotic, sticky center. His voice, often drenched in reverb, became a sought-after instrument far beyond the group. He co-wrote and sang the hook for French Montana's 'Unforgettable,' a global smash, and lent his ethereal melodies to songs by Madonna, Post Malone, and Jhené Aiko. Operating in the space between rap, R&B, and pop, he became the secret weapon for tracks needing an unforgettable, dreamlike lift, proving the power of a well-crafted melody in the streaming age.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Swae was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Swae Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Swae's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-wrote and featured on 'Unforgettable' by French Montana, a diamond-certified single that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
- As part of Rae Sremmurd, holds the record for longest-running number-one single on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart with 'Black Beatles' (featuring Gucci Mane).
- His collaborative album 'SremmLife 2' with Rae Sremmurd debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum.
Did You Know?
He and his brother Slim Jxmmi were originally known as 'Dem Outta St8 Boyz' before becoming Rae Sremmurd.
He provided the singing voice for the character of Miles Morales in the animated film 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'.
He has a tattoo of the word 'SremmLife' on his teeth.
“I'm just trying to make people feel something. If it makes you feel good, that's all that matters.”
