Swerve (Jay1 song)

Summary

"Swerve" (stylised in all caps) is a song by British rapper Jay1. The song features a guest appearance from British YouTuber and rapper KSI. It was released for digital download and streaming by RCA Records and Sony on 2 July 2021. An accompanying music video was released the day before the song's release. The song charted at number 69 in the United Kingdom. The song appears on the Platinum VIP edition of KSI's second studio album, All Over the Place (2021).

"Swerve"
Single by Jay1 featuring KSI
from the album All Over the Place
Released2 July 2021 (2021-07-02)
Length2:25
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Jay1 singles chronology
"Blazed"
(2021)
"Swerve"
(2021)
"Ocean"
(2021)
KSI singles chronology
"Holiday"
(2021)
"Swerve"
(2021)
"Lose"
(2021)
Music video
"Swerve" on YouTube

Writing and production edit

Speaking about the song, Jay1 said, “This [song]'s a summer banger... KSI killed it and it’s so good to be putting out music with him." KSI said, “It’s a big song, so you know [that I] had to go in with a new flow and kill it. I already know [that] this [song] is gonna pop on TikTok... I’m sure people are gonna love it.”[1]

Critical reception edit

Elle Evans of Mixtape Madness wrote, "Housing his signature flow and feel-good energy, Jay1 welcomes the track with an infectious hook and [an] unapologetic verse before KSI later joins with his slick pen game."[1] Courtney Wynter of GRM Daily noted that "Swerve" has "an infectious beat" that "[prompts Jay1 and KSI] to inject the production with their playful lyrics".[2] The staff of Notion acclaimed that "this [song] was always going to be a catchy one with KSI and Jay1 on the bill" and "the pair bounce off each other in this playful, fast-paced number".[3]

Music video edit

The music video for "Swerve" premiered on the GRM Daily YouTube channel on 2 July 2021 at 20:00 BST.[4][2] The video was directed by LX.[5] Courtney Wynter of GRM Daily found that "the fun vibe of the song is perfectly captured" in the video.[2]

Credits and personnel edit

Credits adapted from Tidal.[6]

  • Jay1 – songwriting, vocals
  • KSI – songwriting, vocals
  • Diztortion – production, songwriting
  • Trobi – production, songwriting
  • Dukus – mixing, mastering
  • Sam Harper – engineering

Charts edit

Chart performance for "Swerve"
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA)[7] 95
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[8] 36
UK Singles (OCC)[9] 69
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[10] 22

Release history edit

Release dates and formats for "Swerve"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various 1 July 2021 [6]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Evans, Elle (2 July 2021). "JAY1 Teams Up With KSI For Summer Heater 'Swerve'". Mixtape Madness. Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Wynter, Courtney (1 July 2021). "Premiere: Jay1 & KSI Join Forces In Colourful 'Swerve' Visuals". GRM Daily. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  3. ^ "Notion Now: Jay1, KSI and Russ Millions". Notion. 2 July 2021. Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  4. ^ "JAY1 x KSI - Swerve [Music Video] GRM Daily". 2 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ Francis, Giorgia (1 July 2021). "Jay1 and KSI Join Forces To Drop Catchy Track 'Swerve'". Link Up TV. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  6. ^ a b "Jay1 & KSI / Swerve / Credits". Tidal. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  7. ^ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  8. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 12 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  9. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  10. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 July 2021.