5 things to know about Justin Bieber’s ‘Swag II’

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“Swag’s” sequel is upon us.

I eagerly awoke to the exciting news that Justin Bieber unveiled “Swag II” this past Friday, just under two months since he shared its black-jacketed forerunner in mid-July. (On his social media platform X, the singer playfully shared the meme featuring goth and Barbie houses nestled together in Santa Monica.)

Similar to the unexpected release of “Swag,” the 23-track collection titled “Swag II” appeared with little warning; much like its predecessor, this new album – Bieber’s eighth studio project if you exclude it as a mere deluxe version of “Swag” – is likely to garner countless streams over the weekend.

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Here are five things to know about “Swag II”:

1. New album, (mostly) same swag

In my perspective as a moviegoer, the new album by Justin Bieber feels like a return to the musical realm he’s been dwelling in lately. His velvety vocals are beautifully layered over a mix of indie rock and ’80s R&B-inspired tunes that are somewhat squeaky and scratchy. This is quite a contrast to his earlier teen pop hits and collaborative efforts with artists like Diplo and DJ Snake, which were characterized by gleaming production. However, seasoned Bieber fans will recognize this style as something he’s had a fondness for; tracks like “Swag”, “Swag II”, as well as albums such as “Journals” from 2013 and the underappreciated “Changes” from 2020, all share a lineage with this new release.

2. Same swaggy team of producers

As a passionate film enthusiast, I eagerly anticipated the release of Justin Bieber’s new album, “Swag II.” Although streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music didn’t reveal the full credits immediately, a press statement from Def Jam Records unveiled some exciting details. It appears that Bieber reunited with his trusted collaborators from the original “Swag” project, including Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, Dijon, Mk.gee, Daniel Chetrit, and Eddie Benjamin. This time around, we’ve got a new addition to the team – none other than Mike Will (also known as Mike Will Made It). I can’t wait to hear how this star-studded lineup has shaped “Swag II”!

3. The features? Swag-tastic

As a movie reviewer, let me dive into the star-studded cast of this musical album. In addition to the lead artist, there are some notable guest appearances that truly elevate the overall performance. Among them is Benjamin, making a memorable contribution.

We also have Bakar, adding his unique flavor to the mix, just like a chef enhancing a dish with an exotic spice. Lil B graced us with his presence on “Swag,” much like a supporting actor who steals the show with a captivating cameo.

In 2021, I was particularly thrilled to see Tems join forces with Bieber for a remix of Wizkid’s “Essence.” It’s like having two leading actresses collaborate on a film and deliver an unforgettable performance together. Lastly, let’s not forget Hurricane Chris, the Southern rapper known for his 2007 hit “A Bay Bay.” His appearance is akin to bringing in a seasoned veteran who knows just how to captivate the audience and keep them on their toes.

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The latest album from the popular pop star continues the sound and swagger from last year’s hit “Short n’ Sweet.” (LP stands for Long Play, which is a term used to refer to an album.)

4. His skit swag is missing

skipping Druski this time around, I found myself reflecting on his previous guest spots in “Swag.” In those instances, the internet personality featured in some rather awkward skits where he encouraged Bieber to try Black & Mild cigars and suggested that beneath his pale skin, Bieber had a soul as black as night. (“Thank you,” Bieber replied.) This time, though, Druski was nowhere to be found.

5. His family man swag is still strong

In this song titled “Swag,” Bieber expresses thoughts about marriage, parenthood, and religion. The track “Better Man” includes a playful Spider-Man reference that mirrors one found in his earlier album’s “405.” The song “Mother in You” describes an intimate moment with his son late at night when the boy seemed to understand him deeply. The album concludes with “Story of God,” a nearly 8-minute song where Bieber tells the story of the Garden of Eden backed by churchy keyboards and gospel vocals that are echoed.

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2025-09-05 19:31