Justin Bieber makes a powerful return with his new album Swag. Released on July 10 via Def Jam Recordings, the 21-track project marks a creative shift for the global pop star—stepping away from mainstream chart-toppers and embracing a moody, experimental R&B sound rooted in reflection, growth, and sonic nostalgia. As Justin explores themes of fatherhood, love, and identity, he also reaches deep into musical history, drawing on past eras and genres through an eclectic mix of samples, interpolations, and subtle nods.
Across Swag, listeners will hear lo-fi textures, ’80s soul influences, and chopped-up fragments of classic tracks—repurposed in fresh, emotionally layered ways. With production from Carter Lang, Daniel Caesar, Dylan Wiggins, Dijon, mk.gee, and others, Swag also includes audio pulled from Bieber’s recent viral encounters with paparazzi.
In this article, we break down every known sample and interpolation used on Swag:
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1. “Yukon”
Though he doesn’t appear vocally on the track, Eminem is credited on “Yukon.” The song includes the line “get a move on, like U-Haul,” which mirrors a lyric from Eminem’s 2010 Untitled track.
2. “Butterflies”
The track opens with an audio clip from a viral paparazzi encounter in which Bieber says, “You just want money… Get out of here.”
3. “Sweet Spot”
A standout collaboration with rapper Sexyy Red, “Sweet Spot” samples both the hook and riff from New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain” (1988) and The Magnificent Seven Theme (1960).
4. “Standing on Business”
This interlude features comedian Druski humorously narrating Justin’s memeified quote: “It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business.”
5. “Forgiveness”
Justin closes the album with this gospel-infused piece, featuring legendary gospel singer Marvin Winans. The track is a cover of “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,” a beloved staple in gospel music.
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