Justin Bieber's surprise album, "Swag," has taken the music world by storm, marking a significant shift in the artist's career and sound. Released on July 11, 2025, the album is Bieber's first studio album in four years, following his 2021 release, "Justice". This hiatus allowed Bieber to focus on personal matters and family life, making "Swag" a highly anticipated return.
One of the most talked-about aspects of "Swag" is its collaborative nature, featuring a diverse range of artists including Sexyy Red, Gunna, Druski, Dijon, Lil B, Eddie Benjamin, and Cash Cobain. Among these collaborations, Cash Cobain's contribution to the title track has garnered particular attention.
Cash Cobain, a rising drill artist known for his unique sound, recently shared his experience working with Justin Bieber on "Swag". In an interview with GQ, Cobain described Bieber as "mad cool," emphasizing the natural and easygoing atmosphere of their collaboration. Cobain noted that Bieber was open to experimentation and had a clear vision for the song, communicating the desired vibe effectively.
The collaboration between Bieber and Cobain came about organically through social media. Bieber, after discovering Cobain's song "Trippin on a Yacht," reached out to the artist, expressing his interest in working together. "I wrote bro like, 'We got to get some work in,'" Cobain recalled. This initial connection led to informal studio sessions where the two artists explored their creative synergy. Cobain praised Bieber's openness to new ideas and his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone.
"You might think Justin Bieber would be on some other s---, but bro is mad cool. It was just natural..." Cash recalls, saying that Bieber was very loose in communicating a specific vibe that he was shooting for when making the song.
The release of "Swag" follows a period of significant personal and professional changes for Justin Bieber. After his successful run with "Justice," Bieber took a step back from the spotlight to address personal struggles, including a battle with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which caused partial facial paralysis. During this time, he also parted ways with his longtime manager, Scooter Braun, signaling a desire for greater creative freedom and control over his career.
The album itself features 21 tracks and a diverse range of musical styles. Beyond "Swag," other notable collaborations include "Sweet Spot" with Sexyy Red, which showcases the dynamic chemistry between the two artists. The album also includes contributions from Gunna and Druski, adding depth and variety to the overall listening experience. One standout track, "Forgiveness," features Marvin Winans and is a rendition of "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High". Additionally, Eminem is credited as a composer-lyricist on "Yukon," due to an interpolation of a line from his song "Untitled".
The album's release was preceded by minimal promotion, with Bieber teasing the project through social media posts and billboards in various cities. This unconventional approach added to the surprise and excitement surrounding the album's launch. "Swag" is produced by Bieber alongside a team of talented producers including Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, Daniel Caesar, mk. gee, Daniel Chetrit, and Knox Fortune.
