Swordz

The Southern rap scene has undoubtedly made its mark on pop culture over the past few decades, with places like Atlanta, Miami and New Orleans establishing themselves as creative centers. But Jacksonville, Florida rapper and entertainer Swordz believes that a fundamental shift is happening. A region that brought rap/rock to the global stage in the 90s has gone through metamorphosis, reincarnating with a new kind of sound. Hood rock: dark tales from Duval County fusing hip hop with elements of rock has gained traction. And leading the charge with sharpened blades is Swordz himself. Over the years Swordz has built an extensive resume. Having worked with artists such as Rick Ross and Wayne Wonder, he also played lead roles in the indie films Twisted (2015) and The Co-Signer (2018), and had his song "My Ol' Ho" featured on an episode of BET's comedy-drama series Second Generation Wayans. But commercial success aside, Swordz says his true love is the art of hip hop itself. In 2019 alone, he's released a slew of singles, including "Dying Broke," "Legs in the Air," "Mr. President" and "Too Far Gone." Gruffly delivered rhymes about struggle and hustle in Atlantic Beach, his tracks offer an unfiltered perspective on modern life in urban neighborhoods -- drugs, gangs and limited resources. But despite the rawness of his lyrics, Swordz' tracks have undertones of optimism. "I want people to feel and know that individualism is OK... Being you is fine. You are good enough."