Columbia, South Carolina-based artist SwayvoTwain is charting a new course with his latest single, “HookahSmoke,” released on . The track, produced by Mannie House, marks a deliberate shift in sound for the rising artist, moving away from the deeply personal and introspective themes explored in his previous release, “DoveSoar.”
Where “DoveSoar” grappled with loss, faith, and survival in the wake of his parents’ passing – Angie Stone and D’Angelo – “HookahSmoke” embraces a celebratory, club-ready vibe. The contrast is stark, yet intentional. SwayvoTwain, as he explained in a recent interview reported by REVOLT, isn’t interested in being confined by genre. “Every interview I do, they ask, ‘What kind of music do you make?’ And I never know what to say. I wouldn’t really put [it] in a genre, but I do make songs that give you a feeling,” he said. “Whether it’s good, bad, or makes you reflect, the goal is just to make you feel SOMETHING. If you do that, then my job is done.”
“HookahSmoke” immediately establishes a confident atmosphere, with lyrics that paint a picture of a luxurious lifestyle. SwayvoTwain raps, “Big ole playa, you can tell it in my pinky ring / Big ole section, man, this right here fit for a king,” setting the tone for a track designed for a night out. The chorus introduces a hint of potential romance with the simple question, “Baby girl, what you on?”
The shift in tone is particularly noteworthy given the deeply personal origins of “DoveSoar.” That single served as a tribute to his late parents, a raw and emotional exploration of grief and remembrance. He lamented in the song, “Promise me one thing, please don’t let go of my hand… / How the hell you gon’ leave me all alone?” “HookahSmoke,” in contrast, demonstrates an ability to inhabit the present moment without the need for constant explanation or emotional unpacking.
SwayvoTwain previewed “HookahSmoke” on social media, including a post that doubled as a birthday tribute to D’Angelo, who would have turned 52 on . He referenced a quote from D’Angelo’s work – “I never claimed I do neo-soul… I do black music” – before articulating his own artistic philosophy. This suggests a conscious effort to honor his father’s legacy while simultaneously forging his own path.
The artist’s willingness to experiment with sound and subject matter speaks to a broader trend in contemporary music, where artists are increasingly blurring genre lines and prioritizing emotional resonance over strict categorization. SwayvoTwain’s ability to move seamlessly between deeply personal reflection and upbeat celebration positions him as an artist to watch, one who is unafraid to explore the full spectrum of human experience through his music. He isn’t defining himself by a single sound, but rather by his ability to evoke feeling, regardless of the musical landscape.
The release of “HookahSmoke” comes at a time when the music industry is constantly evolving, with artists leveraging social media and streaming platforms to connect directly with their audiences. SwayvoTwain’s use of social media to preview the single and pay tribute to his father demonstrates an understanding of this dynamic, and his willingness to engage with fans on a personal level is likely to contribute to his continued success.
