Justin Bieber Collaborates with Emerging Artists on Swag II

Justin Drew Bieber, born on March 1, 1994, in London, Ontario, Canada, is a renowned Canadian singer and pop icon. He rose to fame at a young age, discovered by Scooter Braun in 2008 through videos posted on YouTube by his mother, Pattie Mallette. Bieber's early talent and online presence led to a record deal with RBMG Records, a label formed by Braun and Usher. Usher, who became a mentor, introduced Bieber to the music industry, describing him as a "young phenomenon" [1][6]. Bieber's debut extended play, *My World* (2009), and his first full-length album, *My World 2.0* (2010), catapulted him to international fame. The album included the hit single "Baby" featuring Ludacris, which became one of the best-selling singles in the U.S. [1][2]. His subsequent albums, including *Under the Mistletoe* (2011), *Believe* (2012), and *Purpose* (2015), solidified his position as a leading artist. Bieber has achieved numerous chart-topping hits, including "What Do You Mean?", "Sorry", and "Love Yourself" [3]. Justin Bieber has won several awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. His collaboration with Diplo and Skrillex on "Where Are Ü Now" earned him his first Grammy in 2016. He also won a Latin Grammy for his contribution to the remix of Luis Fonsi's "Despacito" and a second Grammy in 2021 for "10,000 Hours" with Dan + Shay [3]. Bieber continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, with recent releases like *Changes* (2020) and *Justice* (2021) maintaining his relevance. He is married to Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) and has been involved in various acting roles and philanthropic activities [4][6]. In recent years, Bieber has continued to evolve his music style and engage with his fans through social media and live performances. His influence extends beyond music, with appearances in films like "Killing Hasselhoff" and "Zoolander 2" [4]. Despite facing challenges, Bieber remains a significant figure in popular culture, known for his versatile musical talents and enduring popularity.

Dijon Duenas, known mononymously as Dijon, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist born on June 9, 1992, in Washington, United States. He first gained recognition as part of the alternative R&B duo Abhi//Dijon, which released projects in 2015 and 2016 before he embarked on a solo career in 2017. Dijon’s music blends elements of alternative R&B and soul, characterized by introspective lyrics and a genre-defying sound. Dijon’s solo career includes a series of singles and EPs, notably the 2019 EP *Sci Fi 1* and *How Do You Feel About Getting Married* in 2020. His debut studio album *Absolutely* was released in 2021, accompanied by a film, marking a significant milestone in his artistic development. His second studio album, *Baby*, released in August 2025, received critical acclaim and features personal themes, including references to his marriage to stylist Joanie Del Santo and their son, whose photo appears on the album cover. Throughout his career, Dijon has collaborated with prominent artists such as Mk.gee, Matt Champion, Charli XCX, Bon Iver, and Justin Bieber. His diverse heritage—having a Guamanian father and a mixed-race mother—and a childhood marked by frequent relocations due to his parents' military service have influenced his musical perspective and creative output. Dijon studied literature at the University of Maryland, where he also met his early collaborator Abhirath Raju. His approach to music is noted for its emotional depth and experimental style, drawing inspiration from artists like Prince while developing his own unique voice. Dijon remains active and relevant in contemporary music, recognized for pushing boundaries within alternative R&B and soul genres[1][2][3].

Brandon Christopher McCartney, better known by his stage name Lil B or Lil B The BasedGod, is an American rapper, songwriter, producer, and digital influencer, born on August 17, 1989, in Berkeley, California[1][2]. He first emerged in the mid-2000s as a member of the Bay Area hip-hop group The Pack, which gained attention for their local hit “Vans,” which was later ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the best songs of 2006[2][5]. The group’s success led to a record deal and the release of their debut album Based Boys, but The Pack disbanded in 2010, after which Lil B pursued a solo career[1][2]. Lil B is particularly recognized for his prolific output, having released hundreds of songs and mixtapes—often for free—across a variety of genres including hip-hop, new age, jazz, and indie rock[2][4]. He is credited with popularizing the term “based,” which he redefined from a local pejorative into a philosophy of positivity, self-confidence, and individuality[2][5]. His alter ego, the BasedGod, became a central figure in internet culture, and Lil B’s embrace of social media—especially MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube—helped him build a devoted online following and influenced the rise of “meme rap” and internet-driven music careers[1][3]. Among his notable solo tracks are “Wonton Soup,” “Like a Martian,” and “I’m God,” which have become viral staples[5]. Lil B’s unconventional approach to music and life has led to unique cultural moments, such as his “cooking dance,” his playful “curses” on athletes like James Harden and Kevin Durant, and guest lectures at institutions like MIT and NYU[3]. He has also authored a self-help book and remains an unsigned artist, releasing music independently under his BasedWorld Records imprint[3][5]. As of 2025, Lil B continues to maintain a cult following, though he is less active musically than during his peak mixtape era. His influence persists in internet culture and among a generation of artists who value authenticity, digital presence, and genre-blurring creativity[1][3]. While there are no major recent releases or events widely reported, his legacy as a pioneer of online rap and a symbol of positivity endures.

Michael Todd Gordon, professionally known as Mk.gee (pronounced "McGee"), is an American singer-songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist born on September 27, 1996, in Somers Point, New Jersey. Raised in nearby Linwood, he began studying classical piano at age six and later took up guitar at eleven, developing a distinctive style blending indie, R&B, lo-fi, and experimental rock elements. Mk.gee moved to Los Angeles in 2016 to study Popular Music at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he began self-recording and producing his work. Mk.gee launched his music career in 2017 with the debut single "I Know How You Get." In 2018, he released two EPs, *Pronounced McGee* and *Fool*, both self-written, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered in his LA bedroom. His 2020 mixtape *A Museum of Contradiction* received critical praise for its genre-defying sound. In 2024, he released his debut studio album, *Two Star & the Dream Police*, further establishing his presence in the contemporary music scene. Besides his solo work, Mk.gee is recognized for his collaborations as a songwriter and producer with notable artists such as Dijon, Omar Apollo, Kacy Hill, Fred Again, and Bon Iver. His live performances are noted for their dynamic energy and inventive arrangements. Mk.gee gained wider public attention after performing as the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live" in late 2024, reflecting his growing relevance and influence. His music is characterized by an experimental approach and emotional depth, earning him acclaim from critics and peers alike, including endorsements from artists like Frank Ocean and Eric Clapton. Mk.gee continues to be an innovative figure in modern alternative and indie music, balancing a low-profile personal life with a steadily rising career.