New Album Swag: A Surprise from Justin Bieber

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.

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.

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.

Janae Nierah Wherry, professionally known as Sexyy Red, is an American rapper born on April 15, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. She began her music career by releasing her first singles in 2018, with her early work including the song "Slide" [3][5]. Her breakthrough came in 2023 with the single "Pound Town," featuring Tay Keith, which was later remixed with Nicki Minaj. This track marked her debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and significantly boosted her popularity [1][3]. Sexyy Red's subsequent releases, such as "SkeeYee," further solidified her position in the music industry. She has collaborated on remixes with notable artists like DaBaby, NLE Choppa, and Young Nudy, contributing to her rapid rise to fame [1]. Her music style is characterized by bold and confident lyrics, aligning with her public persona [1]. In addition to her solo work, Sexyy Red has been featured on Drake's single "Rich Baby Daddy," which reached number 11 on the Billboard charts [1]. Sexyy Red was recognized as one of the biggest breakout artists of Summer 2023 by Billboard and earned a nomination for "Best Breakthrough Hip Hop Artist" at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards [1]. She has also gained a significant following on social media platforms, with over 4.6 million followers on Instagram [3]. Sexyy Red has two children, with her son Chuckie born in 2020 and another child in February 2024 [3][4]. Her personal life and relationships have been subjects of media attention, including her close association with rapper Drake [4].

Tobias Jesso Jr. is a Canadian musician and songwriter born on July 11, 1985, in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Initially a bassist in Los Angeles, he returned to Canada after personal hardships, including a breakup, a bike accident, and his mother’s cancer diagnosis. During this period, he taught himself piano and began writing songs, which led to his debut album *Goon* in 2015, produced with help from notable collaborators like JR White, Patrick Carney, and Ariel Rechtshaid. The album gained critical acclaim for its simple, heartfelt, piano-driven style reminiscent of 1970s soft rock[1][2][4]. Jesso Jr. is recognized for his songwriting talents, having co-written songs with prominent artists such as Adele—contributing to tracks on her 2015 album *25*—and collaborating with Sia, Harry Styles, FKA Twigs, King Princess, and others. His work is noted for transforming personal pain into emotive, soul-baring music. He has been described as "pop’s indie boyfriend" and praised for helping major artists craft some of their most impactful songs[1][3][4]. In 2023, Tobias Jesso Jr. earned the first-ever Grammy Award for Songwriter of the Year at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, reflecting his influence and success in the music industry. He also won Album of the Year for his contributions to Harry Styles’ *Harry’s House*. Despite releasing only one solo album to date, Jesso Jr. remains a highly sought-after songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles[1][3]. Beyond music, he is noted for his tall stature (six-foot-seven), and he balances his career with roles as a father and gardener. His distinct blend of classic songwriting and contemporary collaboration keeps him relevant in today’s music scene[3].

Tauheed Epps, better known by his stage name 2 Chainz, is a renowned American rapper, songwriter, and media personality. Born on September 12, 1977, in College Park, Georgia, he initially gained recognition as part of the hip-hop duo Playaz Circle alongside Earl "Dolla Boy" Conyers. The duo's breakout single, "Duffle Bag Boy," featuring Lil Wayne, was released in 2007 and became a significant hit, propelling 2 Chainz into the spotlight[2][4][6]. 2 Chainz's solo career took off in 2010, but it was his 2012 debut album, "Based on a T.R.U. Story," that catapulted him to stardom. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured platinum hits like "No Lie" with Drake and "Birthday Song" with Kanye West[1][2][7]. His subsequent albums, such as "Pretty Girls Like Trap Music" (2017) and "So Help Me God" (2020), further solidified his position in the hip-hop industry[1]. Throughout his career, 2 Chainz has become a sought-after collaborator, featuring on tracks by prominent artists like Nicki Minaj and Kanye West[1][7]. He is also a Grammy Award winner, acknowledging his influence and success in the music industry[6]. Beyond music, 2 Chainz has been involved in various business ventures and has maintained a strong media presence. He is estimated to be worth around $12 million and is known for his tall stature and charismatic persona[4]. Currently, 2 Chainz remains relevant in the hip-hop scene, continuing to release new music and engage in various projects. His ability to adapt and evolve has allowed him to maintain a significant following and influence in contemporary music.