Swag Surfin

Cultural impact

Since its release in 2009, "Swag Surfin'" has grown in popularity, especially among the black community, and has been played at weddings, graduations, parties, homecoming events, and others. The dance is well-regarded as it encourages friends and strangers to connect with each other by linking arms and swaying from side to side. Brianna Younger of The New Yorker stated that "there are no strangers when those horn blasts sound, only you and a crowd of people who have suddenly become your closest friends—your brothers and sisters." The song and dance are commonplace at celebrations at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). The song was sampled by Beyoncé for her Coachella performance Homecoming: The Live Album with the song Drunk in Love. The song has also been played at the White House. Khalila Douze of uDiscoverMusic wrote that "["Swag Surfin'"] is an embodiment of black fellowship and faith, and that's what makes it so timeless."

Usage in sports

It is the unofficial anthem of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)'s Washington Mystics and was played at the game in which the team won its first championship. "Swag Surfin'" also became synonymous with the Chicago Bears' post-game locker room celebration, nicknamed "Club Dub", under head coach Matt Nagy in 2018 and 2019. "Swag Surfin'" is also often played by the Auburn Tigers football team during big games, dating back to at least 2017.

"Swag Surfin'" gained wide attention for being played at Kansas City Chiefs home game victories at Arrowhead Stadium at the request of the players during their 2023 season and playoff run. Taylor Swift was captured by cameras dancing along to the song with Donna Kelce, Brittany Mahomes, and other Chiefs fans during the team's AFC Wild Card Playoff game in GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Remixes

DJ Self put together a remix that features American rappers Fabolous, Juelz Santana, Red Cafe, and Maino. Lil Wayne recorded a freestyle for his mixtape No Ceilings.

Music video

The original viral music video was filmed and directed by Forrest Tuff of One Vision Productions and released online January 2009 receiving millions of views. A new version under Def Jam South was released online in October 2009. Kia Shine and Stuey Rock make cameo appearances.

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

References

References

1. Inman, DeMicia. (2024-03-28). "F.L.Y. (Fast Life Yungstaz) "Swag Surfin" Is Now Officially Certified Platinum".
2. Taylor, Langston. (2017-08-23). "'Swag Surfin' producer: 'It's very weird... they're still playing the song' eight years later".
3. Josephs, Brian. "The supernatural powers of "Swag Surfin'"".
4. Younger, Briana. (2019-03-22). "Ten Years of Swag Surfin'".
5. "Beyoncé's 'Drunk in Love (Homecoming Live)' sample of Fast Life Yungstaz's 'Swag Surfin''".
6. Camenker, Jacob. (2024-01-23). "What is Swag Surfin? Everything to know about Chiefs' viral dance celebration as Taylor Swift, Donna Kelce participate".
7. Douze, Khalila. (2024-03-24). "'Swag Surfin'': The Oral History Of Fast Life Yungstaz's Huge Single".
8. Johnson, Martenzie. (September 30, 2019). "How 'Swag Surfin' became the unofficial anthem of the Washington Mystics".
9. (December 19, 2018). "'Club Dub' is a full-blown sensation now, and the Bears are fine with that". [[NBC Sports]].
10. Hawley, Larry. (November 11, 2019). "After snapping a four-game losing streak, the Bears bring back 'Club Dub'". [[WGN-TV]].
11. Moore, Julia. (January 14, 2024). "Taylor Swift's a Swag Surfer! All About the Chiefs Fun Game Day Dance".
12. "The Hot 100 Chart".
13. "Archived copy".
14. "Billboard.com - Charts - Singles - Hot Rap Tracks".
15. (2 January 2013). "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2009".