> as a local street ball legend. As a teenager, Swain was known for being undefeated during his high school competitions at the local YMCAs competing against schools from all across the city. In 2000 Swain performed in shows with The Brat, Master P, Trina, and Missy Elliot. In April of 2002, Swain signed with a local label named, Take Down Records, owned by the now infamous Alton “Ace Capone” Coles.Swain performed at the Spectrum along with Jay-Z, Lil-Mo, State Property, Dip set, Clipse and Fabulous. Unfortunately, due to legal issues, Swains album was postponed until his release. Upon Swains return from a three year term of incarceration he discovered that the label he was on had been federally inditeded. This did not falter Swain who appeared on 106 and Park months after his return. He became the first winner from Philadelphia on Freestyle Fridays. He also went 31-0 at the MTV Fight Klub. Swain starred in “Hustle Diaries”, displaying Philly Swain”s life on Take Down Records (a local record label) . Hustle Diaries was filmed by Viacom and directed by Barry Michael Cooper, writer of New Jack City, Sugar Hill, and Above the Rim. Swain was featured in two songs (Me & Salute) on Jamie Knights Album The Secrets Out released in the summer of
2007. In March 2008, Swain was nominated Philly’s Hip-Hop Artist of the year. November 2008, his Grind Time battle premiered on www.worldstarhiphop.com it was viewed over 1,000,000 times in seven days, surpassing the views of BeyoncÈ’s Single Ladies Video. And totaling over 3.5 million views. Swain also starred in a TV sitcom “The Swagger Family” which aired on FPA channel10, DCTV, Cox Cable, and Verizon Fios in DC, Philadelphia, and Virginia. Swain then released an Album titled Mr. Philadelphia while upholding his joint venture deal with Sony/Swagger Family/ NuGroove in August of 2009. Philly Swain then when on to win the Eminem Red Bull Tournament in Philly as the Best M.C. Which he then went on to Detroit where he battled in the final competition for Best Red Bull Freestyle M.C. On October 31, 2010 Philly Swain’s & Alchemist dropped a new street mix tape titles “Its Dad” on iTunes and www.PhillySwain.com He continues to battle and destroy M.C.’s withwww.GrindtimeNow. com and also was officially named the general manager of Grind Time Philadelphia. After several more battles in London, Las Vegas, and La, for multiple battle leagues, Swain knew he wanted to progress more with his music and acting career so he made the decision to retire
from the rap battle world. Once Swain was out of battle mode his music career completely took off. Only living in LA for one year, Swain already has worked with Aftermath’s Producer Mark Batson ,Young Money Cash Moneys Jae Millz and also Bishop Lamont. Philly recently starred in a documentary named “ The Last Battle” where he goes in depth about his past and his battling career leading up to his last battle. Swain is also on the rise in the BMX industry. The past several years, Philly Swain has catered to the BMX world by supporting all the biggest clothing and bike companies. There are over 100 different online videos with Philly Swain involved with bmx riding totaling over 300,000 views . Swain attends many BMX events and is very active supporter. He actually rides his bike also, maybe not grinding rails and riding skateparks, but he rides 10 miles every morning. Philly dedicates himself 100% to everything that he is involved with. He continues to evolve as an artist creating a unique style influenced by old school rap legends such as Biggie Smalls, 2 Pac, Jay Z & Naz. “Even tho i don’t have time to ride as much as i want between, acting classes and musical work I always envision myself riding through the ghettos of any cities I’m in “.
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