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Swing Mob

Swing Mob was an influential R&B and hip-hop musical collective founded in the early 1990s by DeVante Swing, a member of the group Jodeci, serving as a collaborative "music college" for emerging artists and producers in Teaneck, New Jersey before relocating to Rochester, New York, by 1995.^[1] Also known as Da Bassment or the Swing Mob Collective, it functioned as both a creative hub and an imprint under Elektra Records, fostering a unique sound that blended innovative production with soulful vocals and hip-hop elements.^[2] The collective's core members included DeVante Swing as the leader and primary producer, his Jodeci bandmate Mr. Dalvin, Timbaland (then Timothy Mosley), Missy Elliott, Ginuwine (Elgin Lumpkin), Playa (consisting of Static Major, Smoke E. Digglera, and Digital Black), Magoo, Tweet (Charlene Keys), Stevie J., and producers like Darryl Pearson.^[1]^[3] Many artists, such as Missy Elliott and her group Sista, joined after being scouted by Swing during live performances, drawn to the environment's emphasis on skill-building and experimentation.^[2] The group's dynamic allowed for cross-pollination of talents, with members contributing as singers, writers, rappers, and beatmakers in sessions that produced hundreds of tracks.^[1]^[4] Swing Mob's most notable contributions came through its role in shaping Jodeci's later albums, including Diary of a Mad Band (1993) and The Show, the After Party, the Hotel (1995), where collective members provided songwriting, production, and background vocals.^[1] It also launched early projects like Sista's debut album 4 All the Sistas Around da World (1994), co-written and produced by Elliott and Timbaland, as well as Playa's Cheers 2 U (1998) on Def Jam Recordings.^[5]^[4] The collective's innovative beats and genre-blending style directly influenced the late 1990s and early 2000s R&B and hip-hop landscape, powering hits for alumni like Ginuwine's "Pony" (1996) and Missy Elliott's breakthrough works.^[3]^[2] By the mid-1990s, Swing Mob began to dissolve amid internal tensions, failed record deals, and frustrations over prolonged development without major releases for many artists.^[1] Key departures included Missy Elliott and Timbaland signing with Elektra independently in 1996, followed by Ginuwine and others seeking solo opportunities, often due to perceived loyalty tests and business disputes under Swing's leadership.^[2]^[4] Despite its short lifespan, the collective's alumni went on to dominate the industry, forming informal offshoots like the Superfriends and cementing Swing Mob's legacy as a pivotal incubator for modern R&B and hip-hop innovation.^[1]

History

Formation and Early Development

DeVante Swing, a founding member and primary producer of the R&B group Jodeci, established Swing Mob in 1991 as a loose musical collective and label imprint under Swing Mob Records, which was distributed through Elektra Records.^[6] Drawing from Jodeci's breakthrough success with their debut album Forever My Lady that same year, Swing envisioned Swing Mob as a hip-hop-infused R&B crew based in the New York City area, aiming to foster innovative songwriting and production among emerging talents.^[1] This initiative reflected Swing's ambition to create a modern equivalent to Motown, blending street-oriented rhythms with soulful melodies in a collaborative setting.^[1] In the early 1990s, Swing began scouting and signing regional acts, notably relocating the Virginia-based group Sista—featuring Missy Elliott—from Hampton Roads to a two-story house in Hackensack, New Jersey, near New York City, to nurture their development.^[7] This move, initiated after Swing discovered Sista at a 1991 Jodeci concert in Portsmouth, Virginia, brought together over 20 aspiring writers, musicians, and producers in a shared living and creative space, isolating them from external influences to refine a distinctive sound.^[7] Similar relocations extended to other Virginia talents, emphasizing Swing's strategy of centralizing talent for intensive mentorship and group synergy during 1991-1993.^[8] Initial studio sessions for Swing Mob took place in the basement of Swing's Teaneck, New Jersey apartment, where the sparse setup—lacking furniture but filled with instruments—fostered a raw, immersive creative environment focused on experimental production techniques.^[1] Artists described the space as a "music college," with constant collaboration across projects, allowing for the fusion of hip-hop beats and R&B harmonies that defined the collective's early output.^[8] This period laid the groundwork for the evolution into the core production team known as Da Bassment Cru.^[1]

Da Bassment Cru and Initial Projects

Da Bassment Cru emerged as the core production unit of the Swing Mob collective around 1993-1994, under the mentorship of Jodeci member DeVante Swing in Teaneck, New Jersey.^[9] Initial members included producers Darryl Pearson and Chad Elliott, with DeVante emphasizing a collaborative environment to nurture talent.^[9] Key figures such as Timothy Mosley (later known as Timbaland) and Melvin "Magoo" Barcliff joined through introductions by Missy Elliott, who advocated for their skills after performing for DeVante; Mosley, initially a DJ and producer, transitioned into a central role alongside Barcliff.^[10]^[11] DeVante's guidance focused on work ethic and innovation, renaming Mosley "Timbaland" and providing studio access to develop their abilities.^[10] The unit's primary role involved crafting beats for internal Swing Mob projects, blending elements of hip-hop, funk, and new jack swing to create a distinctive sound.^[7] Timbaland and others produced tracks at makeshift studios, experimenting with stuttering rhythms and layered instrumentation that foreshadowed future hits.^[10] This collaborative process, often involving over 20 writers and musicians, prioritized originality by isolating the group from mainstream influences.^[7] Early efforts centered on group projects like Sista, the R&B act featuring Missy Elliott, which released its debut album 4 All the Sistas Around da World in 1994 under DeVante and Timbaland's production.^[5] As the first act signed from Da Bassment, Sista faced creative tensions over attention and direction, with Elektra Records' involvement leading to shelved material due to mismatched expectations.^[9]^[12] In 1994, DeVante expanded the collective by signing additional Virginia talents, including Timbaland and Magoo, prompting initial recording sessions at a Hackensack house and later Dajhelon Studios in Rochester, New York, where hundreds of demos were created in an intensive, live-in setup.^[7]^[11]^[9]

Superfriends Era

In 1995, Swing Mob reached a peak of collaborative activity, with key members such as Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, and Magoo contributing to unified projects that blended R&B and hip-hop elements under DeVante Swing's guidance. The group operated out of multiple studios in Rochester, New York, after relocating from New Jersey to record Jodeci's album The Show, The After Party, The Hotel. This period emphasized a tight-knit dynamic among its members, who shared songwriting and production duties to develop innovative tracks.^[1]^[4] A pivotal event in promoting the collective was the creation of a video presentation showcasing the talents of Swing Mob artists, including the core members, which was pitched to Interscope Records executive Jimmy Iovine to secure label interest and deals. Internal dynamics during this period were intensely collaborative, with round-the-clock songwriting sessions in a multi-room studio setup at Dajhelon Studios, where artists like Timbaland, Missy Elliott, and Darryl Pearson worked alongside DeVante Swing to layer complex, experimental beats—often exceeding 100 tracks per song—and craft lyrics that pushed boundaries. The emphasis on futuristic sounds was evident in Timbaland's production approach, incorporating unconventional rhythms and samples that foreshadowed the collective's influence on late-1990s music.^[1]^[13] Specific activities in 1995 included contributions to film soundtracks, such as Sista's track "It's Alright" featuring Craig Mack and Missy Elliott, which appeared on the Dangerous Minds original motion picture soundtrack, highlighting the group's versatility in merging rap and R&B. Additionally, core members worked on early solo endeavors through Ginuwine's debut material, including the production of "Pony" by Timbaland and Static Major, recorded during this era but released the following year. These efforts underscored the collective's role in elevating Swing Mob's profile through high-profile placements and internal innovation. Following the group's dissolution, alumni including Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, and Magoo formed the informal offshoot known as the Superfriends around 1997.^[14]^[15]

Decline and Dissolution

By the mid-1990s, Swing Mob encountered significant challenges with Elektra Records, primarily over creative control and the shelving of several planned albums, which frustrated artists and stalled momentum. Deals negotiated through DeVante Swing's imprint often fell through due to label hesitancy and insufficient promotional support, including delays on projects like the House Party 3 soundtrack contributions and a proposed compilation titled Swing Mob Forever. These disputes exacerbated internal tensions, as the collective's innovative output was undermined by bureaucratic hurdles and unfulfilled release promises.^[16]^[1] DeVante Swing's leadership decisions further impacted operations, contributing to the label's disarray during 1995 amid growing frustrations. These issues led to erratic decision-making and a lack of direction for the collective, compounding the external pressures from Elektra and hindering timely project advancements. Although no formal legal troubles were publicly tied to Swing Mob's collapse at the time, the unstable environment alienated key contributors.^[16] The culmination of these factors triggered a mass exodus of artists by 1996, as members sought opportunities elsewhere amid the collective's unraveling. Core figures like Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Magoo departed due to creative differences and stalled careers, with Elliott's group Sista's underperforming 1994 album serving as a catalyst for her exit back to Virginia. Ginuwine signed with Sony/Epic, while others, including producers aligned with Timbaland, gravitated toward Blackground Records for projects like Aaliyah's work. Playa and remaining affiliates lingered briefly but grew discouraged by unmaterialized releases.^[12]^[16]^[1] Swing Mob's end was informal, without a public announcement, marked by scattered 1996 activities such as isolated singles and collaborations rather than cohesive efforts. This dissolution around 1995-1996 paved the way for individual successes, with former members achieving breakout hits in the late 1990s.^[1]

Members and Associates

Core Collective Members

DeVante Swing, born Donald DeGrate Jr., founded the Swing Mob collective in 1991 as a creative hub under his Elektra Records imprint, drawing from his success as a member and producer of Jodeci to mentor emerging talents in R&B and hip-hop production.^[1] He served as the central leader, recruiting artists, overseeing sessions at his Dajhelon Studios in Rochester, New York—relocated from Teaneck, New Jersey in 1995 for focused work—and providing hands-on guidance in songwriting and beats that defined the group's innovative sound.^[8] Swing's mentorship extended to shaping individual styles, such as refining Static Major's lyrical delivery from Playa, while fostering a communal environment where members lived and collaborated intensively.^[1] Mr. Dalvin, born Joel Hailey, DeVante Swing's Jodeci bandmate, served as a core producer and songwriter in Swing Mob, contributing to the collective's early development through shared sessions and vocal arrangements that blended Jodeci's new jack swing influences with emerging hip-hop elements.^[1] His involvement helped bridge the group's R&B roots with experimental productions, often collaborating directly with DeVante on tracks for internal projects.^[2] Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley and Melvin "Magoo" Barcliff formed the core production and rap duo of Swing Mob's Da Bassment crew, initially joining after impressing Swing with their demos alongside Missy Elliott.^[17] DeVante Swing renamed Mosley as Timbaland, recognizing his distinctive, sample-heavy beat-making that incorporated stuttering rhythms and unconventional sounds, which became a hallmark of the collective's output.^[17] The pair, often working late nights in the basement studio, contributed to early projects by producing tracks for internal acts and experimenting with fusions of hip-hop, funk, and soul; Magoo added energetic rap verses that complemented Timbaland's production, as seen in their collaborative demos and group sessions.^[1] Their dynamic evolved through close interactions with Swing, who encouraged their growth from raw talents into key architects of the Swing Mob aesthetic.^[18] Missy Elliott emerged as a pivotal songwriter, rapper, and vocalist within Swing Mob, transitioning from her role in the affiliated R&B group Sista—formed in 1990 with members including LaShawn Shellman, Chonita Coleman, and Radiah Scott—to becoming the collective's lead creative force.^[17] Signed to Swing Mob in 1991 after performing a cappella Jodeci covers, Elliott advocated for Timbaland and Magoo's inclusion, co-writing early material like Sista's unreleased tracks and contributing playful, narrative-driven lyrics that bridged R&B melodies with hip-hop flair.^[17] Her interactions with the core group, including co-producing sessions and performing in group auditions, solidified her as a bridge between vocalists and producers, influencing the collective's gender-diverse collaborations.^[1] Sista's other members, such as LaShawn Shellman, played supporting roles as vocalists in Swing Mob's early recordings, providing harmonies and contributing to the group's R&B foundation during intensive Da Bassment sessions.^[1] These core figures interacted fluidly, with Swing directing multi-artist workshops that extended briefly to peripheral talents for shared projects.^[8] The R&B trio Playa, consisting of Smoke E. Digglera, Static Major, and Digital Black, contributed their signature group harmonies to numerous Swing Mob recording sessions, providing layered backing vocals and songwriting that enriched the collective's sound with soulful, melodic depth.^[19]^[4]^[20] Signed by DeVante Swing after initial discovery, their work intersected closely with core members like Timbaland and Missy Elliott, infusing tracks with harmonious textures that highlighted the group's tight-knit vocal interplay.^[1] Ginuwine, born Elgin Lumpkin, was a core signee to DeVante Swing's Swing Mob collective in the early 1990s, where he honed his smooth, falsetto-driven vocal style through unreleased demos and collaborative sessions that emphasized innovative R&B phrasing.^[21]^[22] These pre-solo efforts, often featuring production input from Timbaland, showcased Ginuwine's ability to blend sensual delivery with rhythmic complexity, laying the groundwork for his later breakthrough hits.^[23] Stevie J., born Steven Jordan, was a key producer and multi-instrumentalist in the core collective, contributing beats and arrangements to Swing Mob sessions that added a polished, Bad Boy-influenced edge to the group's sound before his later solo career.^[1] His work with DeVante and others helped shape early demos and Jodeci's later albums.^[24] Darryl Pearson served as a prominent producer within the core Swing Mob, specializing in drum programming and track construction that underpinned the collective's fusion of hip-hop beats and soulful R&B, often collaborating on projects for Sista and Playa.^[25] Tweet, born Charlene Keys, joined as a vocalist from the group Sugah, bringing emotive leads and harmonies to core sessions that influenced the collective's vocal dynamics and later alumni successes.^[1]^[26]

Extended Artists and Collaborators

Rapper Mad Skillz, known for his intricate lyricism, provided key rap verses and creative input during the Superfriends phase of the collective, adding sharp-witted bars to collaborative demos that bridged hip-hop and R&B elements.^[27] His involvement, which came after the initial Swing Mob dissolution, offered a contrast to the R&B focus by injecting narrative-driven flows into group sessions alongside figures like Timbaland and Magoo.^[1] Vocalist Renee Anderson served as a frequent background contributor to Swing Mob projects, delivering ethereal ad-libs and harmonies on demo tapes that supported the collective's experimental vibe.^[28] A Rochester School of the Arts graduate discovered by DeVante Swing, her one-off appearances added a polished, emotive layer to tracks featuring core artists such as Playa and Sista.^[27]^[26] Rapper Bazaar Royale, also known as Da Boogie Man, represented a brief hip-hop affiliate within the Swing Mob network, contributing raw, energetic verses to early sessions that diversified the collective's urban sound.^[29] His limited tenure involved collaborations with producers like Timbaland, focusing on boastful flows that complemented the R&B-heavy environment.^[30]

Musical Style and Influence

Production Characteristics

The production style of Swing Mob during its 1993-1996 peak was defined by the innovative contributions of producers Timbaland and DeVante Swing, who crafted a sound that emphasized rhythmic experimentation and genre fusion within a collaborative studio environment in Rochester, New York.^[1] Timbaland, in particular, introduced stuttering beats—characterized by abrupt, repetitive hi-hat patterns and off-kilter drum stutters—that created a sense of tension and unpredictability, often layered over sparse arrangements that stripped tracks down to essential elements like deep basslines and minimal synth pads.^[31]^[32] DeVante Swing complemented this with hip-hop-inspired drum patterns, using synthesized kicks and snares to drive grooves that felt gritty and street-oriented, diverging from the smoother, more polished rhythms of contemporary R&B.^[33]^[1] A key hallmark was the seamless integration of R&B vocals with rap elements, producing a futuristic "swingbeat" style that prioritized emotional harmonies over dense orchestration while incorporating raw, rhythmic flows. This approach marked a clear evolution from new jack swing's upbeat, horn-driven energy, opting instead for a cooler, more atmospheric vibe rooted in soul and isolation-born creativity.^[31]^[1]^[33] Producers relied heavily on in-house sampling from obscure sources, such as underground funk records or international sounds, to add textured layers without overwhelming the mix, often combined with live instrumentation in early sessions—like guitar and bass played by collaborators such as Darryl Pearson—to infuse organic warmth.^[31]^[1] Specific techniques like vocal chopping and layered ad-libs further distinguished Swing Mob's output, particularly in unreleased tracks from the era, where voices were fragmented and looped to mimic percussive effects or build hypnotic backgrounds.^[1]^[31] These methods, honed in the tight-knit Da Bassment sessions, allowed for a playful yet precise manipulation of sound, emphasizing ad-lib stacks that echoed gospel influences while pushing boundaries toward hip-hop's experimental edge.^[32]^[33]

Impact on Hip-Hop and R&B

Swing Mob played a pivotal role in pioneering the fusion of hip-hop production techniques with R&B sensibilities during the early 1990s, creating a blueprint that blurred genre boundaries and influenced the sound of both fields throughout the decade and into the 2000s.^[7] This innovative approach, characterized by off-kilter rhythms, sparse beats, and eclectic sampling, emerged from the collective's early creative environment in Teaneck, New Jersey, where members like Timbaland and Missy Elliott experimented in a house studio setting.^[1] The result was a gritty, futuristic style that elevated R&B's melodic elements while infusing hip-hop with emotional depth, setting the stage for producers to dominate mainstream charts.^[34] The collective's impact extended to shaping key figures in hip-hop and R&B production, notably launching Timbaland's career and indirectly influencing duos like The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo). Timbaland, who honed his signature hydraulic snares and global samples within Swing Mob, went on to build a production empire that redefined the genres, collaborating with artists from Aaliyah to Justin Timberlake and earning multiple Grammys.^[34] His work, rooted in Swing Mob's experimental ethos, inspired The Neptunes' minimalist, punchy beats heard in hits like Nelly's "Hot in Herre," while also influencing Kanye West's soul-sampled hip-hop innovations in the early 2000s.^[35] Additionally, Swing Mob's production style contributed to evolving soundtrack trends, with members' tracks appearing in films like Above the Rim and Dangerous Minds, helping integrate hip-hop and R&B into cinematic narratives and broadening their commercial reach.^[35] Through Missy Elliott's emergence from the collective, Swing Mob significantly elevated the visibility and innovation of female rappers in hip-hop. Starting with her group Sista under DeVante Swing's mentorship, Elliott developed a bold, nonconforming style that challenged gender norms, as seen in her 1997 debut Supa Dupa Fly, which encouraged experimentation in voice, visuals, and lyrics among women in the genre.^[36] Her success, built on Swing Mob's collaborative foundation, paved the way for artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B by demonstrating how female voices could lead in production and songwriting.^[36] Despite the collective's dissolution in 1995 and the absence of any formal reunions, Swing Mob's legacy endures through sampled tracks and oral histories as of 2025, including recent reflections on its role amid ongoing industry discussions. Elements of its sound—gospel-infused vocals and moody hip-hop grooves—continue to appear in contemporary works, such as Drake's "How Bout Now" and Megan Thee Stallion's "Plan B," which draw directly from DeVante Swing's formulas.^[33] Oral accounts from members, including Elliott's recollections of her Jodeci encounter and Ginuwine's audition stories, preserve the collective's role as a talent incubator, underscoring its quiet but profound influence on generations of R&B and hip-hop artists.^[33]^[37]

Discography

Group and Collective Releases

Sista, one of the earliest acts under the Swing Mob collective, recorded their debut album titled 4 All the Sistas Around da World between 1994 and 1995, but it remained unreleased due to insufficient label promotion and DeVante Swing's divided attention across multiple projects.^[1] The album featured a blend of R&B and hip-hop tracks produced primarily by Timbaland and DeVante Swing, with songwriting contributions from Missy Elliott. Key highlights from the tracklist included "Brand New" and "Sweat You Down." LaShawn Shellman of Sista later reflected on the shelving, noting, "Business-wise, it could have been handled different but… it just didn’t turn out the way he wanted."^[1] Da Bassment Cru, the core production arm of Swing Mob also known interchangeably as the collective itself, focused on instrumental-driven projects during 1994-1995, culminating in a limited cassette demo tape circulated within the industry to attract label interest.^[38] The 1994 Demo Tape, originally distributed as a cassette in small quantities around 1995, emphasized raw beats and early collaborations, with many tracks featuring sparse vocals to highlight production prowess.^[38] Notable selections included Timbaland's "Da Funk" and "Peepin' My Style" (featuring Missy Elliott and Static Major), Ginuwine's "I'm Going To Fall In Love," and group efforts like "Ain't Nuthin' But A B-Party," which captured the basement jam session vibe central to the collective's creative process.^[38] Playa, consisting of core Swing Mob members Static Major, Smoke E. Digglera, and Digital Black, released their debut album Cheers 2 U in 1998 on Def Jam Recordings. Produced primarily by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, the album blended smooth R&B harmonies with hip-hop production, reflecting the collective's lingering influence post-dissolution. The title track "Cheers 2 U" became a moderate hit, peaking at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.^[39] In late 1995, as Swing Mob began to fracture, remaining members attempted collaborative efforts under the informal Superfriends banner, producing showcase tracks intended for label presentations but never formalized into a full EP.^[1] These sessions, involving Timbaland, Missy Elliott, and others, yielded demo cuts like experimental R&B-rap fusions aimed at demonstrating the collective's versatility, though internal disputes and the group's dissolution prevented wider release.^[1] Swing Mob's internal tapes and planned compilations served as key artifacts of the era, with a notable 77-minute demo cassette compiling cuts from various artists to pitch the collective's talent pool to executives.^[1] These unofficial releases, circulated among industry insiders in 1995, included previews of Sista and Da Bassment material, embodying the basement-party ethos but remaining confined to private networks due to the label's instability.^[1]

Solo and Duo Albums under Swing Mob

Ginuwine's debut studio album, Ginuwine... the Bachelor, released in October 1996 on Epic Records, marked a pivotal solo breakthrough under the Swing Mob umbrella, with production largely handled by Timbaland during collective sessions in the mid-1990s.^[40] The project originated from DeVante Swing's vision to build Swing Mob as a label for emerging talent, positioning Ginuwine as its first male solo artist after discovering him through military connections.^[3] Tracks like "Pony" showcased the innovative, bass-heavy sound developed in Swing Mob's collaborative environment, blending R&B sensuality with hip-hop rhythms.^[40] Timbaland & Magoo, key figures in Swing Mob's production and rap contingent, recorded early demos between 1995 and 1996 that laid the groundwork for their debut album Welcome to Our World, released in November 1997 on Blackground Records but rooted in the collective's affiliation before its 1995 dissolution.^[41] These unreleased sessions, conducted amid Swing Mob's creative hub in New York, featured the duo's signature interplay of Timbaland's experimental beats and Magoo's charismatic flows, influencing later guest spots on Aaliyah's work.^[42] The album's tracks, such as "Up Jumps da Boogie," extended Swing Mob's hip-hop edge while transitioning to broader commercial success.^[43] Prior to their solo careers, Tweet contributed to Swing Mob as a member of the girl group Sugah in the mid-1990s, recording demos and sessions under DeVante Swing's guidance that informed her later R&B style, though no formal 1996 EP materialized from the group.^[44] Similarly, Dalvin DeGrate, known as Mr. Dalvin, provided production and songwriting support within Swing Mob during 1996, drawing from his Jodeci roots to shape tracks for affiliates like Ginuwine, ahead of his own solo debut in 1998.^[1]

Singles and Soundtrack Contributions

During the mid-1990s, the Swing Mob collective released several non-album singles and contributed tracks to film soundtracks, showcasing the group's emerging R&B and hip-hop fusion style under DeVante Swing's production oversight. These releases often served promotional purposes, highlighting individual artists and the broader ensemble while building buzz ahead of full-length projects.^[45] One notable soundtrack contribution came in 1994 with H-Town's "Part Time Lover," produced by DeVante Swing for Swing Mob Productions and co-produced by Darryl Pearson. The track appeared on the Above the Rim soundtrack, blending smooth harmonies with Swing Mob's signature rhythmic grooves, and helped establish the collective's footprint in hip-hop cinema. Published credits include Swing Mob Music/EMI Music, underscoring the label's involvement.^[46] In 1995, Sista—a key Swing Mob act featuring Missy Elliott—released the standalone single "It's Alright" featuring Craig Mack. Produced by Evil Dee and co-written by Craig Mack, Evil Dee, and Missy Elliott, it was issued as a CD single on MCA Records and included on the Dangerous Minds soundtrack. The song's uplifting R&B-rap hybrid reached moderate airplay, serving as a promotional vehicle for Sista's upcoming material and the collective's Elektra affiliation; Sista appeared courtesy of Swing Mob/Elektra.^[47]^[48] That same year, Swing Mob handled production for the cassette single "The Sun Doesn't Shine" by 1-900, an indie R&B release recorded at Horizon Sounds and mastered at Digital Services. Credited to Swing Mob Productions, Inc., it represented the collective's support for emerging affiliates through limited-distribution formats.^[49] Promotional efforts also included white-label and unreleased items from 1995 showcases. A notable example is the 12-inch white-label promo of Jodeci's "What About Us" (Swing Mob/Mr. Dalvin version) on MCA Records, featuring DeVante Swing's production and circulating among industry insiders to preview the collective's evolving sound. Bazaar Royale, as a Da Bassment affiliate, participated in these internal showcases, contributing verses to demo sessions that highlighted the group's raw, unreleased energy, though no commercial singles from him surfaced at the time.^[50] By 1996, soundtrack ties continued to reflect Swing Mob's influence, though the collective's dissolution loomed. Tracks from affiliated artists appeared in film projects, emphasizing collaborative production over solo chart pushes.

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[24]
Da Bassment Crew | forever-devante - Wix.com
Swing Mob folded in 1995, with a variety of reasons being attributed. According to Smoke E Digglera of Playa, the artists were forced to choose whether they ...
[25]
On The Timeless Impact Of Tweet's "My Place" - The Gumbo
Jan 21, 2019 · While working under Devante, she met fellow Swing mob artists Timbaland, Magoo, Playa, Ginuwine, Renee Anderson and Missy Elliott. When Sugah ...
[26]
Profiles | forever-devante - Wix.com
Susan Weems is formerly of R&B vocal group Sugah. Sugah were famously discovered and signed by DeVante Swingof Jodeci to DeVante's own label, Swing Mob Records.Missing: extended Mad
[27]
https://foreverdevante9296.wixsite.com/forever-devante/da-bassment-cru
[28]
Da Bassment/Swing Mob/Superfriends Mix w/ Mr. Slow Jamz
Nov 1, 2023 · ... Swing Mob, & the SuperFriends. Da Bassment Cru (aka Swing Mob) was a collective of artists founded by Jodeci member, DeVante Swing in 1995.Missing: Era | Show results with:Era
[29]
The Evolution of Timbaland - VICE
Feb 3, 2015 · ... Swing Mob remix of “What About Us”. Even at this early stage, it's a great early example of the Timbaland sound, scattered with stuttering ...
[30]
Perfect Sound Forever: Timbaland - Furious.com
Produced entirely by Timbaland, The Bachelor was recorded during the Swing Mob years, between 1993 and 1995, providing a clear look at Timbaland's influences ...Missing: characteristics | Show results with:characteristics
[31]
Beyond Jodeci: How DeVante Swing Quietly Shaped the Sound of ...
Apr 30, 2025 · With Swing Mob, later known as Da Bassment Cru, DeVante didn't just assemble talent—he created a talent ecosystem. It was intense, often ...
[32]
How the DMV and Virginia Beach made rap safe (and ... - NPR
Jul 17, 2023 · ... Swing Mob, where Mosley was given a new name: Timbaland. In the nearly three decades since, Timbaland and The Neptunes have dominated not ...
[33]
Producer Profile: Timbaland - RouteNote Create Blog
Aug 4, 2025 · ... Swing Mob. Formed by Jodeci member DeVante Swing, this loose collective of artists included future Timbo collaborators Missy Elliott ...
[34]
Celebrating Missy Elliott: How The Icon Changed The Sound, Look ...
Missy began her career as a member of Sista, which was a part of the Swing Mob, a musical collective working under Jodeci's DeVanté Swing. That crew ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Da Bassment - Demo Tape 94' (Remastered)
### Tracklist for Da Bassment Demo Tape 1994 (Remastered)
[36]
Ginuwine's Debut Album 'Ginuwine… The Bachelor' Turns 25
Oct 5, 2021 · ... Ginuwine and Swing Mob members Static Major (R.I.P.) and Timbaland. ... producer Timbaland, who ended up producing the entirety of Ginuwine…
[37]
Magoo: rapper who collaborated with Timbaland, Missy Elliott and ...
Aug 15, 2023 · But Swing Mob dissolved in 1995 and Timbaland & Magoo signed to Blackground, run by Barry Hankerson, uncle of Aaliyah. “Aaliyah was funny ...
[38]
Magoo, Early Timbaland Collaborator, Dies at 50 - Pitchfork
Aug 14, 2023 · Magoo was also a member of DeVante Swing's Swing Mob collective. ... Welcome to Our World, which featured contributions from Aaliyah, Missy ...
[39]
Magoo, One Half of Rap Duo Timbaland & Magoo, Dies at 50
Aug 14, 2023 · By 1995, the Swing Mob had folded with the members striking out on their own, but Missy Elliott, Ginuwine, Tweet and Timbaland & Magoo ...
[40]
20 Legendary Rap Producers and the First Songs They Ever Made
Jul 4, 2025 · In the early '90s, DeVante Swing of Jodeci formed a label, Swing Mob, stocking the roster with a murderer's row of future stars including Missy ...
[41]
Tweet Talks New Sugah EP With DeVante Swing, Da Bassment ...
Jun 30, 2020 · DeVante brought all of his artists there, Da Bassment. Not Swing Mob, but it probably was a part of it. He needed to replace a member of Sugah ...
[42]
The Swing Mob Productions Discography | Discogs
### Releases from The Swing Mob Productions (1994–1996)
[43]
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/magoo-rapper-dies-at-50-1235566004/
[44]
https://youknowigotsoul.com/tweet-talks-new-sugah-ep-with-devante-swing-da-bassment-memories-upcoming-album-exclusive
[45]
https://www.discogs.com/label/1016238-The-Swing-Mob-Productions
[46]
https://www.discogs.com/release/2906665-Various-Above-The-Rim-The-Soundtrack
[47]
What About Us (album, swing mob, Mr Dalvin version) - Dusty Groove
Rating 5.0 (1) · 2-day deliveryJodeci : What About Us (album, swing mob, Mr Dalvin version) 12-inch (Item 358050) MCA, 1995 Out Of Stock 12-inch, Vinyl record