Rae Sremmurd have received more than their fair share of criticism in their young career, particularly from Hot 97’s self-proclaimed Old Man Ebro, who accused them of not writing their own rhymes and even compared them to them to Kris Kross. Brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi clapped back with a passionate 20-minute freestyle session on Tim Westwood TV, and haven’t looked back since. Sremmlife 2 was released in August to positive reviews praising their artistic growth. It seems like the only thing which could stop the duo at this point is Swae Lee’s solo album.
So what’s the secret to Rae Sremmurd’s success? According to their Billboard Style Issue cover story, it really comes down to perseverance, positivity, and just being themselves: Two young rappers who like to do “regular stuff.” Nothing less, nothing more.
Perseverance came from living in an abandoned house with no heat after they left home to pursue their music career. “I had to deal with a lot of shit, and I didn’t let it stop me,” the one-year-older Jxmmi told Billboard, adding their success is a “fairy tale.” Positivity kept the brothers going through the hard times. According to Swae, “We never put our heads down like, ‘Who can we turn to?’”
Rae Sremmurd’s music also reflects their positive outlook and steadfast resolve to be themselves. “We’re talking about positive stuff or things we want. Not, ‘Oh, I’m the hardest out, bang bang,’” Jxmmi stated. “Nobody expecting guns —- they just expect to have a good time and see girls shaking their butts.”
Oh, and Rae Sremmurd are perfectly comfortable admitting they have no desire to “be the alpha male.” As Jxmmi explained, “We just want to have a good life.”
Read the full story at Billboard.
