Justin Bieber recently opened up about his viral paparazzi encounter in his latest album, “Swag.” You might remember the moment where he confidently declared, “It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business.” The album includes three engaging interludes that feel like therapy sessions, featuring comedian Druski. One standout track, “Standing on Business,” incorporates audio from the infamous encounter, which took place outside Soho House in L.A. on June 13, where Druski humorously addresses the situation.
Throughout “Swag,” Bieber expresses his deep devotion to his wife, Hailey Bieber, and their son, Jack. In the heartfelt song “Walking Away,” he touches on the challenges couples face but emphasizes their commitment: “We better stop before we say some shit / We’ve been testing our patience / I think we’re better off if we just take a break / And remember what grace is.” He reassures, “Baby, I ain’t walking away / You were my diamond, gave you a ring / I made you a promise, I told you I’d change / It’s just human nature, these growing pains / And baby, I ain’t walking away.”
Bieber also provides a candid look at his emotional state in the aptly named “Therapy Session,” where he discusses the pressures of public scrutiny with Druski. “It’s been challenging to go through personal struggles in the public eye. People constantly ask if I’m okay, and that can weigh heavily on me,” he admits. Druski responds humorously, “It’s like when someone keeps asking, ‘Why you crying?’ It’s like, now I am!” Bieber reflects, “It makes me feel like I’m the one with issues while everyone else seems perfect.”
Released on Friday, “Swag” marks Bieber’s seventh studio album and features an impressive 21 tracks, including collaborations with artists like Sexyy Red, Lil B, Cash Cobain, Eddie Benjamin, Gunna, Dijon, and Marvin Winans. Bieber co-produced the album alongside notable names such as Carter Lang, Dylan Wiggins, and Daniel Caesar.
This new album follows his 2021 release, “Justice,” and the subsequent Justice World Tour, which was cut short in September 2022 to prioritize his health. Since then, he has maintained a lower profile in the music scene, often raising concerns among fans with a series of puzzling Instagram posts. One memorable moment occurred on Father’s Day, when he shared nearly 20 posts with captions like “I’m a dad that’s not to be messed with” and “Happy daddy day to me u lil ho.” The next day, he expressed his struggles more deeply, stating, “I know I’m broken. I know I have anger issues. I’ve tried to change for the sake of others, but it just exhausts me.” He concluded with a poignant note, “Jesus is the only one who inspires me to focus on others because, honestly, I’m tired of dwelling on myself lately. Aren’t you?”
Bieber’s “Swag” is a raw and honest reflection of his journey, both as an artist and as an individual navigating the complexities of life.
