For his new drop, the Singapore-born rapper-songwriter roped in Malaysian entrepreneur and millionaire celebrity Datu Seri Veda.
No doubt, the Singaporean hip hop prodigy, ALYPH, has grown in maturity and perspective ever since he first stepped onto the music scene years ago. The obvious shift in perspective that rivals the best of his peers becomes even more apparent in his newest single, SWIPE, which is out now via Def Jam Singapore and Malaysia.
Having been associated with the biggest names in Southeast Asian hip hop, ALYPH has proven that he has the talent and skills to further elevate Singapore’s hip hop to a new level. Recently, he bagged the Young Songwriter of the Year Award by the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (Compass) in 2022.
Before the year ends, ALYPH drops a new single, which mirrors his views on romance with confidence and aplomb. Contrary to most presumptions of his swagger heard on his tracks, the young musician reveals that it is actually hard-won. “It’s hard to be confident sometimes. I wanted to make a song that could help with that.” In this age of dating apps and isolation, ALYPH re-emerges with SWIPE – an ode to his rugged self-worth and confidence.
ALYPH Features Datuk Seri Veda in Latest Single SWIPE
To amplify the message of his new song, ALYPH ropes in someone whom he feels embodied unfiltered identity and self-love for decades: the Malaysian entrepreneur and millionaire celebrity, Datuk Seri Veda (DSV), whose escapades never fail to amass divisive reactions from the wider public as they are regularly covered in local tabloids.
According to ALYPH, “I needed people who are unapologetic about who they are and at the same time, had the scars and trophies to show for. She fits the character perfectly.” DSV’s spoken line indeed captures this spirit perfectly, as it goes: “As long as you have direction, who cares?”
SWIPE comes with an eye-catching music video directed by Malaysian creative director and cultural force Shahrin Bahar, who’s also responsible for the projects of ALYPH’s hip-hop peers. Used to being hands-on with all facets of his projects, ALYPH found that by working with a singular creative mind, like Shahrin, he needs to “let go” of some of the habits that he embraced by working alone. “I’m so used to wanting to handle everything by myself but this time, I had ideas that didn’t make it and more. That’s what I learned from working with an entire team—making sure everyone is on the same page, including DSV. That was also quite challenging, but ultimately rewarding,” ALYPH confessed.
Shahrin Bahar utilized ALYPH’s vision and persona and has these reflected in the music video through vibrant colors, bold punchlines, quick edits, and other surprises – all curated for the fan’s enjoyment. As per the creative director: “SWIPE is a platform for ALYPH to ultimately showcase himself as a prolific artist, showcasing the elements which are synonymous with his vision and persona.”
Enjoy the beats while watching the music video, which is available on YouTube now. Stream SWIPE on all digital platforms!
