Earl Swavey


Earl Hatton, also known as Earl Swavey, was an American rapper. A noted figure in the West Coast hip hop scene, he was first noticed and mentored by A$AP Yams, releasing a plethora of projects. He died in 2022, after being shot in possible gang activity.

Early life

Earl Hatton was born on December 8, 1995, in Compton, California. His father died when he was a two years old, so he was raised by a single mother. While still young, Swavey was inspired by his brother rapping; his cousin was also rapper Jay Rock.

Career

Swavey ventured into the rap scene by first releasing the mixtape Business Before Pleasure in 2013. One of its songs, "Beef", led to A$AP Yams getting in touch with him and mentoring him. In 2021, he dropped three albums, Unphuckwithable, Gangland 4, and The Dirtiest.

Influences and artistry

Swavey was influenced by the artists T.I., Rick Ross, and 50 Cent.

Death

Swavey died on January 9, 2022. An autopsy report later stated that he was driving a car with multiple passengers outside a party in Downtown Los Angeles when he was shot in the back but an unknown assailant and crashed into a parked motorhome. The head trauma Swavey sustained from the collision was a contributing factor in his death along with the gunshot wound. A detective for the Los Angeles Police Department stated that it was most likely that a passenger in Swavey's vehicle shot first before others fired back, in gang-related activities.

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

Singles