Swingfly
Encyclopedia
Ricardo DaSilva II better known by his stage name Swingfly is an American
-born naturalised Swedish
rap
per and singer
. He is also known by other aliases like Swing-Fly, Richie Pasta and Swing. He started lending his vocal talents to other artists' records, but has also developed also a solo career. He also appeared in Melodifestivalen 2011 with "Me and My Drum
" finishing fifth. It became his most successful single reaching the No.2 position on the Swedish Singles Chart.
. He has also lived in Trinidad & Tobago and Panama
before relocating to Stockholm
, Sweden
in 1991. In Stockholm, he became involved in the emerging hip hop scene and joined the Time Bomb collective, together with producer Christian Falk
, rapper ADL, DJ Sleepy among others. Three singles were released and one of them was Swingfly's "Smoke em Swing", a jazzy number produced by Christian Falk. A series of albums was planned when the record label bailed out.
Under the name "Swing", he teamed up with Dr. Alban
in 1995 and recorded Euro-disco hit "Sweet Dreams
" featuring Dr. Alban (a cover of the classic Eurythmics
' song) which peaked at No.12 in Sweden. This took him into the pop charts in number of European countries including the Netherlands where the singles peaked at No.44.
In 1996 Swingfly appeared on several tracks of ADL’s "Absent Minded" project. Due to a small hit via a Hugo Boss
commercial, "Absent Minded" hit the road supporting Fugees European tour in 1996. Swingfly was featured on several tracks on all three albums with soul-jazz collective
Blacknuss All-Stars (later known as Blacknuss), as well as being a frequent contributor to their live shows around Europe and the UK.
He achieved his biggest success, through a collaboration with the electro/dub/punk trio Teddybears
on their 2004 single "Hey Boy". This song became one of the most played tracks on Swedish radio that summer. The song "Hey Boy
" has been listed for 21 weeks on the Sweden Singles Top 60 and peaked at #13. Swingfly has since then toured Sweden, Europe and the United States with Teddybears
and their spin-off project Teddybears STHLM Soundsystem.
. The label had been responsible for launching several Swedish-based artists international career such as Caesars, The Soundtrack of Our Lives
and I'm From Barcelona
. Through Dolores, he released a few singles and an album was planned for 2006 but was stalled. The singles he released had relative success in the Scandinavian charts. A reworked version of the album was planned to be released in 2008 featuring production from RamPac
, Klas Åhlund
of Teddybears
fame, Kleerup
, Rampac and Thomas Rusiak
with a rock and punk flavour and electronica influences. But again it was shelved after his arrest on drug charges. The album God bless the IRS finally came out on 29 April 2009.
with the song "Me and My Drum
" He placed second in the first semi-final, and advanced to the Final and where he came fifth overall.
Featured
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-born naturalised Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
rap
Rap
Rap may refer to:*Rapping, performance in which rhyming lyrics are used, with or without musical accompaniment ; while an MC performs spoken verses in time to a beat/ melody**Hip hop subculture**Hip hop music...
per and singer
Singing
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
. He is also known by other aliases like Swing-Fly, Richie Pasta and Swing. He started lending his vocal talents to other artists' records, but has also developed also a solo career. He also appeared in Melodifestivalen 2011 with "Me and My Drum
Me and My Drum
"Me and My Drum" is an English language song by American-Swede Swingfly with Christoffer Hiding and Beatrice Stars. The song is written by Teron Beal, Patrik Magnusson, Johan Ramström and Swingfly himself....
" finishing fifth. It became his most successful single reaching the No.2 position on the Swedish Singles Chart.
Early career
Ricardo DaSilva II was born in New YorkNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. He has also lived in Trinidad & Tobago and Panama
Panama
Panama , officially the Republic of Panama , is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the northwest, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The...
before relocating to Stockholm
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
in 1991. In Stockholm, he became involved in the emerging hip hop scene and joined the Time Bomb collective, together with producer Christian Falk
Christian Falk
Christian Falk is a Swedish record producer and musician.Falk released the hit single, "Make It Right", in 2000. In 2008, he released a new version of "Calling You" with Jevetta Steele's vocals...
, rapper ADL, DJ Sleepy among others. Three singles were released and one of them was Swingfly's "Smoke em Swing", a jazzy number produced by Christian Falk. A series of albums was planned when the record label bailed out.
Under the name "Swing", he teamed up with Dr. Alban
Dr. Alban
Alban Uzoma Nwapa , known by his stage name Dr. Alban, is a Nigerian, Sweden-based musician and producer with his own record label dr-records. His music can best be described as a Eurodance/hip-hop reggae with a dancehall style. He is most famous for his worldwide 1992 hit "It's My...
in 1995 and recorded Euro-disco hit "Sweet Dreams
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (song)
Marilyn Manson released a cover version of "Sweet Dreams " as the first single from the EP, Smells Like Children. This version became an MTV staple and helped to establish the band in the mainstream. It also appears on the band's greatest hits album, Lest We Forget: The Best Of...
" featuring Dr. Alban (a cover of the classic Eurythmics
Eurythmics
Eurythmics were a British pop rock duo, formed in 1980, currently disbanded, but known to reunite from time to time. Consisting of members Annie Lennox and David A...
' song) which peaked at No.12 in Sweden. This took him into the pop charts in number of European countries including the Netherlands where the singles peaked at No.44.
In 1996 Swingfly appeared on several tracks of ADL’s "Absent Minded" project. Due to a small hit via a Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss
Hugo Ferdinand Boss was the founder of clothing company Hugo Boss.-Early life:Boss was born in Metzingen, Germany. After completing his apprenticeship and one year of employment, he founded his own company in Metzingen in 1923.-Support of Nazism:Boss joined the Nazi Party in 1931, two years before...
commercial, "Absent Minded" hit the road supporting Fugees European tour in 1996. Swingfly was featured on several tracks on all three albums with soul-jazz collective
Blacknuss All-Stars (later known as Blacknuss), as well as being a frequent contributor to their live shows around Europe and the UK.
He achieved his biggest success, through a collaboration with the electro/dub/punk trio Teddybears
Teddybears
Teddybears is a Swedish band formed in 1991, known for mixing pop, rock, hip-hop, electronica, reggae, punk and many other genres.-History:...
on their 2004 single "Hey Boy". This song became one of the most played tracks on Swedish radio that summer. The song "Hey Boy
Hey Boy (Teddybears song)
"Hey Boy" is the second single and fourth track from hip hop group Teddybears's album Fresh. It was successful in Sweden, reaching the 20th spot and stayed for 21 weeks on the Sweden Single Top 60 chart. The music video received airplay on ZTV.-Charts:...
" has been listed for 21 weeks on the Sweden Singles Top 60 and peaked at #13. Swingfly has since then toured Sweden, Europe and the United States with Teddybears
Teddybears
Teddybears is a Swedish band formed in 1991, known for mixing pop, rock, hip-hop, electronica, reggae, punk and many other genres.-History:...
and their spin-off project Teddybears STHLM Soundsystem.
Solo career
This led to him landing a record deal with the largely rock oriented label Dolores RecordingsDolores Recordings
Dolores Recordings is a Swedish record label owned by Virgin Records, whose roster includes I'm from Barcelona, Swingfly , Caesars and some releases by The Soundtrack of Our Lives and Dungen....
. The label had been responsible for launching several Swedish-based artists international career such as Caesars, The Soundtrack of Our Lives
The Soundtrack of Our Lives
The Soundtrack of Our Lives, alternatively known as T.S.O.O.L. or Soundtrack, is a Swedish rock band that formed in 1995 after the dissolution of the punk band Union Carbide Productions....
and I'm From Barcelona
I'm from Barcelona
I'm from Barcelona is a pop group from Jönköping, Sweden, best known for its 29 band members and eclectic mix of instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, flutes, trumpets, banjos, accordions, kazoos, guitars, drums, and keyboards among others...
. Through Dolores, he released a few singles and an album was planned for 2006 but was stalled. The singles he released had relative success in the Scandinavian charts. A reworked version of the album was planned to be released in 2008 featuring production from RamPac
RamPac
RamPac is a Swedish music writing and producing team made up of Johan Ramström born on 17 December 1975) and Patrik Magnusson...
, Klas Åhlund
Klas Åhlund
Klas Frans Åhlund is a Swedish songwriter, record producer, and guitarist. He is the founding member of the Swedish rock band Teddybears...
of Teddybears
Teddybears
Teddybears is a Swedish band formed in 1991, known for mixing pop, rock, hip-hop, electronica, reggae, punk and many other genres.-History:...
fame, Kleerup
Kleerup
Andreas Kleerup, known professionally by his last name, is a Swedish record producer, drummer, and member of the Swedish group The Meat Boys, from Stockholm, Sweden. His first mainstream collaboration was as the producer of fellow Swedish artist Robyn's #1 UK single, "With Every Heartbeat", also...
, Rampac and Thomas Rusiak
Thomas Rusiak
Erik Thomas Rusiak is a Swedish rapper, hip hop producer, musician and singer. Rusiak's father was the rather prominent Polish jazz saxophonist, Alfred Banasiak....
with a rock and punk flavour and electronica influences. But again it was shelved after his arrest on drug charges. The album God bless the IRS finally came out on 29 April 2009.
Melodifestivalen 2011
He participated in Melodifestivalen 2011Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011
Melodifestivalen 2011 was a Swedish song contest held between February and March 2011. It selected Sweden's 51st song to represent Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest, and was the 50th edition of Melodifestivalen...
with the song "Me and My Drum
Me and My Drum
"Me and My Drum" is an English language song by American-Swede Swingfly with Christoffer Hiding and Beatrice Stars. The song is written by Teron Beal, Patrik Magnusson, Johan Ramström and Swingfly himself....
" He placed second in the first semi-final, and advanced to the Final and where he came fifth overall.
In popular culture
- Swingfly has contributed rap vocals on many artists songs. A few of them are Dr. AlbanDr. AlbanAlban Uzoma Nwapa , known by his stage name Dr. Alban, is a Nigerian, Sweden-based musician and producer with his own record label dr-records. His music can best be described as a Eurodance/hip-hop reggae with a dancehall style. He is most famous for his worldwide 1992 hit "It's My...
, Taro, Blacknuss, RobynRobynRobin Miriam Carlsson , better known by her stage name Robyn, is a Swedish recording artist, singer, and songwriter. Robyn became known in the late nineties for her worldwide dance-pop hit "Do You Know " from her debut album Robyn Is Here . She co-wrote the song "Du gör mig hel igen" for...
, Freddie Cruger, Absent Minded, LooptroopLooptroopLooptroop Rockers is a hip hop group from Västerås, Sweden. The members are rappers Promoe , Supreme , DJ/Producer Embee and CosM.I.C...
, KenKen (artist)-Career:Ken Kiprono Ring is a Swedish rap artist of Kenyan descent. He was born in Hässelby, a suburb west of Stockholm, Sweden. He got his breakthrough with the song "Mamma", which is about how his mother got sick and died of cancer when he was 13. He released his first studio album "Vägen...
, Lutricia McNealLutricia McNealLutricia McNeal is an American R&B/pop singer. She achieved worldwide success with her singles "Ain't That Just the Way" which sold two million copies worldwide, "Stranded" and "Someone Loves You Honey" .-Biography:McNeal is the seventh of nine children...
, The Compilation album Sidewalk Headliners and TeddybearsTeddybearsTeddybears is a Swedish band formed in 1991, known for mixing pop, rock, hip-hop, electronica, reggae, punk and many other genres.-History:...
. - The track "Singing That Melody", came out in summer 2008. One year before its European release, Korean artist Tony AnTony An- External links :* * * * *...
recorded a Korean language cover of the song. This has led to a confusion as to whose version is the original. "Singing That Melody" is written by Ramstrom/Magnusson/Swingfly/Beal - His songs has been featured in an episodes of Private Practice, One Tree HillOne Tree Hill (TV series)One Tree Hill is an American television drama created by Mark Schwahn, which premiered on September 23, 2003, on The WB Television Network. After its third season, The WB merged with UPN to form The CW Television Network, and, since September 27, 2006, the network has been the official broadcaster...
, broadcasts from NascarNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
, Fox SportsFox Sports (USA)Fox Sports is a division of the Fox Broadcasting Company . It was formed in 1994 with Fox's acquisition of broadcast rights to National Football League games...
, ESPNESPNEntertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, NFL, video game FIFA Street 2FIFA Street 2FIFA Street 2 is the sequel to the video game FIFA Street. A new "trick stick beat" system was introduced and new authentic tricks were also introduced. The game is available on the GameCube, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox... - His songs were also used in ads for T.G.I. Friday'sT.G.I. Friday'sT.G.I. Friday's is an American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining. The company is a unit of the Carlson Companies. Its name is taken from the expression TGIF...
, Captain MorganCaptain MorganCaptain Morgan is a brand of rum produced by alcohol conglomerate Diageo. It is named after the 17th-century, Welsh privateer of the Caribbean, Sir Henry Morgan...
and Cingular WirelessCingular WirelessAT&T Mobility LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T that provides wireless services to 100.7 million subscribers in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands...
and also in Tic Tac’s East European commercials.
Singles
All peak positions on the Swedish Singles Chart- 1997: "Street" (#46)
- 2006: "Something's Got Me Started" (#22)
- 2006: "Save the Trees"
- 2008: "Singing That Melody" (#12)
- 2008: "Winner"
- 2009: "Touch and Go" (#45)
- 2011: "Me and My DrumMe and My Drum"Me and My Drum" is an English language song by American-Swede Swingfly with Christoffer Hiding and Beatrice Stars. The song is written by Teron Beal, Patrik Magnusson, Johan Ramström and Swingfly himself....
" feat. Christoffer HidingChristoffer HidingChristoffer Hiding, born 25 December 1985 in Göteborg but raised in Alingsås is a Swedish singer who took part in Swedish Idol 2007 finishing 6th place...
(#2) - 2011: "Little Did I Know" feat. PaulinePauline KamusewuPauline Kamusewu, also known as just Pauline is a Swedish soul singer/song-writer of Zimbabwean and Italian descent. In 2003 she won the Rockbjörnen award for Best Swedish Newcomer...
and Christoffer HidingChristoffer HidingChristoffer Hiding, born 25 December 1985 in Göteborg but raised in Alingsås is a Swedish singer who took part in Swedish Idol 2007 finishing 6th place...
Featured
- 2004: "Hey BoyHey Boy (Teddybears song)"Hey Boy" is the second single and fourth track from hip hop group Teddybears's album Fresh. It was successful in Sweden, reaching the 20th spot and stayed for 21 weeks on the Sweden Single Top 60 chart. The music video received airplay on ZTV.-Charts:...
" - Teddybears STHLMTeddybearsTeddybears is a Swedish band formed in 1991, known for mixing pop, rock, hip-hop, electronica, reggae, punk and many other genres.-History:...
feat. Swingfly (#13)