Rae Sremmurd: The Hip Hop Duo from Tupelo, Mississippi
Rae Sremmurd, pronounced as /ˈreɪ ˈʃrɛmɜːrd/ (RAY SHREM-urd), is an American hip hop duo hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi. This dynamic duo consists of brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi. In 2013, they inked a record deal with Mike WiLL Made-It’s EarDrummers imprint. Their journey in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable.
Debut Album and Early Success
In January 2015, Rae Sremmurd made their mark on the music scene with their debut album, “SremmLife.” This release achieved platinum status, certified by the RIAA, showcasing their undeniable talent and potential. Their unique blend of hip hop quickly captured the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide.
Continued Success and Record Label
Building on their initial success, Rae Sremmurd released their second album, “SremmLife 2,” in August 2016. During the same year, they also ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing their record label, SremmLife Crew Records. Their hit single, “Black Beatles” featuring Gucci Mane, from the album “SremmLife 2,” soared to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and gained international recognition, securing a place in the top ten in various countries. The duo also released other platinum-certified singles, including “No Type,” “No Flex Zone,” and “Swang.”
Evolution and Triple Album
On May 4, 2018, Rae Sremmurd unveiled their third studio album, “SR3MM,” a groundbreaking triple album that showcased their versatility and artistic growth. This release continued to solidify their presence in the music industry and further endeared them to their fan base.
The Fourth Studio Album
Their musical journey continues, and on April 7, 2023, Rae Sremmurd released their fourth studio album, “Sremm 4 Life.” Fans eagerly awaited this latest installment from the talented brothers.
Early Life and Beginnings
Aaquil Iben Shamon “Slim Jxmmi” Brown and Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman “Swae Lee” Brown were born in Whittier, California. Their upbringing was marked by frequent relocations due to their mother Bernadette Walker’s association with the United States Army. Their family moved across states, including Mississippi, Maryland, and Texas.
Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee shared a passion for music from a young age. They began practicing, dancing, and writing music together, laying the foundation for their future success.
Career Origins and “Dem Outta St8 Boyz”
The Brown brothers’ musical journey took a significant turn when they met Jemiah Middlebrooks in Tupelo. Together, they founded a hip hop band named “Dem Outta St8 Boyz.” Aaquil adopted the stage name “CaliBoy,” Khalif became “Kid Krunk,” and Jemiah went by “Lil Pantz.” Their dedication led them to invest their part-time job earnings into equipment and music production. They even produced their beats and wrote their own lyrics.
Influenced by artists like Soulja Boy Tell’Em, they shared their music and dance videos on social media platforms. During this time, they crossed paths with Jermarcus Jackson, aka JJ (now known as Jay Sremm), a young disc jockey studying at Tupelo High School. JJ became the DJ of the group, solidifying their collaboration.
Challenges and Homelessness
Their commitment to music led to a turning point in their lives. Following their mother’s separation from her companion, the brothers began dedicating more time to their music, even at the expense of their education. Frustrated with their schedules, their mother eventually asked them to leave their home, leaving them homeless. They found refuge in an abandoned house in the city, where they seized the opportunity to organize parties to promote their music.
Rae Sremmurd’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is a testament to their talent, dedication, and resilience. Their music continues to resonate with fans worldwide, and their story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere.
