Why Swerve Strickland Thinks the New Clipse Album is “Real Hip-Hop”

Why Swerve Strickland Thinks the New Clipse Album is “Real Hip-Hop”

photo: Complex / Vevo

Of all the wrestlers in AEW, you would be hard-pressed to find one who has their finger on the pulse of modern culture more than Swerve Strickland. The former AEW World Champion is a rapper, a podcaster, and a fashion icon. So, when he is asked about what he is currently listening to, fans are all ears. In a recent interview with Complex Sports, Swerve was asked what his favorite album of the moment is and he did not hesitate in his answer, naming the new album from the legendary rap group, Clipse.

A Phenomenal Album

When asked about the new Clipse album, Swerve called it "phenomenal." He talked about his favorite songs from the album, naming "Fico" as a personal favorite and a "sleeper record" that many people may not be up on yet. He also mentioned "Chains and Whips" and "Ace Trumpets" as standout tracks. In fact, he said that he listened to "Ace Trumpets" so many times before it was even on streaming services.

Real Hip-Hop

Swerve also talked about how he can get his "fix from both" the new Clipse album and the new JackBoys album. He said that the two albums are very different in their feel, energy, waves, and frequency but that he can appreciate them both for their unique sounds. He called the new Clipse album "real hip-hop" with "hard lyrics" that are "dope" and "intricate." He said that he can get his "fix from both" because he can appreciate both the lyricism of Clipse and the "high energy" and "vibe" of the JackBoys album. It's clear that Swerve Strickland has a deep appreciation for hip-hop and his ear for quality music is just one more reason why he is one of the coolest wrestlers in the world today.

This Sunday, Swerve Strickland has a huge opportunity to once again become a world champion in AEW. He will be facing off against Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Unified World Championship at the highly anticipated Forbidden Door pay-per-view event. The event will be held in London, England, and will feature stars from both AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Fans can watch Forbidden Door this Sunday, August 24th at 1 p.m. ET on pay-per-view, TrillerTV, and PPV.com.

11 Most Shocking + Violent Moments in AEW History

"I am unapologetic about my love of... whatever you want to call it... the deathmatch style, hardcore. I love that stuff," Jon Moxley famously told Chris Van Vliet. "I understand most people are gonna think that's crap and they're not gonna want to watch that. Although I make no apologies that I like that stuff, I would never foist it upon everybody else. It's not like I walked into AEW and was like 'Look, all my matches are going to be crazy.' I never imagined we'd be able to do stuff like that."

Since its official formation in 2019, AEW has become wrestling's premiere destination for extreme acts of violence. With an entire locker room influenced by Atsushi Onita's FMW and Paul Heyman's ECW, both the men and women of AEW have created gruesome and iconic moments that rival any era of pro wrestling.

Tables, ladders, chairs, garbage cans and even kendo sticks have become commonplace in hardcore matches. But a bat full of a nails? A hypodermic needle? A champagne bucket filled with broken glass? These instruments of pain remain sickening to the core.

Check out the most shocking and violent moments from AEW below.

Gallery Credit: AEW

5 Greatest Feuds in AEW History

"It was so unique and so personal," Swerve Strickland said about his blood feud with Hangman Adam Page. "It got so personal because it wasn't just two wrestlers, it's two human beings, and crossing the line of men. How far you're willing to go to push those buttons of someone that you truly hate? Why are you hating them? What are you going to do about it?"

"It's that hatred that actually brings out the best in the product of what AEW is, in my opinion. People get uncomfortable because we pushed the line so far." 

Throughout its short lifespan, AEW has created some of the most iconic and vicious feuds in pro wrestling history. A brand that isn't afraid to turn the violence up to sickening heights, AEW has allowed its rivalries to escalate to Tarantino levels, solidifying stars like MJF and Toni Storm in the process.

Some of these rivalries were simply to prove who exactly was the best in the world inside the ring, while others devolved into deeply personal wars based on hatred and the thirst for revenge. Regardless of intention, these are the five greatest feuds in AEW history.

Gallery Credit: AEW

Filed Under: Clipse, Swerve Strickland
Categories: AEW, Hip Hop & Wrestling, Music
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