If you’ve had "Fisherrr" stuck in your head for the last six months, you aren't alone. It’s one of those tracks that just feels like summer in the city. But while everyone is busy vibing to the "sexy drill" wave, a lot of people are still scratching their heads and asking: where is Bay Swag from anyway?
The short answer? Queens.
The long answer is a bit more complicated and a lot more interesting. Bay Swag isn't just some random kid who blew up on TikTok overnight. He’s a product of Jamaica, Queens, a neighborhood with enough rap history to fill a library. Born Lloyd McKenzie Jr. on November 26, 1999, he’s lived a life that sounds like a movie script—complete with high-fashion warehouses, famous mentors, and a family history that’s both inspiring and heartbreaking.
Where is Bay Swag From: The Jamaica, Queens Connection
Honestly, you can't talk about Bay Swag without talking about Jamaica, Queens. This isn't just a "hometown" for him; it's his entire identity. He literally has "QGTM" tattooed across his neck. For those not in the loop, that stands for "Queens Get The Money."
He grew up on Murdock Avenue and 201st Street. It's the kind of place where you play tag and Manhunt on the block until the streetlights come on. But for Bay, the block was also a classroom. His uncle is Windsor “Slow” Lubin, the guy who started the massive streetwear brand SlowBucks.
Imagine being 12 years old and hanging out at your uncle's warehouse while rappers, athletes, and actors are just... there. That was his reality. He was seeing the "fly" lifestyle before he even had a learner's permit. He wasn't just watching the culture; he was inside of it.
Why the Queens Heritage Matters
New York rap has always been regional. You’ve got the Bronx drill scene which is often heavy and aggressive. Then you’ve got the smooth, melodic stuff coming out of Queens. Bay Swag is firmly in that second camp. He’s one of the pioneers of "sexy drill."
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Instead of rapping about the usual grim topics, he’s talking to the ladies. He’s making music that makes you want to dance, not look over your shoulder.
The Father Figure and the Fall
While his uncle gave him a glimpse of the business, his father, Lloyd “Bay Lloyd” McKenzie, gave him the musical DNA. His dad was a well-known party promoter who actually toured with legends like A Tribe Called Quest and Swizz Beatz.
Music was always playing in the house. Bay was five years old listening to Jay-Z in the car with his dad. He was 13 when he started really trying to rap.
But things took a dark turn.
In 2017, his father was sentenced to 85 years to life for second-degree murder and drug trafficking. He’s currently in prison, maintaining his innocence. That moment changed everything for Bay. He went from being a kid with a hobby to being the "man of the house."
His song "Saucin," which dropped in December 2017, was basically a tribute to his dad and a declaration that he was taking the music seriously. He wasn't just playing around anymore.
Breaking Down the "Sexy Drill" Sound
You’ve probably heard him and Cash Cobain referred to as the leaders of this new movement. It’s a weird term, right? "Sexy drill."
Basically, it takes the sliding 808s and fast percussion of traditional drill music but swaps out the violent lyrics for R&B melodies and "flirty" bars. Bay credits his influences like Trey Songz and Juelz Santana for that melodic edge.
- The Viral Peak: "Fisherrr" with Cash Cobain.
- The Remix: Getting Ice Spice on the track was a massive co-sign.
- The Evolution: His latest album, Damaged Thoughts, shows a darker side of the Queens native.
He’s worked with Lil Baby on "All Night Long" and has unreleased tracks with Young Thug. People are starting to realize he’s not a one-hit-wonder. He’s been "ahead of his time" (the name of his 2024 project) for a while now.
Is he actually from the Bay Area?
This is a common misconception because of his name. People see "Bay Swag" and assume he’s from Oakland or San Francisco.
Nope.
The "Bay" in his name comes from his father, Bay Lloyd. It’s a family name, a legacy thing. He’s New York through and through. If you listen to his accent or the way he reps his borough, there’s no mistaking it for the West Coast.
What’s Next for the Queens Native?
Bay Swag is currently independent, though he works closely with Standard Records in Manhattan. He’s not just focused on being a rapper; he’s trying to build a label and get into real estate.
He’s 26 now and has already seen more than most people do in a lifetime. From touring with Ice Spice and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie to dealing with the trauma of his father’s incarceration, he’s using those "damaged thoughts" to fuel his rise.
If you want to keep up with what he’s doing, the best move is to follow his Instagram (@bayswag) or check out his latest EP, Swiggity. He’s consistently dropping visuals that highlight his neighborhood, so you can see exactly where he’s coming from.
Keep an eye on his collaborations too. The way he and Cash Cobain feed off each other’s energy is reminiscent of the great New York duos of the past. Whether he’s at a deli in St. Albans or on a private jet with Diddy’s son King Combs (who he’s been friends with since 2015), Bay Swag is carrying Queens on his back.
To really understand the movement, go back and listen to "Saucin" then jump forward to "Fisherrr." You’ll hear the growth of a kid who had to grow up fast and decided to turn his pain into something the whole world could dance to.
Actionable Insights:
- Listen to "Saucin" (2017): This is the foundation. It explains his family situation and why he started rapping.
- Watch the "Worldwide Sniper" Video: Filmed at Big Lou Deli in Queens, it’s the best visual representation of his "where is Bay Swag from" roots.
- Check out Damaged Thoughts: If you only know the "sexy" side, this album provides the necessary depth to understand his mental state and his "QGTM" hustle.